Do you use Windows 10?
If so, you should know that, as reported by Mary-Ann Russon reports for IB Times, March 22, 2017:
Windows has been quietly logging every single keystroke users make on their keyboards from the beginning. Even better, that data is being constantly sent to Microsoft’s servers on a regular basis.
We’re not sure why on earth Microsoft would want users’ keystrokes, as this data is only really useful to cybercriminals seeking to crack passwords to steal sensitive data….
So what can you do about this truly awful security breach?
Here’s IBTimes‘ advice:
(1) IF YOU PLAN TO BUT HAVEN’T YET INSTALLED WINDOWS 10
- When you install Windows 10, select “custom install”.
- Read all the options on the installation window carefully, and make sure you always select ‘no’ for all options relating to sending data to Microsoft. It is also safe if you simply choose to just say ‘no’ to all options – it will not affect your usability on Windows 10.
(2) IF YOU ALREADY HAVE WINDOWS 10
- Go to “Start“.
- Scroll down the “Start” menu.
- Select “Settings” -> “Privacy” -> “Change Privacy Options“.
- Turn off the option that reads, “Send Microsoft info about how I write to help us improve typing and writing in the future“.
- To be safe, restart your computer after selecting this option.
- Make sure you periodically revisit Start, Settings, Privacy, and the “Send Microsoft info” option because Microsoft can turn on that option during its monthly Patch Tuesday through the automatic Windows Updates function.
IB Times has other suggestions on how to select which Windows Updates you want, and how to disable Windows Update completely, which is not advisable because you could risk missing critical patches from Microsoft. Click here.
~Eowyn