Computer Security Checklist: 10 Things to Check Right Now

1. Firewall enabled

Your firewall controls what network connections your computer allows. On Windows, the Windows Firewall should always be enabled. On Mac, it is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall. A computer diagnostic tool can verify this status instantly.

2. Antivirus active and up to date

Windows Defender (built into Windows 10 and 11) provides excellent baseline protection and is free. On Mac, macOS has built-in malware protection but a third-party tool like Malwarebytes adds an extra layer. Whatever you use, ensure it is active and definitions are up to date.

3. Operating system updates installed

The most common way malware gets into computers is through unpatched security vulnerabilities. Microsoft and Apple release security updates regularly. Keeping your operating system updated closes these gaps. Enable automatic updates if you have not already.

4. Open ports reviewed

Your computer has thousands of ports — virtual doors that applications can open to communicate over the network. Some of these are necessary; others are vulnerabilities. A network diagnostic tool shows you which ports are open and whether any unexpected ones are active.

5. Strong passwords and a password manager

Weak passwords are still one of the most common causes of account breaches. Use a password manager such as Bitwarden or the one built into your browser to generate and store strong unique passwords for every account. Never reuse passwords.

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