{
  "id": 1724324,
  "title": "My home computers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/my-home-computers",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-18T14:05:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/glenw/1-my-home-computers-1f6g"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Our home computers, both running Windows 11, are secured with various types of passwords to prevent unauthorized access. The BIOS Admin Password is used to access and modify BIOS firmware settings, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes. The BIOS User Password secures the physical computer against unauthorized use once it has booted. Windows User Passwords are used to log in to local user accounts on Windows, while Windows Hello PIN is used to unlock the computer after a manual lock or screensaver lock. For sensitive files, VeraCrypt is used to create an encrypted volume that contains financial information, estate plan information, and tax returns. VeraCrypt generates a password-protected file that must be mounted using the VeraCrypt software to access the encrypted data. This process ensures that the sensitive files remain secure even when the computer is not in use. Microsoft's BitLocker Drive Encryption is not available for Windows 11 Home, so the user opts for Device Encryption, a limited version of BitLocker. The user also backs up user files to an external USB drive, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected during the backup process.",
  "summary": "Like our house, I feel (cyber) safety and security begins at the front door - the devices I and my family use every day to access the internet via our home network. Our technological front doors consist of computers, tablets, and mobile phones. They need to be secure so our \"doors\" and our house (network) are not easily compromised by actors with malicious intent. I secure our home computers (PC…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}