Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 7, which means that many organizations have now made the switch to Windows 10. But one thing that’s always at the forefront of many business owners’ minds is cybersecurity. So, is Windows 10 secure enough that you can rest easy? Let’s find out!
Windows 10 Security Advantages
Here’s the good news for any organization just now moving to Windows — many consider it to be the most secure version of Microsoft’s operating system yet released. This improved security is the result of a new approach to development from Microsoft.
Windows as a Service
With Windows 10, Microsoft introduced Windows as a service. Windows as a service is a unique way of creating, implementing, and maintaining Windows.
The idea is to layer protection into functionality, so it doesn’t affect performance or distract users. Microsoft notes that its goal is to “simplify the lives of IT pros and maintain a consistent Windows 10 experience for its customers.”
Each update adds new features to protect the security and privacy of users. Releases focus on adding new features that combat new or anticipated risks. With this new process, the Windows Core Services Engineering and Operations (CSEO) team is better able to protect your data and privacy.
For example, built-in features identify suspicious activity that can put your business in jeopardy. This helps your security team detect and block sophisticated attacks faster.
These updates and improved security features are possible thanks to the software giant’s focus on combating the latest ransomware and malware hitting around the globe.
Because Microsoft has addressed cyber-attacks during the engineering phase, improved security itself becomes a major advantage, protecting your system from malicious files and code sent by hackers.
How Does Windows 10 Security Protect Your Data Better?
Windows 10 disrupts malware and thwarts hackers by changing the playing field. Bad actors can’t attack systems in the same old ways. Here are some of the ways that Windows 10 improves its protection, including the tools that can detect threats in your organization:
- Device Guard acts as a shield against malware by allowing you to block unwanted apps. This gives users a proactive way to prevent ransomware and malware attacks, as well as spyware.
- Windows Defender uses machine learning, the cloud, and behavior analysis to respond to new threats. Imagine having a smart guard dog that not only prevents intruders from entering but smells them coming from a mile away.
- Microsoft Edge systemically disrupts malware, phishing, and hacking attacks so that fewer threats make it through the system to trick users.
- Windows 10 has proactive data protection that meets compliance requirements without slowing down users, who expect the same reliable performance Windows has always offered.
- Windows Information Protection protects business data so it cannot be leaked to unauthorized users via apps, docs, or the web.
- BitLocker helps your security team protect sensitive data from prying eyes. Military-grade encryption takes over when a device is lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised.
- Azure Information Protection partners with Windows Information Protection to assign permissions that govern how certain data is shared.
These features all work together to barricade your business and data from any unwanted users and intrusions. They work as a series of defensive mechanisms. If one fails, another feature is there to protect from cyber-attacks and keep your organization secure.
How Does Windows 10 Protect User Identity?
Along with protecting your data, Windows 10 also has built-in identity and access management protocols. This advanced technology safeguards user information and identities.
For example, Windows Hello presents an alternative to passwords. It uses many factors to achieve solid security, such as a PIN, biometrics, and a companion device.
Credential Guard uses NTLM-based authentication protocols, while Windows’ pass the hash (PtH) method authenticates without displaying the user’s text when a password is being entered. There’s also a hardware-based component that limits access.
What Does Improved Windows 10 Security Mean for IT Teams?
While 57% of organizations offer training and incentives to security recruits, it’s hard to keep these resources for very long. This is due mainly to the high demand for qualified candidates. With additional protection built into applications themselves, busy cybersecurity teams can concentrate on other crucial tasks to protect the company’s data and reputation.
Conclusion
Windows 10 is the most secure Windows ever. It comes a step closer to preventing cyber-attacks and privacy threats facing users. It’s a next-generation solution that helps you fight threats from hackers and criminals who target your business. This is a big plus for cybersecurity managers.
The past several years have brought some of the worst and most frequent cyber-attacks in history. Security professionals are constantly on the lookout for new ways to prevent network breaches and safeguard the data of clients and the enterprise. Windows 10 may be a large piece of the solution.
