Staying Safe without Antivirus in Windows 10

Computers has with time become a friend of humans, replacing human2s best friend Dog. Well it isn’t all gloomy on computers, they also have an economy ful of dynamisms.

Protection is the next thing all computer users think of after aquiring them. Whether it is cold or hot, one component of protection we are particular at in this article is Antivirus Software. As Wikipedia puts it;

“Antivirus software was originally developed to detect and remove computer viruses, hence the name. However, with the proliferation of other kinds of malware, antivirus software started to provide protection from other computer threats.

In particular, modern antivirus software can protect from: malicious browser helper objects (BHOs), browser hijackers, ransomware, keyloggers, backdoors, rootkits, trojan horses, worms, malicious LSPs, dialers, fraudtools, adware and spyware.

Some products also include protection from other computer threats, such as infected and malicious URLs, spam, scam and phishing attacks, online identity (privacy), online banking attacks, social engineering techniques, advanced persistent threat (APT) and botnet DDoS attacks.”

This mostly could come in the form of a pre-installed trial version with our devices. Once it reaches its expiry, we tend to panic and seek a premium version rather than risk our computers getting infected and damaged.

Staying Safe without Antivirus in Windows 10-Green Status

In the Windows ecosystem which is the subject for this artice, rather than the days where the OS tend to come in my opinion with an incapable antivirus software making users to resort to third party developers to keep their devices in a healthy condition.

The narative is changin as Microsoft seem to be doing something with the Window 10 releases.

Here are some worthy note you may consider when using Windows Defender as your primary protection.

Windows Defender is the default and primary source of protection in Windows 10. Maximizing your use of it can be the difference between a well-protected computer and a vulnerable one.

From the first time you power up your Windows 10, Windows Defender is on and actively helping to protect your PC by scanning for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats.

This malware protection uses real-time protection to scan everything you download or run on your PC.

You can know when your PC is up to date when you have all the action points on your Defender window marked with green as shown below.

Windows Defender needs to be updated regularly to ensure your PC stays safe. You should always check for protection updates for your Windows Defender. Clicking the “Show hidden icons” icon on your taskbar and right-clicking on the Windows Defender icon (A shield) reveals the option to check for security updates.

Monitoring with Security and Maintenance window

The Security and Maintenance screen in Windows 10 is used to inform you of health and maintenance issues. As often as time permits, I check to see how well my computer is doing. With issues divided into security and maintenance, it can help you detect issues with both hardware and software.

In the System window click on “Security and Maintenance” at the low-left corner of the window.

This reveals the “Security and Maintenance” sections as shown below.
Expanding these two sections gives some details about the security settings currently operating on the computer. These settings can be changed by clicking “Change Security and Maintenance settings” on the left pane of the window.

  • Network Firewall –> On
  • Virus Protection –> On
  • Internet security setting –> OK
  • User Account Control –> On

Check “Uninstall Program” regularly

This is a precautionary measure to ensure nothing is slipping by. Browsing through the Internet, we sometimes download or install apps without being fully aware of it. Sometimes some of these may be malicious or may just generally reduce computer safety and health. Using the uninstall feature in Windows comes in handy.

It is important to periodically check the list of programs installed on your computer via the Control Panel, browse the Internet for programs you have installed and are not sure of, and uninstall them as the case may be.
This uninstall feature is located in the Control Panel and can be found by typing “control panel” in the search box on the taskbar.

Once the control panel window opens, navigate to “Uninstall a program.” This opens a window showing programs installed on your computer. And by right-clicking on any program and selecting “Uninstall,” the program is uninstalled.

Install and run applications that you trust

This goes without saying: “Install only what you trust.” Since a large chunk of what you do on your computer is going to be dependent on the Internet, you must install only software that you trust and have purposefully come into contact with.

The same goes for running an application, or an executable file. If you received an attachment file from an unknown source or downloaded a file from the Web, do not run it if you don’t trust it. This way you reduce the risk of inviting malicious software to your computer.

Remark

Routine checks and updates throughout the lifespan of your computer system are the ultimate protection you need. Till we meet again. Stay awesome ?.

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Gabby
Gabby

Inspiring readers to embrace the possibilities of the future while critically examining the impact of our present choices.