Thursday, November 6, 2014

Microsoft Gets a Little More Secure

I remember the early days of Microsoft Windows.  It was designed as a stand-alone operating system.  This made sense since the only way to connect to the Internet was through a modem and a phone line.  Dialup Internet access was expensive, too, so most didn't have access at first. As technology improved, security on a Windows PC didn't keep up.  We had to buy aftermarket anti-virus and malware software.  Just six years ago, Microsoft began offering free anti-virus software called Security Essentials for download on any Windows PC.  They're going to include more security features in Windows 10, the next generation of Windows scheduled for release in 2015.

According to Ed Bott of ZDNet, Windows 10 will be able to have 2 factor authentication built in, requiring a PIN or biometric, greatly reducing the threat of identity theft. The second factor will be the device - a tablet, laptop or PC.  It looks like this could be used for purchases with a cell phone and a PIN or fingerprint complete the transaction.  These features will also be available on enterprise computers as well, improving corporate security.  It looks like this will make bring-your-own-device secure enough to satisfy enterprise security professionals

Details will be coming as time goes by, but it's great to see Microsoft getting more serious about security.



Bott, E. (2014, October 22). Microsoft reveals audacious plans to tighten security with Windows 10.  Retreived from ZDNet; http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-reveals-audacious-plans-to-tighten-security-with-windows-10-7000034963/?s_cid=e539&ttag=e539&ftag=TRE17cfd61

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