How is the Security of the New Windows 10

Windows 10 is arguably one of the most anticipated operating systems ever introduced by Microsoft, it is also considered to be one of the most critical of OS releases. To be fair, Microsoft has had a hard time in keeping up with the changing needs of the user and has released a host of operating systems that just didn’t tick, apart from Windows 7, although, the recent installment is looking much more promising than any of its predecessors. But, does it actually live up to its promises when it comes to things like security? Well, we’ve attempted to apply our powerful brain to find the details on how Windows 10 does in the security department.

Device Guard

According to recent technology, the new Device Guard feature works by blocking all zero day attacks by vetting the apps which attempt to access a Windows 10 device or its network. In other words, Device Guard can block any application that is not signed by an authentic software vendor or the Windows app store of an enterprise.

The new feature is available on all devices working on the Windows 10 OS, for instance, Acer, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo and NCR. It also supports IoT type devices which run Windows, ATM machines and POS systems, providing a first layer of security across the board.

Device Guard is also able to use hardware technology along with virtualization to isolate the decision making process from the rest of the OS, consequently helping it provide protection from all sorts of malware threats that have somehow managed to gain access to system privileges.

App control technologies and other traditional anti-virus software will depend on this feature to help block executable malware threats while the anti-virus will continue to cover the areas which is outside Device Guard territory. For instance, Java based apps or macros in documents. Furthermore, Device Guard operates virtually so even if a Windows kernel is infected, the Device Guard feature is still able to remain safe.

The “Passport” Feature

Another useful security feature in the new Windows 10 OS is the Passport feature which allows users to authenticate network sans passwords, applications and websites. How this works is, the operating system will ask the user to verify that they are in possession of their device before authenticating it for the user either with a PIN code or with the use of biometric sensors.

Once a device has been authenticated through Passport the user will be allowed access to a huge set of websites and services, from social networking sites to business networks and much more. The Passport feature will work alongside Microsoft’s Azure Active Directory Services and the biometric signature of the user and will be used only to unlock the device. With this new feature, Microsoft is not looking to declare the death of the password, but after the FIDO alliance, it is working towards eventually replacing the use of passwords altogether in the not so distant future. Furthermore, Microsoft has also been making some changes to its OS with the help of containers and virtualized sandboxes to make desktop computers more secure.

Windows Hello

This feature has been boasted by Microsoft as the eventual killer of the password, mainly because it uses biometrics to secure a Windows 10 powered system. In other words, the technology uses your fingerprint, face and iris to launch a Windows 10 powered device rather than the conventional password that we are all so used to.

According to Joe Belfiore, corporate VP at Microsoft, the use of newest technology, such as biometrics makes the Windows 10 operating system more secure than its predecessors and keeps the user safe from the vulnerabilities of passwords. It also gives users the ability to authenticate various Windows 10 applications and their online experience without having to provide a password on a network server or a user’s device.

The only catch here is that a user will need to have a device that has a fingerprint reader and the required scanning software to identify a user by using their face or iris. Also, these features will require the user to have Windows Biometric Framework support for their devices as well. According to Belfiore, the company is currently working on designing Windows Hello capable devices which will ship with the Windows 10 OS.

Ending Note

With the new additions to security features in the Windows 10 OS, Microsoft is clearly looking to make the desktop ecosystem resemble that of a smartphone, which is good news for those who are concerned with security issues on the new Windows 10 operating system.


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Keywords: Recent technology

By: alicelee

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