How to check if you have Admin rights and why you should.

One of the easiest routes for Cyber criminals to install Malware onto a system is by using an email attachment hence the huge number of emails being sent with all sorts of virus laden attachments. These emails may be random attack emails or socially engineered, that is, cleverly personalised to you, once opened the attachment payload will try to install.

In the majority of circumstances the email would have been identified as infected and the anti-malware software of other technology would have filtered it out before reaching your Inbox. However, this is a changing game for the attackers and inevitably some emails will get through the defences. It is at this point when the user's system can be vulnerable.

User awareness and vigilance is key and only through a program of regular reminders can staff be expected to remain aware of the risks of opening unwanted attachments (to help with this issue see our service - Staff Awareness Training & Testing).

The likelihood may still remain that a malware laden email attachment is opened and if so, there is another layer defence namely, Admin Rights. A user account which does not have Admin Rights will not be able to install applications and will be limited the system changes that can be made. This layer of defence can be very effective in preventing malware from entering the system and worse still the entire network.

So how to check if you have Admin Rights: -

Windows 10 & 8

1. Right-click the “Start” button, then select “System“.

2. Choose the “Advanced system settings” link in the left pane.

3. Select the “Computer Name” tab.

Windows 7 & Vista

1. Click the Windows orb.

2. Right-click “Computer“.

3. Choose “Properties“.

4. Select “Advanced system settings“.

5. Select the “Computer Name” tab.

Mac OS

1. Open System Preferences

2. Click "Users & Groups

3. "Review account status shown below each registered user.

It is good practice to use an account with only Standard rights on a day to day basis and, where applicable, to have a second account with Admin rights that can be used as and when required. In some network based scenarios, the admin function may rest with a selected number of IT team members.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you to keep your data secure. By phone 020 3880 9554; by email info@cyberstrategies.co.uk or simply complete our enquiry form.