Hello UWinPC users, so today we will learn how to do the Windows Security Best Practices Checklist for any Windows. This complete guide describes the key security controls that should be implemented on all Windows editions to enable multilevel security in accordance with leading industry standards and Microsoft recommendations. Be it Windows 11 or Windows 10. So by using some of these methods, you can increase Windows security and that too easily. Next, we will follow the easy methods.

Windows Security Best Practices Checklist on Windows

Use Strong User Account Passwords

First, Make sure all your passwords are at least 12 characters long, with upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use common or reused passwords. your password must be unique to each account and must be kept securely confidential without being shared or disclosed.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Add an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of authentication, like a text code sent to your phone, before logging into sensitive accounts.

Regularly Patch, Update, Upgrade Operating Systems/Software

As vendors frequently release software security updates and patches to fix vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, it is imperative that Windows users:

• Enable automatic Windows Updates to routinely receive critical operating system updates

• Install feature/version upgrades to leverage security enhancements

• Update installed desktop applications like browsers and document readers

• Update firmware for peripheral devices like routers and printers

Cyberthreat actors continually scan for and target publicly disclosed flaws and outdated versions of common software. Prompt installation of patches mitigates this exposure pathway.

Leverage Antivirus and Anti-Malware Tools

Deploy antivirus and anti-malware endpoint security tools like Windows Defender across devices to:

• Continuously monitor for threats and scan for malware and viruses

• Quarantine or remediate detected threats

• Provide real-time behavioral analysis of unknown programs

Keeping virus definitions and security software updated is key to identifying the hundreds of thousands of new threats released daily. Antivirus acts as the last line of defense to catch threats that may have penetrated perimeter controls.

Appropriately Configure Windows Firewall Settings

As a fundamental network security control, Windows Firewall capabilities should be leveraged to:

• Monitor inbound and outbound traffic per customizable rules

• Allow only essential connections categorized by port, application, IP

• Block malicious connections from command and control servers

• Prevent network discovery probing by possible attackers

With advanced settings, specific connections can be restricted by profiles to offer enhanced protection when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

Create Limited Access Standard User Accounts

To adhere to the principle of least privilege, standard user accounts with appropriate access should be provisioned rather than providing daily use privileges through the default Administrator account. By reserving the Administrator account for specific management purposes requiring elevated permissions, the attack surface is reduced by limiting what standard users can access or modify as well as containing breaches since compromised standard accounts still cannot make high-level changes without escalated rights.

Exercise Caution Opening External Files / Devices

As endpoints like USB drives, DVDs, SD cards, etc. can easily spread malware once connected, it is wise practice to:

• Disable auto-run functionality to prevent automatic malicious execution

• Configure removable media to mount read-only

• Leverage Windows Defender tools like Offline Scan to deep scan external media

• Approve slideshows/presentations in a protected view

Cybercriminals often use infected external storage passed around at conferences or left in parking lots to circumvent network defenses via user access.

Encrypt Local Hard Drives / Storage Media

Leveraging Windows Bitlocker functionality, encrypting local fixed and removable hard drives safeguards sensitive data against breaches resulting from device theft or loss. If devices storing confidential personal, healthcare, financial, proprietary, or classified data are lost or stolen, encryption renders the data itself inaccessible and unusable to unauthorized parties.

Deploy Windows Defender Exploit Protection

Enabled through Local Group Policy or Advanced Settings in Windows 10/11, Exploit Protection offers intrusion prevention capabilities to secure managed Windows devices against malware, unauthorized changes, suspicious activity, and known exploitation techniques that could penetrate defenses via browser, Office files, scripts, system processes, and more.

Properly Manage Authentication / Access Controls

On networked Windows Active Directory environments, properly configuring credential and access management controls prevents both external and internal threat actors from accessing protected resources by:

• Disabling expired user accounts / excess terminated employee access

• Locking dormant accounts not logged into after a period of inactivity

• Setting strong password complexity requirements

• Configuring Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to specify user rights like denying log-on remotely

• Logging failed login attempts and account lockouts for security event monitoring

If you are using Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can use the Windows Security Best Practices Checklist for any Windows, which has the potential to significantly increase the security of your PC. Just some time ago, a new insider build 26040 was released by Microsoft. If you have any queries then please leave your queries in the comment section.