10 Reasons Why Windows Security Is Better than Ever - Windows 7 Delivers Multiple Levels of Security (
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5. Windows Action Center
Windows Action Center is
another major improvement over the former Vista Security Center. In Windows 7,
users can now access everything from firewall protection to malware detection
and backup reminders. Windows Action Center puts all the important elements of
data preservation in one place to ensure that users are more aware of what they
need to do to stay secure.
6. DirectAccess for VPN Connections
DirectAccess might be one
of the most significant additions to the Windows ecosystem. In essence, the
feature allows users to securely connect to a work VPN without setting up and
maintaining that VPN manually. In Windows 7, the bridge between the two
networks is secured during the entire session. It takes the user out of the
equation and in the process, makes Windows even more secure.
7. DNSSEC Support
Although it's not one of the touted additions to Windows 7,
DNSSEC support is extremely important. It's a little complicated (which is probably
why Microsoft doesn't promote it too often), but in essence, DNSSEC validates
data received from the Web. The validation is done at the server level, but the
DNS client expects a security validation. If it doesn't receive it, the data is
blocked off, thus providing an added layer of security to the network. It's not
something users will see often, but
it's especially useful for enterprises looking to
secure their networks.
8. IEEE-1667 Is Finally Here
IEEE-1667 is a standard
established by the IEEE that authenticates USB flash drives before they can gain access to a PC.
Windows 7 supports the standard, which means any and all drives plugged into a
computer will be automatically validated to ensure data cannot be accessed by
third parties. It's especially useful for companies that want to be able to
store data on flash drives, but don't want that data to leak out.
9. BitLocker Improvements
BitLocker, Microsoft's drive-encryption technology is more useful than
ever. Rather than only allowing users to encrypt a drive that's directly
attached to the PC, users can now use Microsoft's BitLocker To Go to encrypt
transient data found on USB flash drives. Once again, it's an extremely
important feature for the enterprise.
10. The Apple Factor
Finally, and perhaps most
importantly, Windows is more secure today because of Apple. For the past few
years, Apple has been winning on the marketing front, driving the point home
that Windows just isn't as secure as Apple's operating system. It pushed some
users to Mac OS X. And Microsoft knows it. When it designed Windows 7,
Microsoft had a goal in mind: make Windows' security as strong as possible to
eliminate Apple's advantage.
Whether or not it has beaten Apple on security is up for debate. But if nothing
else, we know that Windows is more secure than ever.
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