Online security on Windows has become a critical issue for both home users and businesses. Attacks are more sophisticated, cybercriminals are relentless, and to top it all off, the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching, which will leave millions of computers far more vulnerable if action isn't taken in time.
In this article you will find a guide to security and privacy in Windows , how the end of Windows 10 updates affects you, which security features you should activate in Windows 11 and Windows 10, and what best practices and tools (software and hardware) you should use to protect your PC, your network and your personal data on a daily basis.
Current state of cybersecurity in Windows
The reality is that cyberattacks are increasing year after year , and Spain has become one of the countries most targeted by cybercriminals. According to the latest Cybersecurity Report from INCIBE, some 97.348 incidents were handled in Spain during 2024, of which more than 31.540 affected companies of all types, from large organizations to micro-enterprises and the self-employed.
Furthermore, over 183.851 vulnerable systems were identified in Spain , clearly demonstrating that there is still much work to be done in terms of prevention. Adding to this situation is a particularly worrying statistic: in the second quarter of 2025, companies in Spain suffered an average of 1.950 incidents per week , according to Check Point Research. Translated into daily terms, this translates to almost 2.000 attempted attacks per week per company.
These incidents cause service disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage that, in many cases, take months (or years) to repair. It's no longer just about annoying viruses, but also about ransomware that encrypts files, identity theft, account hijacking, or massive leaks of sensitive data.
In this context, the combination of good security practices, native Windows features, and external tools is key to minimizing risk, both at home and in the office.
End of Windows 10 support: why it's a serious problem
October 14, 2025, marked the date on which Windows 10 will stop receiving free security updates , software patches, and standard technical support from Microsoft. The system will continue to boot and function as usual, but it will gradually become an easy target.
When an operating system stops receiving updates, newly discovered vulnerabilities are no longer patched . Attackers, who are constantly researching weaknesses in systems, exploit these known flaws to launch massive campaigns. This is what's commonly called turning the system into a security "sieve": any hole remains open indefinitely.
Check Point Software experts emphasize that the transition from Windows 10 presents an organizational and financial challenge , but that with proper planning it can be managed smoothly. This involves assessing which computers can be upgraded to Windows 11, which need to be replaced, which corporate applications depend on Windows 10, and what additional security layers (or Extended Security Updates ) will be required during the transition.
Staying on Windows 10 without taking action is, in the medium term, accepting a high risk of cyberattacks . Particularly worrying is the exposure to ransomware, the theft of confidential data, or the exploitation of critical vulnerabilities that will no longer be patched.
Therefore, the general recommendation is to migrate to Windows 11 or another actively supported system whenever possible, and to accompany that transition with advanced security solutions, restricted access policies, regular backups, and good cybersecurity training for all users.
Native security features in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that you should activate
Beyond installing third-party antivirus software, Windows includes multiple layers of built-in protection ( ASR in Windows ) that many users either don't know about or leave disabled without realizing it. Activating and configuring them properly can make a big difference in preventing attacks.
In both systems, Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) centralizes many of these features, but it's worth reviewing some of the most important ones, both in Windows 10 and Windows 11, and how to really take advantage of them.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and reputation-based protection
Microsoft Defender's SmartScreen feature is designed to stop malicious apps and downloads before they run. It does this by comparing files, websites, and downloads against a constantly updated database maintained by Microsoft.
If an executable or web page has a bad reputation or is unknown to the system , SmartScreen displays clear warnings and, in many cases, blocks execution by default and can be complemented with application control solutions, for example, configuring AppLocker in corporate environments.
To check your settings in Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > App & browser control and then open the Reputation-based protection section. It's usually enabled by default, but if something has been changed or there's been unauthorized tampering, it might be disabled without your knowledge.
It is advisable to keep all filtering options at the strictest level that is feasible for your use, so that Windows can nip most attempts to run suspicious software downloaded from the internet in the bud.
Ransomware protection and folder access control
One of the most damaging threats today is ransomware, which encrypts your documents, photos, and files and demands a ransom for their recovery. To mitigate this risk, Windows Security includes a ransomware protection feature that limits which applications can modify the contents of certain folders.
This feature is based on folder access control : only applications that the system considers trustworthy can write to protected locations, such as Documents, Pictures, or other paths you choose to add. If an unauthorized program tries to encrypt these files, Windows blocks it and alerts you.
To activate it, go to Settings > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection and make sure Folder access control is enabled. You can customize which folders to protect and which applications to allow.
Combined with external incremental backups , this system offers a very effective barrier against many types of ransomware , reducing the chances of losing critical data even if the malware manages to execute.
Review app permissions: camera, microphone, location, and more
Another point that often goes unnoticed is the permissions granted to applications and services . Many programs request access to the camera, microphone, location, contact list, or storage without actually needing it, and this opens the door to privacy abuses and spying.
In Windows 10 and 11, you can centrally review these permissions from Settings > Privacy and security . There you'll find sections for Location, Camera, Microphone, and other sensitive resources, as well as the "Windows Permissions" and "App Permissions" sections.
The idea is that only trusted and strictly necessary apps should be able to use these resources. If an app you rarely use has access to your microphone or camera, consider revoking it. Minimizing these privileges limits what an attacker could do if they managed to compromise that app. It's also important to consider the security of AI agents and the permissions these tools can request.
Furthermore, many personal data breaches occur due to the unwitting sharing of excessive information , whether on social media, help forums where we post screenshots with visible data, or system logs that we expose without reviewing them. The less you expose, the harder it will be for anyone trying to attack you using social engineering.
Advanced security in Windows 11: UAC and kernel isolation
Windows 11 comes with a more aggressive approach to security by default, but it remains configurable . Two of the most relevant features for hardening the system without needing to install anything extra are User Account Control (UAC) and memory integrity within kernel isolation.
User Account Control (UAC) acts like a gatekeeper, monitoring attempts to make changes with administrator privileges . If the level is too low, you'll see few warnings, and any malicious installer can easily gain elevated permissions. If it's too high, you'll receive more notifications, but you'll have much finer control over what runs with administrator rights.
To change it, simply search for "User Account Control settings" in the taskbar and move the slider. The lower it is, the fewer restrictions there will be and the fewer warnings you'll see . At the top, Windows will alert you whenever an app tries to modify system settings or install software. If you prioritize security over convenience, setting the control to the highest level is recommended. For more practical tips, you can consult essential tricks for securing your PC.
On the other hand, memory integrity within kernel isolation uses virtualization techniques to separate critical system processes from other, less trusted components. This makes it more difficult for an attacker to inject malicious drivers or manipulate internal operating system structures.
To activate it, open Windows Security from the search bar, go to "Device Security," and then to the "Kernel Isolation" section. If you see that the Memory Integrity option is disabled, you can enable it with a simple toggle switch to add an extra layer of kernel-level defense , which is very useful on computers running software from various sources.
Microsoft Defender, TPM, BitLocker and recovery keys
In recent years, Microsoft has been strengthening its security ecosystem around Microsoft Defender and hardware protection technologies like TPM and BitLocker. Understanding what each component does helps you get the most out of them.
On the one hand, the Microsoft Defender app, integrated into Microsoft 365 Family and Personal, offers a centralized view of security for all your devices (Windows, iOS, Mac, and Android) and includes identity theft monitoring, real-time notifications, and security recommendations. It's a valuable addition for those who already pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription and want greater control over what happens on their devices and accounts.
Regarding hardware, one of the requirements for installing Windows 11 is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 . This chip acts as a trust anchor, storing cryptographic keys and enabling features like Secure Boot. You don't need to interact with it directly to notice its effects, but it's the foundation of many advanced Windows 11 security features.
Related to this is BitLocker, the drive encryption system integrated into Windows . BitLocker protects data stored on local drives so that if someone physically steals the hard drive or laptop, they cannot access the contents without the corresponding key. However, there is a critical point: the recovery key.
If for any reason (a hardware change, a firmware update, a BIOS modification, etc.) the system asks for your BitLocker recovery key and you don't have it saved, Microsoft cannot generate a new one or replace the lost key. Therefore, it is essential to create backups of this key, either in your Microsoft account, on an external drive, or even printed on paper and stored safely.
Making that backup only takes a few minutes and can prevent you from losing access to all your encrypted data due to a simple technical change in the equipment.
Essential best practices for users: daily digital hygiene
Security tools are great, but you, the user, are the first line of defense . Many infections and scams slip through because you click on the wrong link or trust a message that seems legitimate. This is where basic good habits come into play, habits you should always keep in mind.
The most important thing today is to activate multi-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA) on all sensitive accounts : email, online banking, corporate services, social media, etc. Even if your password is stolen, the second factor (SMS code, authenticator app, physical key, fingerprint, etc.) will act as an additional layer of security.
Secondly, we come to the classic but essential topic of passwords. Ideally, they should be long, unique, and difficult to guess (at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols), and they shouldn't be reused across different services. Since memorizing so many passwords is impossible, the sensible thing to do is use a reliable password manager.
It's also crucial to keep all your software up to date : operating system, browser, frequently used programs, drivers, and even firmware. Updates not only add features but also patch security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit as soon as they can. Enabling automatic updates in Windows Update and for your main applications saves you a lot of trouble.
Finally, adopt a healthy skepticism toward emails, messages, or calls that request personal information, create a sense of urgency, or offer deals that seem too good to be true. Social engineering and phishing are responsible for a huge number of incidents. Taking a moment to think and check the sender, the actual URL, or the context of the message is usually enough to detect the scam.
Home and business network security: Wi-Fi, firewall, and segmentation
Your computer doesn't exist in isolation: the network it connects to is another key element of security . A poorly configured Wi-Fi connection or a router with default passwords can negate all the other security measures you implement on your device.
To begin, make sure your router uses WPA3 encryption (or at least WPA2) and that both the network password and the router's password have been changed from the factory defaults. This makes it much harder for a savvy neighbor or a nearby attacker to break into your wireless network. Additionally, follow best practices for keeping your network infrastructure secure and up-to-date.
When possible, it's advisable to segment the network into several zones (for example, a guest network separate from the main network, or VLANs in enterprise environments). This way, if one device becomes infected, the scope of the attack is reduced and it is prevented from spreading freely to other, more critical systems.
The firewall also plays an active role in this regard. Windows includes a built-in firewall that is enabled by default , but in more complex networks, it can be supplemented with hardware firewalls or UTM solutions that filter incoming and outgoing traffic, block suspicious connections, and add features such as IDS/IPS or web filtering.
In companies, especially, technologies such as NIDS/NIPS, secure proxies, NAC or load balancers with anti-DDoS protection help control who enters the network, from which devices and under what conditions, and quickly detect anomalous patterns that indicate an ongoing attack.
Backups, encryption, and protection of sensitive data
A good security strategy always assumes that, sooner or later, something might go wrong . That's why backups and data encryption are so important: they don't prevent the incident, but they minimize its consequences.
The best practice is to follow the well-known 3-2-1 backup rule : at least 3 copies of your data, stored on 2 different types of media, and 1 of those copies located in another location (off-site), such as the cloud or a different physical location, and use file history or automatic services to facilitate restorations.
Regarding encryption, solutions like BitLocker, VeraCrypt, Cryptomator, or SED disks with hardware encryption allow you to protect both entire drives and specific folders and files. Although this slightly increases resource usage, it more than compensates by making it extremely difficult for someone to exploit the information, even if they gain access to the physical media.
In the business world, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) technologies add extra controls to prevent leaks of sensitive information, whether via email, cloud uploads, or external devices. And in all cases, clearly identifying which data is truly critical and where it is stored is essential for applying the appropriate level of protection.
Complementing all of this, a good password manager and identity and access management (IAM) systems such as Active Directory or Keycloak help to centralize permissions, quickly revoke access when someone leaves the organization, and enforce strong policies (mandatory password rotation, lockout for failed login attempts, etc.).
Training, online scams, and security learning resources
No matter how advanced the antivirus, firewall, or encryption is, the weakest link is usually still the person at the keyboard . That's why cybersecurity training is an essential investment, both for individuals and businesses.
Microsoft, for example, offers short, free videos on basic security concepts on YouTube, designed for users without technical expertise. These materials explain, without complicated jargon, how to recognize scams, protect accounts, browse responsibly, and understand the most common risks.
In addition, Microsoft's own support website has a security learning and help section that covers topics such as the correct use of Windows Security, how to protect online privacy, and how to detect and avoid typical tech support scams that impersonate Microsoft to steal money or install malware.
Calls and pop-ups claiming your computer has a serious problem and that you must urgently call a supposed "authorized technician" are a classic scam. In most cases, there's nothing wrong with your computer; these are frauds designed to allow the scammer to remotely take control of your PC, install malware, or charge for nonexistent "repairs."
Knowing these tactics, understanding how phishing attacks manifest, and internalizing that no legitimate company will ask for passwords or full access to your computer unexpectedly drastically reduces the chances of falling into the trap.
The combination of built-in Windows security features, additional software and hardware tools, best practices, ongoing training, and proper planning for the transition from Windows 10 allows you to build a much more robust environment against malware, ransomware, identity theft, and other online threats that continue to grow every day.
