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Digissential

Cybersecurity Hardening

Serving Stellenbosch & surrounds • Transparent pricing • POPIA-aligned

Applying Windows security baselines and hardening.

What’s included

  • Patch Windows, drivers, and common apps
  • Harden browser, SmartScreen, and Defender
  • Remove risky startup items and services
  • Set sane defaults for UAC, firewall, and updates

Details

TL;DR: We update your PC, tighten the weak spots, and set simple rules that keep you safe without nagging.
Local: Great for SU students, homes in Welgevonden/Die Boord, and Technopark teams who want fewer pop-ups and safer clicks.

Problems we fix

  • Old Windows and apps with known holes
  • Browser pop-ups and fake “update” ads
  • “Defender off” or “SmartScreen disabled”
  • Random toolbars and risky startup junk
  • Endless nags because settings fight each other

How we do it (at a glance)

  1. Update Windows, drivers, Office, and common apps
  2. Harden the browser (safe defaults, anti-phishing, sane extensions)
  3. Tune Defender and SmartScreen for real-world use
  4. Clean startup/services that slow and expose the PC
  5. Set firewall and UAC to good, quiet defaults
  6. Privacy tweaks to reduce tracking where it helps
  7. Quick test: safe sites load, apps work, no odd prompts

You get plain notes of what changed and a short “how to stay safe” page.

Time & cost in Stellenbosch

  • Labour: R450 per PC
  • Turnaround: Often same day (30–60 minutes in-shop or on-site, update time may vary)
  • Remote option: Light hardening can be done over /services/remote-support-setup/

Do-nots (protect your files and cash)

  • Don’t click “your PC is infected” banners — close the tab
  • Don’t run three antiviruses at once — they fight and slow down
  • Don’t install “free cleaners” from ads — many are junk or worse
  • Don’t keep using an admin account for daily work — we can set a safer user

When to stop DIY & call us

  • Browser opens to ads you never set
  • Bank site looks odd or asks for extra codes
  • Files end in weird extensions or won’t open
  • Defender is off and won’t stay on
  • You installed a “codec/update” and now the PC is strange

Real stories around town

  • SU first-year (Huis Marais): Kept seeing fake “update Chrome” pop-ups. We hardened the browser, set Defender rules, and the noise stopped.
  • Die Boord family PC: Kids’ games added toolbars and push ads. We cleaned the junk, set a standard user for kids, and calm returned.
  • Technopark SME: Staff hit a phishing test. We tuned mail and browser filters, set 2FA tips, and shared a one-page guide. No repeats since.

Simple care tips

  • Use a password manager with one strong phrase
  • Turn on 2-step login for email and banking
  • Let Windows update on a quiet night each week
  • Back up to cloud or a drive that stays unplugged when not in use — see /services/cloud-backup-setup/
  • If a download asks to “allow unknown publisher,” stop and ask us

What you’ll get

  • Safer defaults and fresh patches
  • Clean start-up and fewer nags
  • A short, friendly guide to avoid common traps
  • Clear next steps if your setup needs more (e.g., backup or router tweaks)

POPIA-aware handling • CPA-aligned warranties • Lawful e-waste routing on request (with data-wipe certificate)