WINDOWS UPDATE
There will be no
more new updates
for Win 7, so check
that you have all
available updates
installed already.NEW BROWSER
Consider Internet
Explorer insecure,
and move to an
alternative such as
Google Chrome,
Firefox or Opera.FIND ALTERNATIVES
Stop using Windows
7’s built-in apps,
which may now be
insecure, and look
for free alternatives
that are much safer.BACKUP SOFTWARE
Download a
dedicated tool to
automate and
simplify the whole
process of backing
up your files.UNSAFE SOFTWARE
Remove software
you no longer need.
Outdated programs
such as QuickTime
should definitely
be uninstalled.5
Remove outdated and insecure software
If you’re still using Windows 7, you could still be using other
old software, some of which may pose a security threat. Adobe
Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Java and QuickTime are all risky to
one degree or another. Pay a visit to the Programs and Features
section of the Control Panel to remove any of these programs if
you have them installed – your computer will be instantly safer!
6
Use a limited account
It is a very bad idea to use the Administrator account for
day-to-day tasks. Instead, make sure you are using a Limited
account. Visit the User Accounts Control, click ‘Manage another
account’ and then create a new Administrator account. Now click
the icon for your own account, click ‘Change the account type’ and
opt to become a Standard user.
7 Stop using Windows 7 apps
The apps and tools that are built into Windows 7 are also
no longer supported by Microsoft. As such, they should be
considered insecure and you should seek out alternatives. This
means you should stop using the likes of Windows Media Player
and Remote Desktop Connection, and look for substitutes. The
website http://www.alternativeto.net is a great place to find inspiration.
8
Minimise time online
Windows 7 is at its most vulnerable when connected to the
internet, so it is a good idea to keep its time online to a minimum.
Where possible, it is advisable to use another computer – perhaps
one belonging to a friend or family member – to download any
files you need, and then transfer them to your Win 7 machine
using a USB drive.36 |^ |^ March 2020