After 11 years since its launch and quickly becoming the most successful PC operating system platform in the history of computer technology, Windows 7 was officially discontinued on January 14, marking the The end of an era has been ingrained in the subconscious of millions of computer users worldwide.
It is also because of the great influence that many people decide to “live or die” with Windows 7. However, entering the phase of discontinuing support means that the operating system will no longer receive system updates in the future. hybrid, especially critical security patches. This makes systems running Windows 7 easy targets for hackers.
Here are the things you need to do to “live well” on Windows 7 after this operating system is dead.
Understand the risks of using Windows 7
While you may think there isn’t any risk, keep in mind that even supported Windows operating systems are subject to a Zero-day attack. With Windows 7, there won’t be any security patches available, should hackers decide to target this operating system.
Using Windows 7 safely means you have to be more diligent than usual. If you are a person who does not use anti-virus software and/or often visits suspicious websites, then the risk of being attacked by hackers is very high. Even if you are visiting reputable websites, malicious ads can still get you in trouble.
Attackers could exploit a patched vulnerability in Windows 10 on Windows 7. Remember, Windows 10 is still being updated continuously, making it more secure.
Continuing to use Windows 7 is more risky than opting for Windows 10. However, most users can reduce the risk by taking some precautions. With Windows 7 still holding close to 33% market share at the time of writing, many users are determined to stick with the operating system, no matter what.
Cài đặt một phần mềm diệt virus uy tín
This is required if you want to continue using a discontinued operating system. Stay away from free antivirus software because it will only eat up your space. Instead, use paid software for the best support. Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Quickheal, Microsoft (Security Essentials) and ESET… are names that you can refer to.
Kích hoạt tường lửa và chế độ Whitelist
Check the firewall status on your system by navigating to Start>Control Panel>System Security>Windows Firewall, and make sure it is enabled. Then use more Whitelist (white list). Whitelist allows users to tell the operating system which programs should be launched and which programs should be blocked, helping to ensure that no unwanted software is launched on the system without explicit permission. your.
To enable Whitelist, navigate to Start>Control Panel>System Security>Windows Firewall>Allow a program through Windows Firewall. You will now get a list of installed programs, and you can choose which ones are licensed on different networks (Public, Private or Both). Once done, click Okay to save the settings.
Remove unknown/unnecessary software
This is what everyone should normally do. Especially if you’re using an outdated operating system, you’ll need to be extra careful. Uninstall software that you do not use or that are of unknown origin.
Navigate to Start>Control Panel>Programs>Uninstall a program, then select the program you want to remove. When done, restart the computer.
This will ensure that there are no more vulnerable programs or software on your computer.
Use password management software and enable two-factor authentication
Since the operating system is no longer supported, it is essential that you use multiple complex passwords for different accounts, and password management software will help you remember them correctly.
Along with that, you should also enable two-factor authentication on as many devices and services as possible, especially for social media accounts and bank accounts.
Use a supported browser
Switch to using browsers that are still supported on Windows 7 to minimize the chances of attacks by malicious actors on the internet. Both the new Edge and Google Chrome will be supported for another 18 months on Windows 7.
Update to the latest version of Windows 7
No new security patches will be added, so make sure your PC is updated to the latest Windows 7 patch. This is especially important because many users have automatic updates turned off, meaning their PCs could be much more vulnerable. Also the last update is also of great significance. It helps to optimize the system and address known vulnerabilities before the operating system enters the discontinuation phase.
Actively update information about malicious code, malicious attack forms
You’re using a deprecated operating system, so educate yourself for vulnerabilities, phishing, malware, ransomware… to keep your device and data safe. .
Limit internet use
As we noted above, using the internet on an outdated operating system can leave you vulnerable. It’s best to limit internet access on Windows 7 devices as much as possible. Also, use a good VPN to ensure your traffic is encrypted. There are a few names that you can refer to: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Private Internet Access, and Hotspot Shield.
Create limited-use accounts
This is a commonly used protection method, but is very useful in preventing malware from entering the system. Create a limited account in Control Panel > Accounts. Set up commonly used applications for this temporary account, and only use the Administrator account for maintenance and other special uses.
This is very effective because limited accounts will not have access to important system files. Additionally, in the event that something goes wrong or you’re attacked by malware, you can immediately delete the temporary account and create another one to use.
Block ads
While many websites rely on ads for their profit, some are not careful with the ads they use. It’s much easier to use Windows 7 safely, if you don’t have to worry about ads that you might not notice, installing malware on your computer.
Even the most reputable websites can become dangerous. So, to be on the safe side, you should block ads while using an outdated operating system. A few ad blockers you might consider include:
- AdBlock – Can customize and even allow unwanted ads still support sites if you allow
- AdBlock Plus – Works similar to AdBlock but not related
- uBlock – Blocks ads and trackers, lets you customize filters
Use with caution
While you should do this on whatever operating system you’re using, using Windows 7 safely means being extra cautious than usual. Do not click on online advertisements. Never click on any pop-ups that say your computer is infected with a virus, unless it comes from the anti-virus tool you installed.
Avoid accessing dangerous websites, such as P2P download sites and adult sites. Also, never open an email unless you know for sure it’s safe. If the email looks good, click the sender’s name to verify the email address before clicking anything in it.
Just be cautious, using up-to-date software and choosing the right anti-virus software is enough to keep you safer when using Windows 7. However, it is still recommended to upgrade to Windows 10 if possible, If you want to know why you should upgrade to Windows 10 then read this article by Thewindowsfan.com.
The above are the things that we recommend you do if you want to continue using Windows 7. Wishing you the best experience always!
