Skip to content

Personal Computer Security Checklist

Intro:

Although Windows and OS X are easy to use and convenient, they are not entirely secure. Your OS provides the interface between hardware and your applications, so if compromised it can have detrimental effects.

Checklist

Essential Activities

  • Keep your System Up-to-date
    Priority: Essential
    System updates contain fixes and patches for security issues, improve performance, and sometimes add new features. Install new updates when prompted. Keep Windows Updated. Keep your Mac Up-To-Date.

  • Backup Important Data
    Priority: Essential
    Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of data, 2 different media, 1 offsite (e.g., encrypted cloud or external drive). This protects against ransomware, theft, or hardware failure. Windows Backup and Restore. Options to Backup Your Mac.

  • Activate Screen Lock when Idle
    Priority: Essential
    Lock your computer when away and set it to require a password on resume from screensaver or sleep to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Limit Microsoft Copilot or Apple's Siri Listening Capabilities
    Priority: Recommended
    Voice-controlled assistants can have privacy implications due to data sent back for processing. Disable or limit their listening capabilities.

  • Review your Installed Apps
    Priority: Recommended
    Keep installed applications to a minimum to reduce exposure to vulnerabilities and regularly clear application caches.

  • Manage Permissions
    Priority: Recommended
    Control which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and other sensitive information.

  • Power Off Computer Instead of Standby
    Priority: Recommended
    Shut down your device when not in use, especially if your disk is encrypted, to keep data secure.

  • Be Very Cautious about Installing AI Clients
    Priority: Recommended
    Exercise significant caution before installing an AI Agent on your computer. The results of an AI Agent running on your computer can be unpredictable and have unintended consequences. As a rule of thumb: Don’t rely on AI where you don’t already know the answers you want.

  • Lock Webcam and Microphone
    Priority: Recommended
    Cover your webcam when not in use and consider blocking unauthorized audio recording to protect privacy.

  • Physically Secure Device
    Priority: Recommended
    Use a Kensington Lock to secure your laptop in public spaces and consider port locks to prevent unauthorized physical access.

  • Be Careful when Plugging Unknown USB Devices into your Computer
    Priority: Recommended
    USB devices can pose serious threats. Don't plug an unknown device into your computer, and run a virus check before copying any data. Avoid Public USB Charging while Traveling -Univ. of Colorado. Guide to Safer Charging.

  • Use a Firewall
    Priority: Recommended
    Install a firewall app to monitor and block unwanted internet access by certain applications, protecting against remote access attacks, and privacy breaches. At a minimum, don't disable the default Windows firewall settings.

  • Use a Reputable Paid Anti-Virus Subscription
    Priority: Recommended
    Subscribe to a reputable and actively supported paid anti-virus and security solution. Make use of built-in security tools and avoid free anti-virus applications due to their potential for privacy invasion and data collection. Anti-Virus Software Comparison