Avoid Windows 8.1 security "traps"

Avoid Windows 8.1 security "traps"

With the termination of the lifecycle of Windows XP, many enterprises choose to upgrade to Windows 8.1. Without a doubt, Windows 8.1 delivers ultimate speed, significantly improved workflows, and enhanced security.

People are still worried about Windows 8. Initially, users' negative responses to the operating system are concentrated on the Start Screen and touch interface, which usually relies on third-party tools. So,Is it safe to upgrade to Windows 8.1? Does it bring more benefits than potential user rebound? Can upgrade Enterprise Desktop risk management? When talking about Windows 8.1 security, there are some security assumptions that need to be paid attention to (avoided.

It is best to install the latest security updates for the latest version.We live and work in an appropriate society. It is human nature that requires the newest and the best. Sometimes it is wise, but sometimes it is unnecessary. If you upgrade to Windows 8.1, you will undoubtedly have the latest and greatest technologies and updates, but this does not mean that Desktop Security will increase accordingly. Theoretically, you can create a Windows XP environment that is more secure and well managed than Windows 8.1.

The improved BitLocker ensures that my information is secure.As early as Windows Vista and Windows 7, I don't like BitLocker. However, since Windows 8, Microsoft has improved its full disk encryption technology for many times, such as preventing data from being written to a drive protected by BitLocker, and enhancing user management of their PINs and passwords, deploy pre-boot authentication for unattended patches.

However, I found that although you can have all the encryption in the world, it is at most a system that times out using a weak password live screen protection program, not comparable to full encryption.

The protection of malware in Windows 8.1 is undoubtedly a means to ensure the security of the endpoint.The integrated Windows Defender and SmartScreen technologies can protect the operating system from targeted attacks. However, they do not protect the desktop from the massive threats to third-party software such as Java and Adobe Reader.

In fact, a recent study found that 76% of vulnerabilities are not Microsoft's problems, but related to applications and data running on OS. I cannot imagine that this unbalanced Desktop Vulnerability could change very quickly.

The Group Policy object (GPOs) can now provide desktop monitoring and other functions for Windows 8.1 management.Microsoft's Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 have made great progress in this field. However, GPOs is not omnipotent. Because there is no one-to-one relationship between policies and risks.

Windows 8.1 also has many other potential "traps"-True, any version of Windows-security risks include data leakage, careless user behavior, and fragile network sharing.

If you want to keep Windows 8.1 secure, you need to lower your expectations, because you need to know that executives, auditors, Compliance Officers, and even security management personnel cannot solve all vulnerabilities in the Organization. Of course, it can be helpful, but the main responsibility is that the desktop administrator and everyone who uses Windows 8.1 should understand Desktop Security and take it seriously.