Controlled Folder Access: Activate it in 1 click 🔒
🛡️ Phishing remains one of cybercriminals' favorite tactics because it allows them to steal confidential information easily. Most Windows viruses are designed for this purpose, as they open the door to multiple malicious actions.
For example, an attacker can access your social media accounts to impersonate you and commit fraud, steal money from your bank accounts, or even sell your personal data on the Dark Web to other hackers.
But that's not all: One of the most dangerous attacks is ransomware, a malware that locks and hijacks your important files, demanding a ransom to release them and prevent them from being misused.
Fortunately, Microsoft offers a quick and easy solution to protect your systemWith the push of a button, you can improve your cybersecurity, and here's how to do it step by step.
What is Controlled Folder Access? 🔒
He Controlled Access to Folders (Controlled Folder Access – CFA) is a little-known but powerful feature in Windows 10 and 11, designed to Protect your most important files and folders from ransomware and other malware.
Integrated into Microsoft Defender Antivirus, this tool restricts which applications can modify files in protected folders, allowing changes only to trusted, registered programs. This prevents malicious programs from taking control or damaging your sensitive information.
Why Controlled Folder Access is key against ransomware? 🚨
Browsing the internet involves constant risks, such as downloading infected files or experiencing attacks that exploit system vulnerabilities. Therefore, preparing against ransomware is essential to protecting your personal and work information.
Controlled Folder Access strengthens your defense by allowing modifications only to trusted applications. It also uses cloud intelligence to identify and block suspicious activities that affect your protected files.
Steps to enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows ⏱️
Activating this feature is simple and will take no more than 3 minutes:
- Go to Settings > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Search for the section Ransomware Protection > Manage Ransomware Protection.
- Check the box Control access to folders.
Once activated, your common folders like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop will be under maximum protection. ⚠️ You'll receive immediate notifications if any unauthorized program attempts to access or modify these files.
In addition, you can add additional folders to protect them against ransomware attacks from the option Protected Folders, giving you complete control over which programs can access them.
Extra Tips to Maximize Your Digital Security 🧰
- Allow only trusted applications in the section Allow an Application to Access to prevent unwanted modifications.
- Make regular backups to cloud services such as OneDrive, to restore files in case of a successful attack.
- Always keep your system and antivirus updated to reduce vulnerabilities.
Taking these precautions will help you protect your important data and safeguard your digital identity in an increasingly connected world.
