Microsoft® has ceased support for Windows® 7. This means that their regular provision of security updates (aka “patches”) has been discontinued for Windows 7 users. The operating system will continue to function, but if you’re hooked up to the internet there is increased risk of a malware infection.
Luckily, several of the features in iolo’s System Mechanic® Ultimate Defense™ can help stave off much of the danger. Here is a look at several of them.
Security Optimizer™
This feature looks for Windows security settings that could leave your PC vulnerable to attack. After Microsoft support ends, there will be no new Windows 7 security patches from Microsoft. Be sure to at least run this feature to shore up points of vulnerability such as the Windows Remote Registry service, which can allow other users over a network to modify your system registry.
System Shield®
A good dual-engine antivirus is your best defense against malware once security updates are no longer offered. System Shield is real-time protection that can help block many types of incoming malware to ensure your PC is as safe as possible without updates from Microsoft. System Shield will continue to receive regular updates, even though Windows 7 won’t.
Malware Killer™
It’s also a best practice to regularly scan your system for malware; Malware Killer is an on-demand malware finder and removal tool. It analyzes what it finds in the Scan Cloud™, where it can safely distinguish malicious software from benign.
Startup Optimizer™, Deceptive and Unwanted Programs Remover™, and Advanced Uninstaller™
Because the programs on your Windows 7 computer will no longer receive security updates for Windows 7, getting rid of the ones you don’t use is a good idea.
Some particularly vulnerable ones include Java™ and Adobe Flash Player. Startup Optimizer will tell you which programs are automatically launching at startup, a great place to start finding out what you don’t want or need.
Also remove junk you may have been unaware of, like toolbars that might have “piggybacked” their way onto your system during installation of a different program. Deceptive and Unwanted Programs Remover will scan your system for these items (called “PUPs”) whenever you perform a system scan, and assist you in removing them.
Privacy Guardian™ automated cookie cleaning and private search bar
Privacy Guardian can help you avoid leaving traces of yourself on the internet. By scheduling regular removal of web-browsing traces stored on your PC, you can easily and automatically thwart invasive collection of your private data, oftentimes the first step in opening you up to a cyberattack. Furthermore, Privacy Guardian’s private search bar does not store, share or sell what you search for, unlike many browsers that do not prioritize your personal security and anonymity.
For more information on System Mechanic Ultimate Defense, please visit the product page.
