Keeping your computer secure helps you avoid malware and direct hacking attempts designed to steal your personal information. Here are some ways you can help reduce your online risk when you use your computer at home.
Pick a good workspace
There's a lot of good advice out there about picking a space that's ergonomically comfortable, and where you can minimize distraction, but there are some security considerations as well.
- Pick a space that's private. If you're working at home this may be easier than if you're working at a coffee shop or library. Select a place where people can't "shoulder surf"; look over your shoulder at what's on your screen. Be aware of having your back to doors or windows where strangers could peer in. If you can't find a private place to work, consider getting a privacy filter. This is a shield, of sorts, that attaches to your screen and makes it difficult to read what's on your screen unless you're right in front of it.
- Be aware during conference calls or video meetings. If you're having conference calls or video meetings, be aware of whether other people might be able to eavesdrop, even inadvertently. Even if (sometimes especially if) you're wearing headphones, other people may still be able to hear your voice when you speak.
- Don't allow family members to use your work devices. If you have to walk away from your device to go to the kitchen or bathroom, lock your device to prevent others from seeing what you're working on. Press Windows logo key + L on a Windows device, or Control + Command + Q on a Mac, to quickly lock your screen. When you return, you'll have to do a quick sign-in, and everything should be right where you left it.
- Only use encrypted Wi-Fi for business. Wi-Fi encrypted with WPA-2 is more secure than Wi-Fi that is open for all to access. If you're working from home, make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secured – all home routers support encryption. Learn more.
- Use a VPN for company resources. If you need to access resources, such as servers, that live at your company's location, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to your office network. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your network traffic to flow through and makes it harder for others to intercept your traffic. If you aren't sure if your company offers a VPN, or how to connect to it, check with your IT support person.
Tips to protect your computer
Keep all software up to date
Make sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update to keep Windows, Microsoft Office, and other Microsoft applications up to date. Turn on automatic updates for non-Microsoft software as well, especially browsers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other apps you regularly use.Use antivirus software and keep it current
If you run Windows you have Windows Security already installed on your device.Tip
If you're a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscriber, you get Microsoft Defender included with your subscription at no extra charge. It helps protect all your devices - Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. For more information, see Getting started with Microsoft Defender.
Make sure your passwords are well-chosen and protected
To learn how, see Protect your passwords.Don't open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in messages.
They can appear in email, tweets, posts, online ads, messages, or attachments, and sometimes disguise themselves as known and trusted sources.Browse the web safely
Avoid visiting sites that offer potentially illicit content. Many of these sites install malware on the fly or offer downloads that contain malware. Use a modern browser like Microsoft Edge, which can help block malicious websites and prevent malicious code from running on your computer.Use a firewall
Windows has a firewall already built in and automatically turned on.Stay away from pirated material
Avoid streaming or downloading movies, music, books, or applications that do not come from trusted sources. They may contain malware.Don't use USBs or other external devices unless you own them
To avoid infection by malware and viruses, ensure that all external devices either belong to you or come from a reliable source.
Protect your personal information online
Your privacy on the internet depends on your ability to control both the amount of personal information that you provide and who has access to that information. Find out how to protect your privacy on the internet.
Protect yourself from scams
When you read email, use social media, or browse the web, you should be wary of scams that try to steal your personal information (also known as identity theft), your money, or both. Many of these scams are known as "phishing scams" because they "fish" for your information. Find out how to protect yourself from phishing scams and avoid tech support scams.
Prevent and remove malware
One important step toward greater workplace security is to protect your computer against malware.
Windows Security
Windows Security is built into Windows and provides real-time malware detection, prevention, and removal with cloud-delivered protection. It is intended for home, small business, and enterprise customers. For more info, see Help protect my computer with Windows Security.
Other ways to remove malware
To assist all Windows customers, including those who are not running Windows Security, Microsoft provides Microsoft Defender Offline.
Microsoft Defender Offline
Microsoft Defender Offline runs outside of Windows to remove rootkits and other threats that hide from the Windows operating system. This tool uses a small, separate operating environment, where evasive threats are unable to hide from antimalware scanners.
With Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft Defender Offline is built into the operating system and can run from Windows Security.