Windows 7 is the latest series of Microsoft Windows operating system. Some say it has better security than its predecessor. With its BitLocker, AppLocker and smarter User Account Control (UAC) it offers users better security. But it still has the same old hole: the autorun and autoplay feature, which offers users simplicity but could turn into a double-edged sword. Attackers use this hole to insert or run viruses and trojans, and steal your personal data.
So the quick tip to secure your Windows 7 is to disable autorun and autoplay. This will make it less simple to view movies or photos, but it makes you more secure. You choose!
To disable autorun and autoplay in Windows 7:
1. Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > AutoPlay
2. Uncheck “Use AutoPlay for all media and devices” option.
Disable autorun and autoplay from the policy editor:
1. Open Windows Run (Windows + R), and type gpedit.msc
2. Browse to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > AutoPlay Policies.
3. Check the Enable option for All Drives.
4. Apply the changes and close.
Now the Autorun/Autoplay feature is off. This is just one trick to secure your Windows 7. There are still lots of things to do. So be safe and don’t trust any application, flash drive, or disc that you want to run on your PC — always check it with your preferred antivirus.