Computer Safety & Hacker Prevention
Learn how to harden your computer against hackers, keep your software updated, and manage your passwords securely.
The "Open Window" Concept
Think of your computer as a house. Every program you install and every setting you ignore is like a window or a door. If you leave them unlocked or open, intruders (hackers) can get in.
The Reality:
Hackers don't usually "break down the door." They look for open windows—old software with known security holes, weak passwords, or missing protection.
This course will teach you how to close those windows and lock the doors, making your computer a fortress.
What We Will Cover
Updates
Windows & App management.
Protection
Antivirus & Firewalls.
Passwords
Managers & 2FA.
Habits
Safe downloading & browsing.
Practical Tip
Take a moment to look at your taskbar. How many programs do you have running that you didn't intentionally open? Each one is a potential open window. We will learn how to check them in the coming lessons.
Windows Updates: The Foundation
The most important step in securing your computer is keeping the operating system (Windows) up to date. Microsoft regularly releases "patches" that fix security holes hackers use to get in.
Why It Matters
Security Patches
Fixes vulnerabilities found by researchers.
Performance
Keeps your computer running smoothly.
Practical Tip
Go to Start > Settings (Gear Icon) > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click "Check for updates." If you see "Pause updates," click "Resume updates." Ensure your "Active hours" are set so it doesn't restart while you are working.
Updating Your Software (Not Just Windows)
Windows updates are step one. But what about Chrome, Spotify, Zoom, or VLC? Outdated apps are a huge security risk. Hackers often use flaws in old versions of common software to infect computers.
The Challenge
Updating every program manually is annoying and easy to forget. Many programs run in the background and don't tell you they need updates.
The Solution: UniGetUI
UniGetUI (formerly WingetUI) is a free, open-source tool. It acts like a dashboard for your software. It checks for updates for almost all your installed programs and lets you update them all with one click.
Why use a tool like UniGetUI?
- Saves time (one click instead of ten).
- Updates software you forgot you had.
- Safe and reputable.
Practical Tip
Search online for "UniGetUI GitHub" to find the official download. Install it, open it, and go to the "Updates" tab. You will likely see several programs that need patching. Click "Update All" to secure them instantly.
Quiz 1
Test your knowledge. Choose the best answer.
Antivirus: Your Digital Guard
You need a guard standing at the gate of your computer. An antivirus scans files you download and programs you run to stop malware before it causes damage.
Microsoft Defender
Built-In & Free
Windows 10 and 11 come with Microsoft Defender. It is excellent, free, and doesn't slow down your computer.
How to Check
Search for "Windows Security" in your start menu. If you see a green checkmark, you are protected.
Warning
Do not install multiple antivirus programs. They will fight each other and slow down your PC. Defender is usually all you need.
Practical Tip
Open "Windows Security" and click "Virus & threat protection." Click "Quick scan." Do this once a week to ensure no hidden threats are lurking on your hard drive.
Password Managers: KeePass
Remembering 50 different strong passwords is impossible. Writing them on a sticky note is dangerous. A Password Manager solves this. It is a secure vault that holds all your passwords, locked by one master password.
Why KeePass?
While cloud-based managers are popular, some people prefer local control. KeePass is a free, open-source password manager.
Offline & Local
Your passwords are stored on YOUR computer, not in the cloud. You control the file.
Highly Secure
Uses military-grade encryption to lock your data.
How It Works
You create one very strong "Master Password." KeePass stores all your other passwords inside an encrypted database. You only need to remember the Master Password.
Practical Tip
Download "KeePassXC" (a modern version of KeePass) from its official website. Create a new database, set a strong Master Password, and add your first entry (e.g., your email). Save the database file somewhere you can find it, and consider backing it up to a USB drive.
Safe Downloading Habits
The easiest way to get a virus is to download software from the wrong place. "Download sites" often bundle free software with adware and spyware.
The Golden Rule
Always download from the official source.
Good
Downloading VLC from videolan.org.
Bad
Downloading VLC from free-software-downloads.com.
Watch Out For "Bundlers"
If an installer asks you to accept "Custom Offers" or install "Search Protect," decline. These are usually unwanted programs. Use tools like UniGetUI to avoid these installer traps entirely.
Practical Tip
Before downloading a file, look at the URL address bar. Is the domain name the name of the company? (e.g., `adobe.com` for Acrobat, `discord.com` for Discord). If it is a random site, do not download it.
Quiz 2
Test your knowledge. Choose the best answer.
Recognizing "Scareware"
You are browsing the web when suddenly a loud beep plays and a popup says: "YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED! CALL THIS NUMBER IMMEDIATELY!"
This is Scareware. It is a fake alert designed to panic you.
How to Spot It
- It looks like a Windows alert but appears inside your web browser.
- It uses aggressive language and flashing colors.
- It asks you to call a phone number (real tech support doesn't do this).
What To Do
Do not click anything. Do not call the number. Simply close the browser tab (or use Task Manager if it won't close). Your computer is likely fine.
Practical Tip
If a popup locks your screen, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find your browser (Chrome/Edge/Firefox), right-click it, and select "End Task." This force-closes the browser and kills the popup.
User Accounts: Do Not Run as Admin
When you set up your computer, you probably made yourself an "Administrator." This is convenient, but dangerous. If a hacker gets into your account, they have full control.
Standard User vs. Administrator
Administrator
Can change anything, install any software, and modify system files. Hackers love this.
Standard User
Can use the computer and run programs, but cannot make major system changes without a password.
Pro Tip
Create a separate "Admin" account just for fixing the PC. Change your main daily account to "Standard User." This stops malware from silently installing itself.
Practical Tip
Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Click "Add someone else to this PC." Create a local account named "Admin" and give it a strong password. Then, change your own account type to "Standard User."
Backups: Your Safety Net
Even with the best protection, things can go wrong. Ransomware can lock your files, or a hard drive can fail. A backup is the only way to truly protect your data.
The 3-2-1 Rule
Copies of your data.
Different types of storage (e.g., internal drive + external drive).
Copy stored offsite (e.g., cloud storage or a drive at a friend's house).
Windows Backup
Windows has built-in backup tools. Search for "Backup settings" to set up an external drive easily.
Practical Tip
Plug in an external hard drive. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. Select "Add a drive" and choose your external drive. Toggle on "Automatically back up my files."
Quiz 3
Test your knowledge. Choose the best answer.
Physical Security & Clean Up
Security isn't just digital. If someone steals your laptop, they have your data. If you leave your computer unlocked at a cafe, anyone can access it.
Final Checklist
Lock Your Screen
Press Win + L when you walk away.
Disk Encryption
If you have a laptop, enable BitLocker (Pro) or Device Encryption (Home) in settings. This makes the data unreadable if the laptop is stolen.
Clean Old Software
Uninstall programs you don't use anymore. Less software means fewer security holes.
Practical Tip
Check if your disk is encrypted: Search for "Device encryption" in Settings. If it says "On," you are safe. If not, and you have a laptop, turn it on. Then, practice pressing Win + L every time you stand up from your chair today.
Final Quiz
This quiz covers everything you have learned. Good luck!
Final Score
Detailed Question Review
| # | Question | Your Answer | Explanation |
|---|