Is your Windows PC already protected?
Before you change anything, it's worth seeing where you already stand. A lot of Windows protection is on by default, so you may be in better shape than you think. This check takes about five minutes.
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Cyber Nova AI helps you prepare for Cyber Essentials. It doesn't award or certify it. Follow the steps here to get ready, then apply for certification through an accredited Cyber Essentials body when you're set.
1. Check Windows is up to date
Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. If it says you're up to date, good. If updates are waiting, install them: this is the single most useful thing you can do.
2. Open Windows Security
Click Start, type Windows Security, and open it. You'll see several areas: virus protection, firewall, account protection, and more. Each should show a green tick. If anything shows amber or red, note it: the on-screen message usually tells you the quick fix. A common one is real-time protection being switched off, so turn it back on unless you have another antivirus running.
3. Confirm the firewall is on
In Windows Security, open Firewall and network protection. Your active network should say the firewall is on. If it's off, turn it back on: it's there to block unwanted connections.
What your result means
Whatever you found, you now know where you stand. Head to your task checklist to keep going.
2 steps
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