Introduction
Windows 11 comes with several new and improved security features compared to previous Windows versions. Microsoft has made security a top priority in Windows 11 to help protect users from an ever-evolving threat landscape. In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at the major security enhancements in Windows 11.
Hardware-Based Isolation Technologies
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)
VBS leverages virtualization technology to create isolated environments called virtual machines on a Windows PC. This isolates and prevents threats from impacting the rest of the system.
- VBS provides stronger protection against advanced attacks that could compromise kernel mode.
- It allows Windows Defender Application Guard to run untrusted sites isolated in a container. This prevents web-based attacks from impacting the host.
Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI)
HVCI leverages virtualization to protect kernel mode code integrity. This prevents low-level attacks like code injection and return-oriented programming (ROP).
- Stops injection and redirection of code to compromise kernel mode.
- Blocks techniques used to defeat Driver Signature Enforcement.
- Provides defense against zero-day attacks targeting the kernel.
Secured-Core PC
Secured-core PCs have additional hardware protections enabled out of the box like VBS and HVCI. This provides a higher baseline of security versus traditional PCs.
- Core PC components like CPU, firmware and bootloader are hardened against firmware attacks.
- PCs ship with security features like VBS and HVCI already enabled for added protection.
Improved Default Security Settings
Enhanced Windows Defender Firewall
The built-in firewall now blocks unsolicited incoming traffic by default. This prevents untrusted connections from penetrating the system.
- Provides default block mode instead of default allow mode.
- Stops unsolicited traffic and connections right at system entry points.
- Users maintain control with ability to allow apps and services selectively.
Tighter Access Controls
Windows 11 has stricter default access controls to limit vulnerability surface. Less user privileges are required for common tasks.
- Actions like installing apps only require standard user rights now versus admin rights.
- Helps limit damage from malware getting standard user access.
- Admin rights only prompted when truly needed for sensitive system changes.
Advanced Threat Protection
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
This provides enterprise-grade endpoint security with cloud-powered artificial intelligence. It can identify and stop sophisticated attacks on networks and devices.
- Leverages AI and machine learning to detect zero-day threats.
- Provides detailed reporting and security recommendations.
- Integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 security tools.
Windows Defender Application Guard
WDAG opens untrusted sites like unverified links in a secure isolated container separate from the host system. This prevents web-based attacks.
- Opens untrusted sites in hardware-isolated container to contain attacks.
- Prevents web malware, zero-days, and phishing sites from compromising device.
- Seamless user experience with sites opening in Edge browser as usual.
Memory Safety Innovations
Windows 11 introduces memory safety improvements to proactively block common memory/corruption based vulnerabilities.
- Technologies like pointer authentication prevent memory exploits.
- Isolated memory segments limit ability for exploits to escape sandboxes.
- Helps mitigate risk of exploits targeting memory safety flaws.
Conclusion
Windows 11 ships with major improvements to the core security foundations and default security settings. Advanced protection features leverage AI and isolation to stop sophisticated attacks proactively. With Windows 11, users benefit from Microsoft’s continued security innovation journey.
