Anyone that has tried to configure their computer or network security settings can find a plethora of “how-to” advice online.  Sometimes this is helpful, but many times it leads to missteps leaving your computer or network more susceptible to security risks than when you started.  On the other end of the spectrum, do-it-yourselfers often end up with security settings too restrictive.   

Finding the “sweet spot” can be elusive and frustrating.   This is because computer and network security require more than anti-virus software to be effective.  For example, several systems need to be synced and working together, such as Windows 10, the router, anti-virus software or a firewall, and subsystems like email, to name a few.  Rather than feeling overwhelmed by this, RB’s Computer Service can help.  Our team of certified technicians has the knowledge to help you troubleshoot, set up, upgrade, and update your computer and network security settings.  We start by identifying your vulnerabilities, then determine your preferred security settings to meet them.

Avoid Missteps Configuring your Security Settings

Some “errors” you encounter could be an isolated malware masquerading as an error, like a “Trojan Horse.”  A Trojan horse is “one of the most dangerous malware types.  It usually represents itself as something useful to trick you (Alison Grace, Norton®, What is a Trojan? Is it a virus or is it malware?, July 24, 2020, https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-what-is-a-trojan.html).”  It is likely waiting for you to take some type of action, like uninstall your anti-virus protection and reinstall it.  Like a genie out of the bottle, it could infect your entire computer or network.  If you are unsure what your situation is, contact RB’s Computer Service, we would be glad to help you diagnose and fix the issue.  

Too Restrictive Security Settings

While opening a file or downloading something from a trusted source, many people have seen this message: “Your Internet security settings prevented one or more files from being opened (Microsoft Blog®, Microsoft®, Your Internet security settings prevented one or more files from being opened error when opening files, March 23rd, 2020, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/browsers/cannot-open-certain-files).”  This may or may not be legitimate.  If you see this often from trusted data sources, your security settings could be too restrictive.  On the other hand, perhaps they are not, and the data source is corrupted.  This situation could also lead to a misstep with DIY troubleshooting as noted above.  For peace of mind, contact RB’s Computer Service.    

Not Restrictive Enough Security Settings

New computers are now sold with a version of Windows 10 installed, which has a built-in firewall.  But Windows 10 may not be enough of a firewall for your needs and could fail to launch properly out of the box, leaving you without protection from the get-go.   For example, as Mauro Huculak notes on the Windows Central blog, “it could happen that the feature may be unable to start, or error 80070424 or service-specific error 5 (0x5) may appear.  Also, sometimes, apps or features like Remote Assistant may not work, or you may lose access to shared files and printers because they're being blocked by the Windows Firewall (Mauro Huculak, Windows Central, How to troubleshoot and fix Windows 10's firewall problems, July 20, 2017, https://www.windowscentral.com/how-troubleshoot-and-fix-windows-10s-firewall-problems.”  To ensure your new computer security settings are working correctly and configured to meet your needs, contact RB’s Computer Service, or stop by our shop. 

If you need to troubleshoot, set up, upgrade, and update your computer and network security setting, RB’s Computer service can help you avoid unforced errors.  We start by identifying your vulnerabilities, then determine your preferred security settings to meet them.  In addition to security settings, we can help set up routers and firewall systems, and offer Managed IT Service Agreements.  For the best laptop computers, best desktop computers, business computers, computer parts, computer monitors, ransomware strategies, computer repair, iPhone, smartphone, and tablet repairs, contact us today at 763-441-3884 or via email at help@rbsmn.com.  We serve customers and clients throughout central Minnesota and St. Cloud.