System updates contain fixes/patches for security issues, improve performance, and sometimes add new features. Install new updates when prompted.

Use BitLocker for Windows, FileVault on MacOS, or LUKS on Linux, to enable full disk encryption. This prevents unauthorized access if your computer is lost or stolen.

Maintaining encrypted backups prevents loss due to ransomware, theft, or damage. Consider using [Cryptomator](https://awesome-privacy.xyz/security-tools/mobile-apps/cryptomator) for cloud files or [VeraCrypt](https://awesome-privacy.xyz/essentials/file-encryption/veracrypt) for USB drives.

USB devices can pose serious threats. Consider making a USB sanitizer with CIRCLean to safely check USB devices.

Lock your computer when away and set it to require a password on resume from screensaver or sleep to prevent unauthorized access.

Voice-controlled assistants can have privacy implications due to data sent back for processing. Disable or limit their listening capabilities.

Keep installed applications to a minimum to reduce exposure to vulnerabilities and regularly clear application caches.

Control which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and other sensitive information.

Limit the amount of usage information or feedback sent to the cloud to protect your privacy.

Use a strong password instead of biometrics or short PINs for unlocking your computer to enhance security.

Shut down your device when not in use, especially if your disk is encrypted, to keep data secure.

Use a local account only to prevent data syncing and exposure. Avoid using sync services that compromise privacy.

Disable network sharing features you are not using to close gateways to common threats.

Use an unprivileged user account for daily tasks and only elevate permissions for administrative changes to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Cover your webcam when not in use and consider blocking unauthorized audio recording to protect privacy.

Use a screen privacy filter in public spaces to prevent shoulder surfing and protect sensitive information.

Use a Kensington Lock to secure your laptop in public spaces and consider port locks to prevent unauthorized physical access.

Use a power bank or AC wall charger instead of your PC to avoid security risks associated with USB connections.

Modify or randomize your MAC address to protect against tracking across different WiFi networks.

Install a firewall app to monitor and block unwanted internet access by certain applications, protecting against remote access attacks and privacy breaches.

Use key stroke encryption tools to protect against software keyloggers recording your keystrokes.

Be vigilant for hardware keyloggers when using public or unfamiliar computers by checking keyboard connections.

Lock your PC when away and consider using USBGuard or similar tools to protect against keystroke injection attacks.

Rely on built-in security tools and avoid free anti-virus applications due to their potential for privacy invasion and data collection.

Regularly check for rootkits to detect and mitigate full system control threats using tools like [chkrootkit](https://awesome-privacy.xyz/operating-systems/linux-defenses/chkrootkit).

Enable a BIOS or UEFI password to add an additional security layer during boot-up, though be aware of its limitations.

Consider switching to Linux or a security-focused distro like QubeOS or [Tails](https://awesome-privacy.xyz/operating-systems/desktop-operating-systems/tails) for enhanced privacy and security.

Use virtual machines for risky activities or testing suspicious software to isolate potential threats from your primary system.

Isolate different programs and data sources from one another as much as possible to limit the extent of potential breaches.

Disable unnecessary Windows "features" and services that run in the background to reduce data collection and resource use.

Ensure that Secure Boot is enabled to prevent malware from replacing your boot loader and other critical software.

Take steps to protect SSH access from attacks by changing the default port, using SSH keys, and configuring firewalls.

Turn off services listening on external ports that are not needed to protect against remote exploits and improve security.

Restrict privileged access to limit the damage that can be done if a system is compromised.

Deploy canary tokens to detect unauthorized access to your files or emails faster and gather information about the intruder.