UPDATED 14:47 EDT / OCTOBER 29 2012

NEWS

Windows 8 Arrives with Improved Security Measures

After launching the Windows 8, Microsoft has upgraded the latest Windows 8 platform with several new security features. The Windows manufacturer has done this to serve the needs of users concerned with its resilience against threats. So, here is a quick list of some security features implemented by Microsoft:

Windows Defender

Unlike Windows 7 that came with a spyware-only version of Windows Defender, Microsoft has pre-installed the full product in Windows 8. With both spyware and antivirus capabilities, Windows Defender is activated only if no security product is installed after two-weeks of purchasing a new Windows 8 Edition. This is a strategic step from Microsoft as it gives users an opt-in opportunity, along with Windows Defender baseline security to those who forget to install any security program.

UEFI

A replacement to the legacy BIOS and MBR, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) allows vendor customization, physical device determination and driver loading prior to boot, and speeds up the boot-up process.

ELAM and Secure Boot

Designed to prevent bootkits from taking hold pre-boot, this one is a new response to the rootkit installation. As we know, Bootkits are a difficult problem that take full control beyond the OS and can present any system status they desire. So, this feature is going to give those a tough time!

Secure Boot and ELAM, along with UEFI is a good step towards security enhancement in Windows 8 platform. Moreover, availability of Windows Defender as a pre-installed software is an add-on security feature.

Windows 8, nowadays, is a hot topic, and perhaps everyone is talking about it. And Microsoft is doing its best to make it the best available OS in the market. For instance, Windows 8 will feature a picture password sign in option so unauthorized users, like pesky brothers/sisters/annoying roommate won’t be able to set their eyes on your secrets. Besides, Microsoft tweaked is their app store as it will restrict apps to only perform actions that are needed in their declared functions. So even if malware-laced apps get into their app store, they will prevented to wreak havoc.


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