3. Use security features of the operating system

The security features of the operating system and its components - often enabled by default - should be used if no alternatives are used.

Security features are for example:

  • personal firewalls
  • malware protection, including spyware und phishing protection
  • Working with restricted user rights (including the UAC / UAC - User Account Control in Windows)
  • restrictive privacy settings
  • use of apps only from safe sources for mobile devices (Apple App Store, Google Play Store etc.) and no rooting without special knowledge.

A deactivation or the deliberate undermining of these functions for the convenience endangers the security of the system and should be rejected.

Advanced security features (such as the BitLocker encryption in Windows 7) should only be used with an advanded knowledge.