9Securing 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
IMPORTANT: Some security features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.
Computer risk | Security feature | |
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Unauthorized use of the computer | ● | |
| ● | Fingerprint reader |
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Computer viruses | Antivirus software | |
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Unauthorized access to data | Firewall software | |
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Unauthorized access to Setup Utility (BIOS) settings and | Administrator password | |
other system identification information |
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Ongoing or future threats to the computer | Software updates | |
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Unauthorized access to a Windows user account | User password | |
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Unauthorized removal of the computer | Security cable lock | |
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Locating your security software
HP Security Assistant (select models only) provides a starting location for quick access to a collection of security software applications that are organized by task. Instead of searching for each application through the Start menu and Control Panel, HP Security Assistant allows you to access the applications for the following security tasks:
●Setting up Internet and antivirus security.
●Backing up and recovering files.
●Managing passwords, user accounts, and parental controls.
●Maintaining your computer and installing the latest HP and Windows updates.
To open HP Security Assistant, select Start > All Programs > Security and Protection > HP Security Assistant.
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.
54 Chapter 9 Securing your computer and information