Microsoft has been in the news lately and unfortunately, there’s been a lot of contradictory information circulating about Windows 10 privacy and information security. We’ve heard from many business professionals who aren’t sure which story to believe. That’s why we’re on a mission to set the record straight and help businesses in all industries understand how Windows 10 data collection and privacy works. We’ll also do our best to offer some strategies for optimising your Windows 10 data protection settings.
Does Windows 10 Have Privacy Issues?
Since Windows 10 was released to the market, there have been endless contradictory conversations about the nature of Windows 10 privacy. Industry experts and privacy critics alike have expressed concerns about Windows 10 data security. Microsoft, on the other hand, has come out to explain their privacy policy in detail and have tried to reassure customers that there is nothing abnormally risky about the Windows 10 approach to data collection and privacy. In fact, they claim Windows 10 can actually be a data security secret weapon.
This has left many business professionals scratching their heads, wondering who to believe. Above all, many business professionals are looking for resources to help them better understand how Windows 10 data collection works. What kind of data does Microsoft collect via Windows 10? Why are they collecting it? How can business professionals monitor Windows 10 privacy settings and keep their company data as secure as possible? Read on for the answers to all of these questions.
Here’s the kinds of data Microsoft can collect via Windows 10:
- Name and contact information
- Employee credentials
- Demographic data
- Interests and favourites
- Payment data
- Usage data
- Contact and relationships
- Location data
- Content
Upon first glance you might be concerned about the nature and extent of data that Microsoft is collecting. However, this is pretty standard in today’s day and age. Social media sites like Facebook collect this same kind of data. While it may not offer much reassurance, it’s customary for tech companies to mine for and collect this data. However, you still deserve to know why this data is being collected – what is your information being used for? Here’s the word from Microsoft.
Microsoft collects this data via Windows 10 for:
- Customer support
- Product activation
- Service improvement
- Security, safety, and dispute resolution
- Business operations
So, whether you buy Microsoft’s reasoning or not, this is the kind of data collected through Windows 10. But don’t panic. There’s a lot you can do to make sure your business data remains as secure and private as possible. The first step is getting to know all the ins and outs of Microsoft’s Window’s 10 Privacy Settings.
Everything You Need to Know About Windows 10 Privacy Settings
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of data the Microsoft collects and the cited reasons for this data collection, it’s time to dive into what Windows 10 Privacy Settings are, where you can find them, and how they work.
Windows 10 Privacy Settings
What they are
This may go without saying, but Windows 10 Privacy Settings are customisable and designed to help users play a more active role in their data protection and privacy. Users can access critical information like Microsoft’s Terms of Service & Privacy Policy and can also adjust a huge collection of individual settings to ensure certain company data is not shared with Microsoft or third parties.
Where to find them
- To access and read Microsoft’s Terms of Service & Privacy Policy in full, check out the following links: Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.
- In all versions of Windows 10, Privacy Settings can be found by selecting Start > Settings > Privacy.
How they work
Once you’re on the main page for Windows 10 Privacy Settings, you can adjust individual settings and set privacy controls for all aspects of your system including:
-
- General
- Location
- Camera
- Microphone
- Speech, inking and typing
- Account info
- Contacts
- Calendar
- Call history
- Messaging
- Radios
- Other devices
- Feedback & diagnostics
- Background apps
Tips & Tricks for Optimising Windows 10 Privacy Settings
Now that we’ve got the lay of the land when it comes to Windows 10 privacy settings, it’s time to go over some tips and tricks for optimising your settings and maintaining a secure and comprehensive approach to information security and data privacy. While there may be a lot to digest in this article so far, managing and locking down information security on Windows 10 is easier than you’d think.
They key is all about making a deliberate effort to prioritise data security. While it can seem tedious, putting in the effort is critical if you want to optimise your organisations data security and keep company information as private as possible. Our three biggest recommendations for optimising Windows 10 data security are to gather information, put in the time, and find a team of strategic experts to help you with the process from start to finish. Read on for a bit more info on each recommendation.
Do your research
Above all, information is power. We know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. Use this guide as a start and check other sources to gather as much information on Windows 10 data security as possible. Check statements and information released by Microsoft but also be sure to check with data security and privacy experts as well. The more information you collect, the more you’ll be able to make informed decisions that optimise information privacy.
Spend the time
Spend the time necessary to explore and understand all the different privacy terms, policies, and settings that accompany Windows 10. Take the time to develop a clear idea of what you’re agreeing to when you sign up with Microsoft. Get a handle on the different settings and how they impact all the different data that Microsoft collects. Work with your team to develop a strategy for mitigating data security and privacy concerns. By putting in the time and effort, you can rest assured that you’ve done everything in your power to keep company data private and secure.
Find a Microsoft support partner
Finally, if you find yourself overwhelmed by all the information gathering and settings exploration, don’t hesitate to reach out to a team of IT professionals to help you with the process. By working with a team of experienced IT security experts, you’ll be going a long way in terms of prioritising data security and making your privacy priorities a reality.
If your business or organisation is looking for a team of IT professionals to help you understand and optimise Windows 10 privacy settings, we welcome you to reach out to the team of security specialists at Steadfast Solutions. Our team of IT experts will work alongside you to make sure you understand everything there is to know about Windows 10 data security and won’t stop until your privacy settings are positioned just the way you want them.
When it comes to data security and information privacy, don’t just listen to what you read in the headlines. Partner with Steadfast Solutions. Take hold of your company’s data privacy and say goodbye to security concerns by reaching out to our team of dedicated professionals anytime at 1300 739 335.