How do I configure Windows 10 to protect my privacy?

If you are now purchasing a new computer, then it is likely to be installed operating system Windows 10. It offers you a huge number of opportunities, you can install incredible applications, experiment with settings, but all this can divert your attention from one very important point , Whose name is confidentiality. With this, the new version of the operating system has serious problems - the matter is that it automatically collects absolutely all possible personal data that you leave in your computer. Accordingly, if you do not want to supply absolutely everything with your data, then you will need reliable protection.

Start from scratch

When you bought a computer by running it, you'll find that Windows 10 has already been preinstalled on it. This could be a positive thing if the developer did not decide for you that you need dozens of various useless applications that are preinstalled with the operating system. And many of these applications carry a potential threat. No, they will not infect your computer with viruses, but they can access your data and even your devices, such as a microphone or a webcam. Accordingly, you have two options - you either completely reinstall the system, or clean it manually. In any case, make sure that all the programs that are on your computer have been installed by you personally - and are also configured.

Disconnect from the Microsoft account

Many people might think that a permanent connection to a Microsoft account is a good feature, because with it you can always get the latest updates in automatic mode and take advantage of the new system. However, it is the permanent connection that is the channel through which Microsoft receives all personal data that you would not like to demonstrate to anyone. Therefore, if you disconnect the connection from Microsoft, even the fact that data was collected about you with the help of some applications will be useless, since it will not be possible to transfer this data.

Settings application

In Windows 10, there is now a convenient settings application, in which you can, in fact, set up everything that concerns your computer. Accordingly, it is there you need to go to protect your PC. What exactly can you do there? There you can set specific limits on how the system will gain access to some of your data and devices. First of all, you can turn off automatic detection of your location. Also, you can disable access to your microphone and your camera for each application - then you can only include them if you need it personally. If you use Microsoft services to store your contacts, as well as private messages and other data, such as calendars and lists, you can also set restrictions on access to this information for each application. Pay attention also to the fact that in the case of Windows 10, you have a virtual assistant who wants to learn about you as much as possible, then to help you as efficiently as possible. If you do not feel comfortable in such conditions, then you can disable this function, because it is not known how much of the data that you give to the assistant so that he "knows you better" will turn out to be in the wrong hands.

Protect your apps and data

Also, you should not forget about cybernetic protection from hacker attacks, dangerous viruses and other forms of trouble that can befall your computer. To do this, you need to install the latest antivirus, which constantly needs to be updated so that its databases are always up-to-date. You should also pay attention to special extensions for your browser that will allow you to be on the Internet as safely as possible - they block suspicious sites, do not give you personal information about you and do many other useful things for you. It is also recommended to use a VPN so that no one on the network can track your real IP address. This is extremely important, as many virus attacks become much more dangerous, and hacking your computer is much more likely if you have a permanent IP address, because it offers the detective all the necessary information to disrupt your privacy and access your personal files .

Physical access to the computer

However, you always need to remember that trouble does not always come from the virtual side of this world - your computer can be under the real impact of negative factors. The most banal option is the ordinary theft or loss of a laptop. Naturally, it's incredible that you have to spend money to buy a new computer, but more importantly, the loss of information that was stored on it. After all, you not only lose data - they also fall into the wrong hands, so you need to always keep your computer under a strong password, block the screen of tablets and smartphones and so on. Always keep your computer or any other gadget in a safe place that no one can access. Well, never forget to securely protect your Wi-Fi point, because through it you can also access your computer and cause you serious damage. Take all possible measures to protect your computer from any foreign influences.