Five things you should know about Windows 7 Security

Microsoft said that Windows 7 is the safest version ever developed by Windows. This is no big deal, right? I'm pretty sure that in the past 15 years, Microsoft has claimed this for every Windows version. Of course, this is also a valid statement.

What else do you expect? Will Microsoft launch a new operating system with lower security than its predecessor? I don't think so. Although the promotion of Windows 7 security may be partially exaggerated, there are indeed a series of important security improvements worth noting, especially for switching from Windows XP to or considering) windows 7 users. Many security upgrades also exist in Windows Vista, so Vista users should be familiar with them.

1. Protect the kernel

The kernel is the core of the operating system, which makes it the main target of malware and other attacks. Basically, if attackers can access or manipulate the operating system's kernel, they can execute malicious code at a level that cannot be detected by other applications or even the operating system itself. Microsoft developed "kernel mode protection" to protect the core and ensure that unauthorized access is not performed.

In addition to protecting the kernel, Microsoft also made other basic improvements after the launch of Windows XP to protect the operating system. Many attacks are based on the locations where attackers can learn specific functions or commands residing in the memory, or execute attacks on files that may only contain data.

Address space layer randomization ASLR) by randomly distributing key operating system functions in the memory, attackers can block attacks where they hesitate. Microsoft also developed the Data Execution Protection DEP) to prevent files that may contain data or files stored in the reserved data area from executing any type of code.

2. Safer web browsing

Windows 7 comes with the latest and most powerful web browser version IE8. You can also download and run IE8 in other Windows operating systems, so it is not dedicated to Windows 7, but it does bring about some security improvements.

First, InPrivate browsing provides the ability to access the Internet in private, just as in private. When you start an InPrivate browser window, the IE browser will not save any information related to personal surfing. This means that the information you entered is not saved in the cache, and no historical information is recorded on the website you visited. This feature is especially useful when you use IE8 on a shared or public computer, for example, in a library.

Another security improvement of IE8 is the protection mode. The protection mode is implemented based on Windows 7 security components that ensure that malicious or unauthorized code is not allowed to run on a browser. The protection mode will prevent drive-by download attacks, which allow users to install malware into your system when accessing a cracked website.

3. Protection Mechanism Protection ).

User Account Control UAC) is a model on Windows Vista that makes us all love and hate. When Windows 7 is used, UAC still exists, but Microsoft adds a slider ), this allows you to control the level of protection provided by UAC-so that the number of pop-up windows is limited by the number of accessible and executable files.

The pop-up window is only a small aspect that UAC can do. In Windows Vista, many users simply disable all UAC, but it also disables the protection mode IE and some other operating systems. The slide bar in Windows 7 is set to the same protection mode as Windows Vista by default, but you can customize it in the control panel.

4. Security Tools and Application Software

Because of kernel-based protection and other changes made by Microsoft, the old anti-virus software and other security measures such as how or whether to allow applications to interact with the core functions of the Operating System
The software cannot be compatible with Windows 7.

For example, McAfee, Symantec, Trend Micro, and other vendors provide versions compatible with Windows 7, but if you don't want to invest more money, microsoft also provides free security tools to protect your system.

The Windows Firewall and the Windows Defender Anti-Spyware kit are included in the basic installation package of Windows 7. You can also download and install Microsoft Security Essentials, a free anti-virus product recently released by Microsoft.

5. Monitor Action Center

Windows Action Center replaces the security Center that XP users are familiar. Action Center is a security-Center console that comprehensively monitors Windows 7.

The Security Section of the Action Center provides rough information about security in the Windows 7 system. Includes information about firewalls, spyware and virus software, Windows Update Status, Internet security settings, and UAC.

There are many good reasons to upgrade to Windows 7. If you are still running Windows XP, the security factor can be said to be the best reason to embrace the new operating system. Windows 7 may or may not be the greatest operating system ever, but it is definitely the safest operating system ever.

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