Windows System Information: Security

This section provides a comprehensive overview of the security features and information available within the Windows operating system. Understanding and managing these aspects is crucial for maintaining a secure computing environment.

Security Center Overview

Access the central hub for Windows security features, including firewall status, antivirus, Windows Update, and account control settings.

Firewall Settings

Configure and monitor the Windows Firewall to control network access and protect against unauthorized connections.

User Account Control (UAC)

Understand how UAC protects your system by requiring permission before allowing applications to make changes that require administrator-level access.

Windows Update

Learn how to keep your system secure by ensuring Windows and its components are up-to-date with the latest security patches.

BitLocker Drive Encryption

Explore BitLocker to encrypt your hard drives and protect your data in case of loss or theft.

Key Security Components

Windows provides a layered approach to security. Here are some of the core components and concepts:

1. Windows Defender Antivirus

A built-in real-time protection solution that detects and removes viruses, malware, and other threats. Ensure it is enabled and updated regularly.

C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe -SignatureUpdate

2. Windows Firewall

Manages incoming and outgoing network traffic, allowing you to set rules for applications and ports. It's essential for blocking unauthorized access.

To check firewall status:

Get-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain, Private, Public | Select-Object Name, Enabled

3. User Account Control (UAC)

UAC helps prevent unauthorized changes to your system by prompting you for consent or administrator credentials before performing actions that could affect system security. You can adjust its sensitivity in the Control Panel.

4. Secure Boot

A security standard that ensures only trusted software is loaded during the boot process. It's part of the UEFI firmware and helps protect against rootkits.

5. Data Encryption

Windows offers features like BitLocker to encrypt entire drives, protecting your sensitive information if your device is lost or stolen. File-level encryption is also available.

Best Practices for System Security

Further Reading