If you installed Windows 10 or 11, purchased Microsoft Office, or set up an Outlook e-mail address, you probably have a Microsoft account. This center integrates everything you do with Microsoft software, from Microsoft Edge to OneDrive.

Due to the ever-increasing amount of digital data on this account, you obviously want to keep it safe. But you don't have to be a security expert to enforce effective protection against hackers and fraudsters.

There is something to do here. Use a strong password and 2-step verification

Take the time to choose a secure password for your Microsoft account. The higher it is and the more letter, letter and number combinations available, the harder it is to crack. It should not be something that is commonly used, such as a "password," and it should not be based on what people can easily find out about you, such as your birthday.

Also, make sure that your Microsoft account password is unique - don't borrow from another account. Otherwise, once someone breaks the code of the most vulnerable of these accounts (whether Microsoft or another), they will all be exposed. It also has car keys, security, home and office.

To further increase the security of your Microsoft account, enable 2-step verification. This process means that something other than your password is required to log in. This code can be sent via text message or email or generated from an application on your phone. Even if someone knows your password, they will not be able to access your account without the additional code. To enable 2-step verification, go online to your Microsoft account page, log in, click Security, and then click Advanced Security Options. Find the More Security header, and in the Two-Step Authentication section, click Enable. This will guide you through the process of setting up the code as you wish.

Track device and account activity

When you log in to your Microsoft account on the web, you'll see a list of recent purchases associated with your account and a list of all the devices on which your account is active. It is best practice to check and check these lists regularly for any activity you do not know about. If you see suspicion, Microsoft recommends that you use an unexpectedly paid troubleshooting tool before you contact us immediately.

As for the devices, the items on the list for computers, phones, and consoles should be known. If you see something that is not included in this category, click Show Details next to the device and select Get This Device. Error alert - Even if you remove the device you need, you can still sign in if you want to use it next time.

Click Security on the Account page

then View My Activity, and the next screen will display more information about where your account is active, including opening hours, devices, and location. Activity logs that you don't currently have will provide you with links to your account that you can click on if you have any doubts. When you click, Microsoft will ask you to change your password.

Depending on the devices you connect to your Microsoft account, such as phones and Xbox consoles, you may have access to similar screens in the device's operating system, such as the Web. For example, in Windows 10, open the Settings application, select Accounts, and then Login Options to access the device.

Stay Up-to Date

You may not think so given the number of high-profile hacks that have become headlines, but companies like Microsoft are working hard to fix security holes and are one step closer to hackers. One of the best ways to protect your Microsoft account is also one of the easiest: Keep your software up to date.

Because it's so important, Microsoft makes it hard for you to avoid updates. But if you go to Settings, then Windows 10 Updates and Security, you can check your options. Remember to update your browser, desktop applications, and antivirus tools regularly to minimize the likelihood that your accounts will not be accidentally detected.

Avoid Scams

In addition to the Microsoft-specific steps you can take, the usual safety tips apply. Be careful not to follow unsolicited links from email or social networks and do not enter your password and username on your phone. Software updates can also help, as most modern browsers now recognize sites that are involved in phishing attempts to obtain personal information from you.

The scam, which usually targets Windows users, comes through a phone call: If someone who claims to be from Microsoft Technical Support calls you and tells you that your system contains a virus, report it to Microsoft. These scammers will always try to install your spyware on your computer, most likely fixing your non-technical problems. They can use this spyware to steal your information and take control of your system. Protect your privacy

Security is more about keeping people in your account, while privacy is more about controlling the information you share with Microsoft and the world around you. The two areas overlap to some extent - for example, restrictions on the personal information you publish online make it difficult for others to impersonate you on the web. But Microsoft itself also records your online behavior.

To see the privacy options available for Microsoft, open your online account page and click on Privacy. You may remove the information that Microsoft collects about you from this site. For example, if you use Microsoft applications such as the Edge web browser, you can view and delete your activity logs from there. Depending on the tool you use, Microsoft may also store logs on your site, and you can delete this information at any time.

Why is Microsoft hiding all this data?

If you click on the Privacy section, you will find an explanation of what the company wants to do with your data. Other reasons aren't good and can be helpful - for example, tracking your location can allow Microsoft to give you a better route to your favorite restaurant. On the other hand, in exchange for this convenience, Microsoft asks you to trust them to use your data privately and responsibly in the future. It is up to you to accept a compromise or a decision to delete the information collected.

You can find additional privacy settings through the applications themselves (such as Edge) and Windows 10 Settings. Click Privacy in Settings to enable and disable various tracking options, from location tracking to targeted ads. Again, you can learn more about why Microsoft stores this data and what it does by using the links in each option