Keeping your computer secure is vital to help protect your privacy, university data, and all computers and devices on the UW network. Follow the practices below to help keep your computer secure

How to protect your computer

 Use a firewall Windows has a firewall already built in and automatically turned on.

 Keep all software up to date Make sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update to keep Windows, Microsoft Office, and other Microsoft applications up to date. Turn on automatic updates for non-Microsoft software as well, especially browsers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other apps you regularly use.

 Use antivirus software and keep it current.

 Make sure your passwords are well-chosen and protected

To learn how, see Protect your passwords.

 Don’t open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in messages. They can appear in email, tweets, posts, online ads, messages, or attachments, and sometimes disguise themselves as known and trusted sources.

 Browse the web safely Avoid visiting sites that offer potentially illicit content. Many of these sites install malware on the fly or offer downloads that contain malware.  Stay away from pirated material

Avoid streaming or downloading movies, music, books, or applications that do not come from trusted sources. They may contain malware.

 Don't use USBs or other external devices unless you own them

 Protect your self from scam, When you read email, use social media, or browse the web, you should be wary of scams that try to steal your personal information (also known as identity theft), your money, or both.

Protecting your personal information online and  Your privacy on the internet depends on your ability to control both the amount of personal information that you provide and who has access to that information.