A growing number of cyber thugs are setting their sights on Windows 10 users, taking advantage of either antiquated systems and/or unchecked vulnerabilities in order to pilfer data, plant malware, and hijack their targets. With Microsoft launching Windows 11, it appears that tens of millions of Windows 10 users are now in a hacker’s sweet spot—and hackers are not oblivious to this. If you are among those Windows 10 users, there is a critically important step that you personally must take in order to protect yourself. This involves making certain that your updates are enabled and are, in fact, running.

Why Hackers are Now Targeting Windows 10 Users

With Windows 10 being closer to end-of-life, many consumers are postponing their software updates. This provides hacktivists with an ideal target to exploit, as many of these are running outdated software with known vulnerabilities. With Windows 10 still being installed on hundreds of millions of devices, it has turned out to be a tempting target for hackers due to the high payoff.

Why System Updates are More Important than Ever

Updates provide vital patches that lock down security vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them. Without updates, your device will be vulnerable to various security threats, including ransomware, phishing exploits, keyloggers, and remote access. Disabling updates, as well as putting off updates for a long period, provides easy access for hackers. Updates are your best protection in a world where hackers are extremely aggressive.

“How to Enable Automatic Updates Properly” – An Update

To provide your computer with a high level of security, you should check that it’s set up to take updates automatically. To do this, click on “Settings” and then look for “Update and Security.” Now, look for “Windows Update” and check that it’s running. Click on “Advanced Options” and then check that your computer receives updates automatically.

Risks in Case of Complete Ignoring of Updates

Not updating your device means that it remains vulnerable to malicious attacks that are aimed specifically at Windows 10 users. This means that a hacker can exploit the vulnerability in millions of different devices, making your device a low-hanging fruit that can be easily hacked. This means that you can end up with stolen bank login information, stolen email accounts, corrupted files, and even a complete lockout of your device.

Other Protection Tips to Strengthen Your Security

Besides that, turn on Windows Defender, do not download unknown attachment files, and set a secure password together with Two-Factor Authentication. Unblocking unnecessary software, removing fishy programs, and updating your browser are other ways that help minimize attack vectors.

Keeping Safety on Track Begins with a Simple Check

With many advancements in technology, “Hackers are quickly escalating their abilities, but your defense effort does not have to be.” There’s only one setting you must maintain: “Make sure your Windows 10 computer stays updated. This will protect you from most attacks on your device before hackers attempt to breach it.”

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News Source: Pcmag.com