Windows Security - Couple Of Questions


  1. Posts : 101
    Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
       #1

    Windows Security - Couple Of Questions


    Hello to all. I've just emigrated from the 7 forum. Didn't really want to change, but circumstances dictated. Anyway, I'm sure I'll be fine with 10 when I get my head around it. Got the classic shell so breaking myself in gently.

    Anyway, my friend replaced my HD with a new SSD and installed 10 for me. I know virtually zero about 10. I've had a look at the Windows Security that I've got and want to know if I should turn on App & Browser Control? It's currently off in the settings. Also, should I sign in with Microsoft for Account Protection? They say you get enhanced security and ther benefits if you do. Or is the not really any benefit and it's just an opportunity for them to harvest my email so they can bombard me with unmissable offers, etc?

    Thanks for any advice.

    Windows Security - Couple Of Questions-windows-security-2.jpg
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 30,120
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       #2

    Hi woodbine. Welcome to TenForums @woodbine

    Turning on App and Browser control can't hurt. Depending on where you travel on the web and what you download it may or may not be a good experience. If you travel in darker corners it could be a nuisance.


    As to account protection. If you use an MS account you are supposed to be able to reset password from anywhere. When you only have one local admin account if you forget then you need additional processes to reset. Use to be in Win 7 you could create a password disc. Now with your local account you answered security question.

    You can also read about it in the same link a few lines up. That one I dismissed on my daily PC.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 101
    Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Caledon Ken said:
    Hi woodbine. Welcome to TenForums @woodbine

    Turning on App and Browser control can't hurt. Depending on where you travel on the web and what you download it may or may not be a good experience. If you travel in darker corners it could be a nuisance.


    As to account protection. If you use an MS account you are supposed to be able to reset password from anywhere. When you only have one local admin account if you forget then you need additional processes to reset. Use to be in Win 7 you could create a password disc. Now with your local account you answered security question.

    You can also read about it in the same link a few lines up. That one I dismissed on my daily PC.
    Hi. Thanks for your reply, Caledon. Will leave the App and Browser control off for now, as I occasionally walk on the wild side on the web. What are the risks of leaving it off.

    Also, not sure about which password your refer to being able to reset. Is that the password to sign into Hotmail account? Or the security questions used when setting up the new 10?

    Talking of the security questions/passwords, that was one of my next questions. When my friend did the work on my pc , when it came to installing 10 he had to give answers to some security questions. The questions were; where were you born, where did your parents meet and first pet's name?

    He guessed at the answers, so the answers now in my system are only partially correct. Where can I find these questions, and can I correct them?
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 30,120
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       #4

    Leaving it off is just another layer of protection you are not using.

    Every layer acts like a filter to catch something, filter missing something may get by. Of course we would hope one of the other filters (AV's) catch it.

    I don't think Hotmail. I say I don't as I think you are using a "Local" account to sign into your Windows on your PC. You can use an MS account and your hotmail account could be that account.

    Go Start > Settings > Accounts. In the Your Info, right hand side it tells you if you are using local account.

    Windows Security - Couple Of Questions-image.png

    This local account is used to sign you into Windows. Say you forgot it. In the old days, Win7, you created a password reset disk. People didn't and it was messy. MS came up with logging in with an MS account but lots of people hate the idea. So they added security questions to the local account to validate you.

    Security questions are an out of date method of validation. If you answer them truthfully then they are open to abuse. If a hacker hacks an account and sees where you were born chances are everywhere you use that question the answer is the same. My oldest nephew is always the same name. I answer security like a crazy person. That said I use a password manager to note answers.


    To update security questions click "Sign-in Options", click Password, click Update your security questions

    Windows Security - Couple Of Questions-image.png



    Ken
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 101
    Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks again, Ken. Really appreciate your help.

    Yes, I'm on the system as a local account - and I also have a Hotmail email account (not linked in any way at present to Win 10). So, not sure if it's a good idea for me to sign in with Microsoft 'for enhanced security and other benefits' as the blurb says.

    Thanks for the tips on correcting my security questions - all updated now.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 30,120
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       #6

    Great.

    Have a good backup and recovery and use your AV.

    I logged in locally on most machines. A couple I use MS account for experience.
      My Computer


 

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