For Windows computers, Android phones and tablets, it is quite important to keep them secure, because they are the most used operating systems.
Another important factor is to keep all additionally installed software updated. With several free software, you can make Windows and Android systems safer.
Keep Windows, Android and all used apps up to date 
Almost all software vendors offer updates for their software.
Why you should keep the software up to date?
Updates include fixes for security leaks and provide new functions.
Updates are performed in different ways:
- Automatically Windows system and some web browsers perform updates automatically
- Manually The program informs when an update is available. But the user has to start the download and installation process. For example, LibreOffice and Sandboxie-Plus will inform the user when an update is available
- Use special software for keeping the installed programs updated. Some of the available software will perform the downloading and installation of many of your programs at once
The special software for updating the installed programs is free to use.
Services are provided on Windows systems.
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Benefit of a Windows account with restricted privileges for your daily work
A new computer with Windows installed, ships with a user account that has administrator privileges. Using this account gives you privileges to all software on the computer. This allows you to install, modify and delete any software on the computer. By accident you could delete some Windows system related files.
Also, this powerful level of access rights carries security risks. Harmful software can compromise an entire computer, because the malware will get also administrator access rights. The malicious software has then access to the Windows system related software and can make harmful changes.
The standard user account in Windows has limited access rights. You only have access to your own files and folders. Same will apply for harmful software.
Using a standard user account with fewer privileges for your daily work improves the security and privacy.
Services are provided on Windows computers.
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Utilize a well-known Antivirus program 
Antivirus software is intended to protect the computer from harmful software. Originally, antivirus software was developed to detect and remove computer viruses. However, with the further development of the Internet and the occurrence of new kinds of malware, antivirus software provides protection from other threats.
If there is already a harmful software on your computer, antivirus software should recognize, isolate and, if possible, eliminate it.
Therefore, it is recommended running the antivirus software now and then.
Many antivirus software vendors offer a free version which includes a basic protection. Very often, the antivirus software is free for private use only.
Test reports of antivirus software is presented on: av-test.org/en/
Services are available on Windows computers and Android devices.
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Protection against Ransomware 
This kind of malicious software blocks access to your computer or you cannot read your own files any more. To get back access to your locked computer or encrypted files, hackers demand the payment of a ransom money.
Note: When paying the ransom money there is no guarantee that the hacker will give back the access to your computer or own files. Nor is ensured that he will remove the ransomware from your computer.
But you can take preventative measures by using specific protection software.
Ransomware attacks are typically carried out using malware (e. g. Trojan), that pretends to be a legitimate file that the user downloads or opens when it arrives as an email attachment. However, one notable example, "WannaCry", has spread automatically between computers without user interaction. 
More about Ransomware is presented in the training section.
Some free programs either provide protection or removes certain ransomware.
Services are provided on Windows computers.
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A Firewall against unauthorized connection attempts 
A firewall is a security software that is intended to protect against unauthorized connection attempts from the Internet to your computer.
When having a fast Internet connection, it is like leaving the front door of your house open and unlocked.
With a personal firewall, the incoming and outgoing data traffic of your computer can be monitored, blocked and allowed.
The incoming and outgoing traffic is controlled using predetermined security rules. In some firewall programs you can add and modify the rules. For easier use, most firewalls have a list with trusted programs for which they allow the traffic automatically.
Some Firewall software is free for private use only.
Services are provided on Windows computers.
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Anti-spyware program for removing spyware 
Spyware is software that aims to collect information about a person without their knowledge. The spyware may send sensitive information to another computer without your knowledge.
This can cause a security risk to the user, but more often spyware reduces system performance by taking up processing power for installing additional software, or redirecting users' browser activities.
Spyware is primarily classified into four types: adware, system monitors, tracking cookies, and trojan horses.
Anti-spyware programs help to prevent and remove spyware infections on computers.
Some anti-spyware software is free for private use only. The free versions don’t include a real-time protection! They need to be executed manually.
Services are provided on Windows computers.
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What to consider when installing new apps in Android 
Considering a few things when installing new apps on your Android device may keep it safe.
Android apps may contain malicious software.
Considering the following:
- If the new app is not well-known, try to find more information, like reviews about the app on different websites, before installing
- During installation, check which access-rights to other information the app requests. In case of any suspicious permissions check the developer pages for an explanation
- For downloading use the official Android market (Google Play store) instead of third-party app stores or websites
- If it is not a new app, verify that the app has been already for some time in the Android market and if it has been updated at all
These steps may reduce the possibility of malware infections on your Android device.
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