Cybersecurity threats are evolving faster than ever, and organizations—big or small—must stay ahead of the curve. While most security guides emphasize antivirus software and firewalls, several overlooked yet critical steps can significantly enhance your Windows PC’s security. Here are five essential practices that often don’t get the attention they deserve.
1. Use Strong Passwords (And Actually Change Them)
We all know strong passwords are important, but did you know that more than 80% of confirmed breaches are related to stolen, weak, or reused passwords? The average person manages over 250 passwords, and yet, many still use “123456” or their pet’s name.
A strong password should:
- Be at least 12 characters long
- Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Be unique for each account
To strengthen your organization’s security, it’s smart to require employees to change their passwords regularly. Also, encourage them to use password managers—these tools help employees keep track of strong, unique passwords securely.
2. Create a Local Account Instead of Using a Microsoft Account
Many Windows users sign in with a Microsoft account by default, but using a local account can make your computer more secure. Local accounts aren’t linked to online services, meaning your data isn’t synced across multiple devices. This offers a key security benefit—if one of your devices is compromised, your login information is less exposed, significantly reducing the risk of your credentials being stolen.
For businesses, having employees use local accounts for their everyday work and limiting administrative privileges can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. This practice helps safeguard your organization’s data from potential breaches.
3. Avoid Open Networks—They’re a Hacker’s Playground
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they’re also prime targets for cybercriminals. Attackers can intercept data, inject malware, or impersonate legitimate networks to steal credentials.
A staggering 24% of cyber incidents in 2024 involved infostealers—a type of malware designed to harvest credentials. Organizations should enforce VPN usage and educate employees on the dangers of connecting to unsecured networks. By using a VPN, employees can encrypt their data and protect it from potential threats while connected to open networks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive information remotely.
4. Disable Location Permissions—Your Data Is More Valuable Than You Think
Many apps request location access unnecessarily, and while this might seem harmless, location data can be exploited for tracking and profiling. Even if you turn off location services, some apps can still approximate your whereabouts using Wi-Fi and IP addresses.
For businesses handling sensitive data, disabling location permissions across company devices can prevent unwanted tracking and reduce exposure to potential cyber threats.
5. Avoid Opening Unknown Attachments—Even If They Look Legitimate
Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, with cybercriminals disguising malware as legitimate email attachments. More than 90% of Windows vulnerabilities arise due to local admin rights and phishing attacks.
To help prevent this, organizations should implement email filtering, train employees to recognize suspicious emails, and enforce policies that restrict opening attachments from unknown sources. By educating employees on the risks associated with opening unknown attachments, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to phishing attacks. Additionally, regularly updating security software and conducting simulated phishing exercises can further strengthen an organization’s defenses against cyber threats.
How Domino Technologies Can Help
At Domino Technologies, we specialize in managed network security and cybersecurity solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes. From password management policies to endpoint protection, we help organizations safeguard their Windows PCs against evolving threats.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats
Securing your Windows PC isn’t just about installing antivirus software—it’s about adopting proactive security measures that many overlook. By using strong passwords, creating local accounts, avoiding open networks, disabling location permissions, and steering clear of unknown attachments, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks.
Are you ready to take your organization’s cybersecurity to the next level? Contact us to learn more about our services and solutions.