5 Common Windows 10 Security Issues and Solutions
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Since its release, Windows 10 has made many improvements in the PC world compared to its predecessors. It possesses some of the best features. Until January 2019, Windows 10 managed to surpass Windows 7 and 8 in the market space. It is now the most popularly used operating system in the world, and the number will continue to rise given the near death of Windows 7. The usage popularity is for good reasons. Windows 10 has top-notch security.
Here is a quick snoop of Windows 10 security features. For protection against threats from untrusted software, Windows 10 has the Windows Sandbox feature. Aside from that, it has Windows Defender ATP enhancements that update the automation of the device when it detects a new outbreak or a zero-day attack. It also ensures no one can tamper with your defender anti-virus.
However, like any other operating system, Windows 10 has some security flaws. Luckily, they are not problems that you can’t solve. So, if you have just upgraded to Windows10, here are 5 common Windows 10 security issues that you may run into and how you can fix them.
1. Ad Tracking
When you use the internet or Windows 10 apps, an Advertisement ID on Windows 10 collects data on you. This information is in return used by online businesses to generate your profile which they then use while targeting ads. It is annoying for some users and is seen as an invasion of privacy.
How to Keep from Being Ads Tracked
Take control of the type of data gathered about you by turning off the advertising ID. You will then be protected from targeted ads. You will only receive generic ads because Windows can’t track you down. Do this for every browser you use.
2. Location Tracking
The next security issue that worries some users is the Windows 10 location tracking feature that knows wherever you are at any time. It is an important feature especially if you are looking for directions to a particular place or need to know the weather forecast of your area, and more. However, it is a feature that is not welcomed with a smile by some users.
How to Prevent the Location Tracking
Fortunately, you can solve this by yourself if you don’t want to be tracked everywhere you go. Launch the Windows Settings App. Go to Privacy > Location > Change > move the slider from On to Off.
You will disable the location of every application in your PC. However, if you want this feature on in particular apps, disable tracking on an application to application basis. For more privacy, clear your location history on a regular basis. Windows 10 remains with the records even after you have disabled location tracking.
3. Timeline
With the Timeline update, you can continue from where you left off and view activities you began on any Windows device. Windows 10 usually collects details on your activities in all other devices you use. If you feel this threatens the security of your data, there is no need to panic. You can fix this easily.
How to Solve
Turn off Timeline by launching Settings App > Privacy > Activity history > uncheck. Windows will not track your activities anymore. Also, make sure you clear history on all the devices you use.
4. Cortana
Cortana is a useful personal assistant built into Windows 10. It takes data about you for the purpose of serving you well. Such information might include where you work and live, your routes, and the time it takes to move from one place to another. It is intrusive and quite uncomfortable for some users.
How to Stop Cortana to Collect Your Data
You can disable Cortana by launching Cortana Settings > Permissions and History > Manage “The information Cortana can access from this device” > Turn off location > Turn off “Contacts, emails, calendar, and communications history” > Turn off browsing history.
You can also clear any data Cortana may have recorded about you by clicking Clear.
5. App Permissions
Another feature that causes a significant security risk is that Windows 10 Apps can use your microphone, camera, images, videos, and location which is an invasion of privacy.
How to Customize Application Permissions
Go to the Settings, then control the kind of access you want each app to have. You do this by moving the slider on an app from On to Off.
Conclusion
Windows 10 is a powerful OS that has put the security of data a priority in all its upgrades. But it is not 100% perfect as you have seen from the above security concerns. Fortunately, you can easily solve these issues on your own.
Note: The article is contributed by Randolph Bunnell. Below is the author’s bio.
Author’s Bio:
Randolph Bunnell is an experienced copywriter and marketing specialist. He has a deep interest in informational technologies and aims at becoming an expert in this niche. Randolph also has a medical background and enthusiastic about healthcare technologies. He shares helpful tips regarding treating and preventing health problems at his blog “Skin Answer”.