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9 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
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Power-on password
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Fingerprint reader
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
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.
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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