What is hard reset 

Hard reset means the process of returning your device to factory state. Which is the same state your device was when you purchased it brand new. Think well before you do a hard reset because the process is irreversible. You cannot undo the reset once done. Any files stored or installed on the device are deleted in the process. If you want a hard reset, you need to follow the instructions for your device.

Why a Hard Reset is Necessary

A hard reset is necessary if your device becomes unstable, unusable or if its security features have been severely compromised. Also if you are going to sell your used phone or give it permanently to someone, it is necessary you do a hard reset. 

How to Hard Reset Windows 10 PC

Your Next Gen Windows device likely offers more than one way to reset it.

 The following method describes how to hard reset Windows 10 PC when you have access to it.

1. Click the start button. In the Start menu, click on Settings or PC Settings, depending on your operating system version.

2. In Windows Settings, click on Update and Security.

The Windows Update screen appears.

3. Click on Recovery in the menu on the left side of the Window.

4. Click on the Get Started button in the Reset this PC section at the top of the window.

At this point, you may be prompted to insert the original installation CD on which you received Windows 10. But in most cases you don’t have to. Windows 10 usually stores a recovery copy in the harddrive.

Windows will offer you two choices;

a.      Keep my files:

b.      Remove everything: 

Option a means that files stored in data folders such as documents folder will be preserved intact after the reset. 

Option b means that all files and apps will be removed during the reset.

               5. Select the reset option that best suits your needs.

6. When you are ready to proceed, click on the Reset button.

7. From here on follow the prompts. If you receive a prompt asking you to continue to Windows 10 or troubleshoot, click continue to windows 10.

8. Hard resetting your windows 10 PC will take a while.

A soft reset is the same as turning off the device then turning it back on. It does not wipe programs, data, or malware but can correct the device if it becomes unresponsive or crashes.

In some devices without soft reset capability, cutting off power to the device and removing the batteries, then restoring power to the device and fixing back the battery will soft reset the device.

A soft reset should be the first step to take when your computer device malfunctions.

For instance, a computer that suddenly shows the blue screen of death can be partially or fully fixed with a soft reset. In any case a soft reset will enable you to put on the computer and then deal with the issue causing the blue screen to appear.

Soft Reset of Windows computers

Nearly all  Windows computers can be soft reset by holding down the Power button for about ten seconds to shutdown. After the device shuts down, wait about ten seconds and press the Power button once to restart the computer.

Soft Reset of Mac computers

Hold down the Power button for about five seconds, to completely shut down the Mac PC. Wait a few seconds, and press the power button once again to reboot the Mac.

For some Macs pressing and holding the Power button may display a menu; press R to reboot directly, rather than shutting down and restarting the device.

As the internet continues to advance so are cyber attacks. Cyber attack or cyber hacking means unauthorized access of electronically stored personal or sensitive data which is used to cause harm. For instance, cyber criminals can steal credit card information and use it to purchase goods. Other activities of cyber criminals include;

Steal money from people’s bank accounts.

Manipulate election votes.

Expose private and sensitive information online for the world to see.

Disrupt government and other organizations activities.

 Identity theft, deception and much more.

What is Cyber Security?

 Cyber security means protecting your  information and activities stored electronically from unauthorized access and usage.

Cyber crime is a constant evolving treat and so cyber security must be steps ahead.

Once upon a time, before the internet came, it wasn’t easy to steal sensitive data as the thief would need to break into your house  and/or your safe to gain access. You had total control on how your information was stored.

In this internet age, it’s much more  economical, cheaper and safer to store your data electronically online. There are many internet companies that offer free online storage including Google, Microsoft,  Facebook and so on on.

Even if you store your sensitive data on your laptop or phone, chances are that it will still end up online when you send electronically to a third party.

The internet has made it very easy and convenient to send, receive and store information. It also made it easy to interact with people anywhere in the world and do business. But you are not in total control of how those information are stored and handled. 

Information you send through the internet passes a network of servers linked to your laptop or phone before getting to its destination.

Cyber criminals exploit these servers and networks to gain access to personal or sensitive data and do nefarious activities with the accessed information. 

Even if you took precautions to protect the information at your end, you are still at the mercy of your hosting companies/ websites to do the same.

Many online hosting companies spend a lot of money yearly to protect sensitive data from hackers. They also encourage all who send and receive information through their internet device to do the same.

As far as the internet is concerned, cyber crime will always be its major problem.

How to protect yourself from cyber criminals.

• Whatever internet accessing device you use, be it PC, laptop or mobile phone, protect it with a very effective and updated antivirus software.
• Always make sure to restrict access to your computers and phones with a password.
• When you get a new phone take full advantage or activate all of its security features.
• Always read the privacy policies of websites you sign up for.
• Beware of email messages you feel it is spam or dubious.
• Avoid porn and get rich quick sites, they usually contain viruses and malware.
• Avoid websites that provide links for you to download paid software for free. They may contain viruses and malware.
• Beware of unsolicited email and text messages, they may contain links to virus, malware and spyware.
• Avoid websites that provide free service for what you should normally pay for.