Weak Policy Settings

• The automatic policy settings on Windows-based systems are not fully secured. Screen savers should be password-protected and should require the user to enter "Ctrl+Alt+Del" to open the log-in box.
  
  

Lack of a Firewall

• Most Windows-based systems come with a free Windows firewall that provides basic security, blocking wireless intruders and malware. However, this firewall is not always automatic and should be enabled by the user.
  
  

File and Share Permissions

• When a user shares a file or folder, it generally has what are known as share permissions. These include Read, Change and Full Control. It is essential when sharing files or folders over a network to set the permissions to Read only. If the permissions are set to Full Control, intruders who gain access to the file can read as well as change the file.
  
  

Missing Patches

• Intruders can gain full remote access if patches on software programs are missing. Software companies commonly design patches to eliminate bugs, add functionality and fix security problems. Patch management, which involves designing, testing and installing appropriate patches for software, is a continuous pursuit.