One question Cybersecurity frequently hears from students is something along the lines of “I just bought a new Windows laptop. What do I do next?”
Here are five essential steps to secure your new Windows device:
1. Turn on the Firewall
Activate the built-in Windows Firewall to block unauthorized access.
2. Turn on Encryption
If you have Windows Pro or Enterprise, enable BitLocker for full-disk encryption. Keep your recovery key in a safe location.
3. Enable Screen Saver and Require a Password
Set your screen saver to start after 20 minutes or less and require a password on wake.
4. Backup Your Data
5. Install Antivirus Software
We recommend that students, faculty, and staff protect their personal computers by installing antivirus software. Microsoft Defender is available for free with Windows. If you would like to explore other options, this article compares vendor-supported antivirus solutions with free options you can review to protect your personal devices.
Additional Resources:
Windows security, safety, and privacy