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Securing your computer and information, Using passwords, 8 securing your computer and information – HP ENVY 15t-k000 CTO Notebook PC User Manual

Page 76: 8securing your computer and information

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Securing your computer and information

Computer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your

information. Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications,

the non-Windows Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third-party software can help protect your computer

from a variety of risks, such as viruses, worms, and other types of malicious code.

IMPORTANT:

Some security features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.

Computer risk

Security feature

Unauthorized use of the computer

Power-on password

Computer viruses

Antivirus software

Unauthorized access to data

Firewall software

Unauthorized access to Setup Utility (BIOS) settings and

other system identification information

Administrator password

Ongoing or future threats to the computer

Software updates

Unauthorized access to a Windows user account

User password

Unauthorized removal of the computer

Security cable lock

Using passwords

A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information and to

protect online transactions. Several types of passwords can be set. For example, when you set up

your computer for the first time, you were asked to create a user password to secure your computer.

Additional passwords can be set in Windows or in the HP Setup Utility (BIOS) that is preinstalled on

your computer.
You may find it helpful to use the same password for a Setup Utility (BIOS) feature and for a Windows

security feature.
Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords:

To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a

secure place away from the computer. Do not store passwords in a file on the computer.

When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program.

Change your passwords at least every three months.

An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.

Before you send your computer for service, back up your files, delete confidential files, and then

remove all password settings.

For additional information about Windows passwords, such as screen-saver passwords, from the

Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.

64 Chapter 8 Securing your computer and information