Basic device settings and configurations for security.

For Windows:

1. Enable Windows Defender: Make sure Windows Defender is turned on for real-time protection.
   • How: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
2. Automatic Updates: Ensure Windows updates are set to install automatically.
   • How: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options.
3. Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your user account and enable a password for startup.
4. Enable Firewall: Ensure the Windows Firewall is active.
   • How: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection.
5. User Account Control (UAC): Keep UAC turned on to prevent unauthorized changes.
   • How: Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings.

Best Practices:

• Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources.
• Use a standard user account for daily activities instead of an administrator account.
• Regularly back up important data.

For Mac (macOS):

1. Enable FileVault: Turn on FileVault to encrypt your hard drive.
   • How: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault.
2. Automatic Updates: Ensure macOS updates are set to install automatically.
   • How: Go to System Preferences > Software Update > Automatically keep my Mac up to date.
3. Firewall: Ensure the macOS firewall is enabled.
   • How: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
4. Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your user account and enable a password for startup.
5. Gatekeeper: Keep Gatekeeper settings to allow apps from the App Store and identified developers.
   • How: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General.

Best Practices:

• Download software only from the Mac App Store or trusted developers.
• Use Safari’s built-in security features to protect against phishing and malicious websites.
• Regularly back up important data with Time Machine or another backup solution.

For Android:

1. Screen Lock: Use a strong screen lock, such as a PIN, password, or fingerprint.
   • How: Go to Settings > Security > Screen Lock.
2. Google Play Protect: Ensure Google Play Protect is enabled to scan for harmful apps.
   • How: Go to Settings > Security > Google Play Protect.
3. Automatic Updates: Keep your device and apps updated automatically.
   • How: Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.
4. App Permissions: Regularly review and manage app permissions.
   • How: Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > App Permissions.
5. Encryption: Ensure device encryption is turned on.
   • How: Go to Settings > Security > Encryption & Credentials.

Best Practices:

• Download apps only from the Google Play Store.
• Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi.
• Regularly back up your data to Google Drive or another cloud service.

For Chrome OS:

1. Automatic Updates: Chrome OS updates automatically, so ensure your device is always updated.
   • How: Go to Settings > About Chrome OS > Check for updates.
2. Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your Google account.
3. Enable Verified Boot: This ensures your Chrome OS is running a trusted version.
   • How: Verified Boot is enabled by default on Chrome OS devices.
4. Screen Lock: Use a strong screen lock, such as a PIN or password.
   • How: Go to Settings > People > Screen Lock.
5. Manage Extensions: Regularly review and manage extensions for security.
   • How: Go to Chrome > Menu > More Tools > Extensions.

Best Practices:

• Download apps and extensions only from the Chrome Web Store.
• Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi.
• Regularly back up your data using Google Drive or another cloud service.

Implementing these security settings and practices will help protect your devices and personal information from various cyber threats.