How To Secure Windows Network

When you are learning the ins and outs of a Windows network you will find that there is a lot to learn.  There are many things to learn about how to keep your folders secure when sharing, how to have a secure password, how to use WiFi correctly to be sure your VPN connections are secure and many more other items.  By reading below you will find out the best methods to keep your computer and your files safe.

Share Folders With A Password

There are many things that you need to remember when trying to keep your computer and the files within the computer safe.  One of the most important things is to never turn off the password protected sharing option.  What this means is that anyone on the same network, as you will have access to your files as long as he or she has the home group username and password.  This will keep all unwanted guests who have no business seeing your files out of your shared data.  Your information will remain safe this way.  Another tip when sharing something on a network is to use the “Sharing Wizard” or any of the other tools that you may know about involving Windows networking.  And the one thing you will be sure that you do not do is to share with everyone.  This is an option that could allow for you to share your documents with anyone who has access to your network.

Password Protected When Not Asleep

One thing that is highly recommended for any laptop or tablet that is working on Windows is to require a password be entered when woke up from the sleep mode.  This will protect your device if it gets stolen or even if someone else has used it that should not have been using it to begin with.  With a password to protect the computer or tablet the person trying to use it will not be able to access the data stored on the device without a password. This is easy to do and can be done from the control panel under the settings option.  Follow the steps to add a password and then your device will be completely protected.

secure windows network

When Connected To WiFi Use VPN

What many people do not understand is that when you are connected to a public WiFi that anyone can access your data that you are sending back and forth through the Internet can be easily hacked into by other people.  The good news is that there is a way to protect your information.  To do this you should use a VPN service and connect to it.  A VPN service will keep your data that you have on the Internet safe by encrypting it when your information hits the Internet tunnel.  You will find that a VPN service will probably come with their own VPN client for connecting to.  However you might find a service that will allow for you to have a VPN connection that is directly setup through Windows.  These connection settings can be found within the Windows operating system and the control panel.  You will need to click on the “network and sharing center” to find the option of setting up a new connection or network.  Once you find this step then you will be good to add the connection.  There are many providers who offer VPN services.  You should do plenty of research to find the one that is best for you.

One of the most important things you can do is to protect your data on your laptop, desktop and even your tablet.  By following the simple steps above you will be on the road to being secure.