ArticleWindows 10 Security: Stop Malware in Its Tracks
Cybersecurity has always been a concern for businesses — especially since digital data, cloud computing and workplace mobility have become the norm. Unfortunately, as companies adopt new practices, so do the cybercriminals who feast on our sensitive data.
Cybersecurity has always been a concern for businesses — especially since digital data, cloud computing and workplace mobility have become the norm. Unfortunately, as companies adopt new practices, so do the cybercriminals who feast on our sensitive data.
Even large enterprises like Target, Yahoo, PlayStation Network and DropBox have been targeted by these advanced cybercriminals. The best way you can avoid future data breaches is to install preventive software that foreshadows cyberthreats and stops malware in its tracks.
The evolution of Windows security
Windows 7 has served us well for the last seven years, but it no longer offers the level of protection we need to combat the sophisticated and modern threats that are on the rise. Sure, you can add additional layers of defense with third-party products, but this approach is much more costly and is not as effective as initiating an entirely new and customizable solution.
Microsoft Windows 10 has been reengineered to protect sensitive information from known and emerging security threats across the spectrum of attack vectors. Some of the latest features are focused on:
Identity and access control for an improved user authentication process
Information protection for data that is at rest, in use or in transit
Malware resistance to isolate critical system and security components
Identity and access control
By postponing an upgrade to Windows 10, you run the risk of exposing sensitive business information, client details, financial numbers and more. If a data breach does occur, in addition to the loss of invaluable information, you may also have to allocate resources toward rebuilding your company. In 2016, the average cost to businesses affected by data breaches in the United States amounted to $7.01 million.
This bar chart shows that (in million US dollars) the average organization cost to a business was $2.54 in 2006, $4.79 in 2007, $6.36 in 2008, $6.66 in 2009, $6.75 in 2010, $ 7.24 in 2011, $5.5 in 2012, $5.4 in 2013, $5.85 in 2014, $6.53 in 2015, $7.01 in 2016.
With Windows 10, you get an easy to use, multi-factor solution that is practically theft and phishing proof – so you can prevent costly and damaging data breaches. Features like Windows Hello for Business will help you manage access more closely. With the proper devices that support biometric screening, Windows Hello will even replace your typical password with either a fingertip or iris scan. This way, you don’t have to sacrifice flexibility for security, enabling your teammates to confidently take their work anywhere.
Information protection
Once malware compromises a key system component, it can hide and possibly even embed itself into your device hardware. With Windows 10 adoption, you get hardware-based security capabilities to isolate threats, tamper proof your device and provide integrity checks so you can easily prevent unwanted parties from gaining access to your data.
For instance, BitLocker offers next-generation protection that integrates with the operating system for automatic encryption. It’s highly manageable and will be provisioned on new devices. To address the need for data loss prevention (DLP) and data separation features, Windows 10 now includes an in-box solution. Plus, because of its deep integration into the platform, the protection is seamless for end users and offers the same capabilities between mobile and desktop devices.
Malware resistance
In the Windows 7 world, threats were solely addressed through detection. In other words, applications and websites were trusted until they were determined to be malicious. That approach is no longer safe or practical. That’s why Windows 10 includes Device Guard — a combination of enterprise-related hardware and software security features that scan applications, determining if they are trustworthy before they run. Windows 10 also offers Secure Boot, an additional feature that prevents hackers from breaking into your system via a USB or micro SD port.
Hackers are becoming more sophisticated. Are you?
Virtual security is vital for success. Whether you’re a small business or enterprise conglomerate, your sensitive information is constantly at risk. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated, finding holes in typical anti-virus software. Learn more about how you can better equip your organization to combat rising cyberthreats with best-in-class security features from Windows 10. Contact a specialist to start creating a customized plan for your business today.