Strengthen your PC’s security Third-party protection
When it comes to protecting your Windows 10 PC, both antivirus and firewall protection are built into the operating system, and while it’s strictly no-frills, Windows Security is capable of keep most malware off your system. We tested it with a range of live malware samples, and it detected them all, throwing up a warning dialog offering to remove or quarantine the malware in question.
Windows itself is also packed with malware-thwarting technology too. User Access Control (UAC) is the confirmation dialog you see whenever you open a file or program that wants administrative access to your system. Windows 10 also introduced the SmartScreen filter, which automatically pops up a warning about program files that aren’t digitally signed. Many are legitimate, but it provides you with an extra step of protection. The filter will go even further if it detects known malware, with the dialogue box turning red instead of blue and the warning made crystal clear.
Most malware originates from the internet, which is why your web browser has a role to play too. All modern browsers – including Microsoft Edge – will screen any file after it’s been downloaded for potential malware, alerting you if it’s known malware. Some browsers, such as Firefox, will even flag a file that’s not been downloaded or opened by many people – this should ring alarm bells if you’re downloading well-known software from a less reputable website. It suggests the file may have been tampered with, so cancel the download and source it from a safe location, such as the program’s own web pages or a trusted mirror.
Browsers also attempt to keep you away from dangerous websites like those involved in phishing scams too – a highly visible warning screen will appear. You can bypass this, but don’t say you haven’t been warned if you decide to ignore its assessment.
If you’re looking to add extra layers of protection to your PC, there are numerous free and paid-for third-party packages out there. If you’re in the market for third-party protection or want to review your current package as its subscription comes up for renewal, visit www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/