Security Improvements in Windows 11

Microsoft’s newest operating system only runs on new computers, typically those built on or after 2019. The core reason for this is simple: Windows 11 provides a full slate of new security features that protects your data and business from the rapidly escalating danger posed by cyberattacks.

Traditionally, Windows has been a general purpose operating system. Your business had nearly complete control of software, configurability, and security. Contrast this to your typical cellular phone running on a carrier network – locked down, restricted to apps approved by Google and Microsoft, not customizable. In practice, Windows 11 will take a middle ground approach – while you can still install other operating systems on your hardware, Windows 11 will only boot up if the motherboard and operating system verifies that everything is secure and intact. While it is possible to run Windows without this, you’ll be locked out of protected data and applications, the same way a modern DVD player might reject a bootleg video purchased at a foreign airport.

With this new foundation, Windows 11 is also able to take advantage of new processor and virtualization features. It’s now possible for a Medical EMR or Financial System application to completely reject access from other processes on the the computer, effectively blocking the ability for private and secure data to leak through untrustworthy software. Malware and ransomware can no longer completely hijack a computer and motherboard unless an administrator disables protection. Even the traditional concept of a system administrator with full access – a classic and social point of vulnerability – is mitigated through a new concept in: Zero Trust Security

We strongly recommend Windows 11 for all of our Medical Practices and Financial Services clients. If you’d like to learn more, or to schedule a complimentary Network Assessment, please reach out to RWA today.