What has Microsoft added to Windows 8 to improve its security?
Windows 8's
arrival in the market is just a few months away. Developers and
manufacturers have already got it. Users too would get it soon. The
internet is abuzz with the details of new features that Windows 8 will
bring with it. Most of it centers around the new touch optimized
interface with its tile based apps and the looks. Not much has been
written about security. Business users and IT professionals upgrading to
Windows 8 would need to ensure better security of data for users before
anything else. This time
around, it would be a major leap for Microsoft as they are venturing
into the world of mobile devices with Windows 8. It is known to be a
unified operating system that would support tablets, smartphones as well
as the traditional desktops and laptops. Security is an important
aspect for ensuring the success of a new operating system.
Let's take a deeper look into some of the developments that Microsoft has made for increased security.
Windows 8 security enhancements
Secure Boot
Secure Boot helps users fend off low level threats and rootkits. It
is a form of defense tool that is divided between the operating system
and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). Secure Boot gets
activated when your PC gets booted. During this time, your machine has
high chances of getting infected as the third party antivirus programs
do not start running. Microsoft thus came up with Secure Boot, which
defends your PC during the boot up.Rootkits are
another form of malware that poses potential threats to your computer.
It attaches itself deep inside the system and gets loaded as soon as
your PC starts up. However, if you have Secure Boot, you can be assured
of safety against rootkits.
This new
protective tool is expected to be very popular in business
organizations. Users may however not like this much as it prevents other
operating system like Linux or FreeBSD to be installed on the machine.
SmartScreen on Internet Explorer 10
Another significant improvement on Windows 8 is the introduction of
SmartScreen on Internet Explorer 10. With SmartScreen, it will be easier
to prevent phishing attacks. SmartScreen filter will stop you from
downloading from any fake link that often redirects users to other
malicious web pages.
This is another app that has again received negative feedback because
it does not allow small scale developers to avail high ratings for the
new updates. If you wish your product to get a high rating from
Microsoft, you have to get your digital certificates approved by the
company. Your apps will be signed thereafter. This way, developers can
make their apps Microsoft-approved.
From the couple of security features mentioned above, there remains
no doubt that Microsoft has taken up security issues quite seriously.
However, you are recommended to wait for some time before upgrading to
Windows 8 when it is released. Hackers need time to find loopholes in a
new operating system and come up with methods to exploit them. Waiting
for a period of time will allow threats to be detected and let them pass
by. Also, it will take you some time to get used to the new interface
and its functions. The right time to upgrade is when the OS starts
receiving positive feedback from users and critics alike.
auteur; Brooke M. Perry
