Given the increasingly complex cyber threats, having strong security measures in place is not a luxury but a need. The most recent operating system from Microsoft, Windows 11 Pro has sophisticated security measures that increase safety and personal and business-related.
However, this also makes it vulnerable to security and privacy threats. Luckily, Windows offers several security features and settings that, if turned on, can safeguard your computer from destructive activities. Most of these settings are turned on by default; however, some users may disable them for particular reasons on the PC, which may compromise security.
In this blog, we will investigate the top seven security features in Windows 11 Pro that are essential for effectively protecting your data and systems.
Hardware-Based Security with TPM 2.0
Windows 11 Pro requires the implementation of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a hardware security feature intended to safeguard critical data. TPM 2.0 functions as a secure enclave for cryptographic keys, guaranteeing that your system is impervious to physical and software-based assaults.
The trustworthy Platform Module (TPM) checks each boot to ensure only trustworthy programs are installed, protecting your system from infection.
An extra safeguard against unwanted access, TPM encrypts your disks in tandem with BitLocker.
For the highest level of protection, check that TPM 2.0 is activated in your device’s BIOS. Turning this function on is a standard feature on most new PCs.
Microsoft Defender
The Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems feature the security tool known as Microsoft Defender. It safeguards your PC from harmful attacks with its strong security measures. When activated, its real-time security function silently monitors your computer for malicious software and files, then promptly quarantines them.
For several years, antivirus testing companies like AV-Test have placed Defender among the best Windows antivirus solutions. Because of how well it integrates with Windows, compatibility and use problems are nonexistent. Additionally, Windows security updates ensure that it is updated often.
BitLocker Encryption
Windows BitLocker is a strong encryption solution that secures your complex drive data. Therefore, with a decryption key, it would be easier to retrieve the encrypted data, even if your device was stolen. However, the Home version of Windows 11 does not officially support it; only the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions do.
If your system contains sensitive data, BitLocker is quite helpful. It can also be used to encrypt an external hard drive. Right-click on a disk and choose Turn on BitLocker to activate BitLocker for that drive. Alternatively, you can type “BitLocker” into the search bar and choose Manage BitLocker to see its configuration options.
Windows Hello for Business
Windows 11 has a feature known as Windows Hello, improving biometric security. This allows for device login through face recognition, fingerprint, or PIN. As a result, Windows is more secure, and the login procedure is faster. Bypassing biometrics is far more complicated than guessing or breaking passwords or PINs.
You can enable the Windows Hello sign-in choices by either searching for them or clicking Accounts > Sign-in options. Both of these options are available. It goes without saying that to activate the appropriate option, your smartphone must be equipped with the necessary hardware, such as a fingerprint scanner or a face recognition camera.
Firewall and network protection
Windows has a firewall and network security function to keep malicious software and other internet risks out of your computer. It monitors all data transfers, both incoming and outgoing and stops anything that seems fishy. You can protect your data from hackers and malware programs by setting incoming and outbound restrictions for a single app.
Windows 11 comes pre-configured with a firewall, which you can activate or disable for individual apps. Find Windows Security in the Windows search results, open it, and then go to the Firewall & network protection part on the left to see whether it’s active on your Windows PC. Turn on the Firewall for all public, private, and domain networks.
Core Isolation
Windows Device Security includes core isolation as one of its options. It provides additional safety for your computer by including features like Memory integrity and access prevention, among others. To safeguard critical operations, it employs security measures based on virtualization.
The Memory integrity option protects high-security processes from cyber attackers trying to insert harmful code. Protecting your device’s RAM from harmful external devices is memory access protection. Additionally, your PC cannot execute vulnerable drivers due to Microsoft’s Vulnerable Driver Blocklist function.
Go to the Device Security area in Windows Security and find the Core isolation details option. Click on it to activate these features.
Ransomware Protection
Within the Windows Security settings, the Ransomware protection area is where you may activate the protection against ransomware protection. When the Controlled folder access feature is activated, all critical profile folders, such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and others, will be immediately included in the ransomware protection. Furthermore, you can input one or more folders you wish to include in the ransomware protection by choosing the Protected Folders option and then clicking the + Add a Protected Folder button.
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)
Virtualization-based security utilizes hardware virtualization to establish an isolated memory region that enables the secure execution of sensitive data and processes. VBS includes features such as Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI), substantially reducing the likelihood of malicious code exploiting your system.
It protects the Windows kernel from unauthorized users and secures critical credentials, such as passwords, by isolating them in a virtual environment.
If you want to strengthen your system’s defenses, you should enable VBS and HVCI in the Windows Security settings.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 Pro has provided a new benchmark in operating system security, making it a strong choice for businesses and any individual user looking for increased protection.
Understanding and utilizing these security functions is the key to having an efficient and secure digital environment. By enabling and configuring these resources, you can safeguard data and systems against the evolving face of cyber threats.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older version or evaluating your next business OS, Windows 11 Pro for business delivers a secure and forward-thinking solution. By leveraging its advanced security tools, you can focus on what matters most—growing your business and achieving your goals—without compromising on security.
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