Security checklist for Windows 8

Use this checklist to make sure you're taking advantage of all the ways that Windows 8 can help keep your computer as secure and safe as possible.

Action Center: Check Action Center to make sure your firewall is on, your antimalware protection is up to date, and your PC is set to install updates automatically.

Windows Defender: Use Windows Defender to help prevent viruses, spyware and other malicious or unwanted software from being installed on your PC without your knowledge.

Windows SmartScreen: Use Windows SmartScreen to help protect your PC by warning you before running unrecognised apps and files downloaded from the Internet.

User Account Control: Make User Account Control (UAC) ask for permission before your PC installs software or opens certain kinds of applications that could be potentially harmful or make it vulnerable to security threats.

File History: Use File History to regularly back up your personal files - like photos, documents and music - automatically. If your PC has a hardware failure, you can restore any versions of the files that are most important to you.

Windows Update: Windows Update can automatically download and install the latest updates for your PC.

Windows Firewall: Windows Firewall can help prevent hackers and malicious software, such as viruses, from accessing your PC through the Internet.

Reference
Microsoft - Security checklist for Windows