Scan the host for viruses or malware

Use both anti-virus and anti-malware software and file integrity checking software to regularly scan the host.

Windows includes Windows Defender by default, but you may choose to install and use additional software that scans for more types of malware or performs other functions. If you do that, make sure the software is provided by a reputable company. And, as with the operating system, if the host does not or will not have reliable access to the software's update service, develop a procedure to manually apply updates. If you develop a manual update procedure, it should account for all devices on a network or at a site, because a single outdated device can leave the entire network or site vulnerable.

Related topics

• Secure communication between client and server

• Protect the applications and content of the host

• Windows Updates