Windows 11 has set a new benchmark for design, efficiency, customization, performance, and security. In our last blog, we discussed some of the new and improved features of Windows 11 as well as some of the changes to speed, performance, visual design, and organizing functions. As we start rolling out this option for our clients, we want to discuss a little further the security components that will help businesses as we all face a mounting threat from cyber criminals now and in the years to come. While we understand the inevitable struggle with change that many workplaces face when installing a new operating system, we believe that these new features and security components can help protect our clients in ways that Windows 10 and its upgrades can not. Here are a few examples.
Security Features for Hybrid & In-Office
Cybercriminals have long been honing their skills in hacking all sorts of systems, emails, internet sites, and supposedly secure personal data. The global pandemic gave these cyber criminals yet another new area to capitalize on their work - remote or hybrid work. According to Microsoft’s 2022 Work Trend Index, the growing number of malware, phishing scams, malevolent emails, and brute force attacks have been held at bay, in part, due to the new protections built into their products like Windows, Azure, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Defender for Office 365. In fact, their studies have shown that in 2021 alone, Microsoft products have blocked more than 9.6 billion malware threats, 35.7 billion phishing and other malicious emails, and 25.6 billion attempts to hijack our enterprise customers by brute-forcing stolen passwords. “The intelligence we get from this, combined with the 8,500 security professionals we have and 24 trillion security signals processed by our cloud every 24 hours, gives us a unique view into what our customers need to protect themselves from threats now and in the future. The combination of modern hardware and software required for Windows 11, delivered alongside our ecosystem partners, is what will enable us to help protect our customers from wherever and however they choose to work.”
“Twice as Resistant to Malware”
To quote PC Magazine and their lead security analyst, Neil J. Rubenking, Windows 11 is ultra-secure. Rubenking notes that, according to Microsoft, “secured-core PCs are twice as resistant to malware infection.”Here is a quick rundown of the security features that can keep your business protected.
Trusted Platform Model - This new security requirement has been a source of criticism because some older PCs would not be able to run the new OS, but the Trusted Platform Model increases security greatly.
Zero Trust Policy - This policy helps protect core parts of the OS as well the user’s credentials as soon as the device powers on.
Smart App Control prevents users from running malicious applications on Windows devices.
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen provides enhanced phishing detection and protection.
Windows Hello allows your Windows 11 device to be password-free, depending instead on facial recognition, PIN numbers, or a fingerprint option.
Config Lock provides another layer of security by monitoring registry keys through mobile device management (MDM)
For a complete list of security features see the Microsoft comprehensive security list for Windows 11 and protect your small business data at a whole new level.
