What Are The Advantages Of Windows Security?
First of all, the subject of Windows security can be quite complex and may be too technical for many end users if the explanation focuses on the real “inside” details. Maybe the best way to address this question is to look at what the security pieces within the Windows operating system do for the person who just wants to be protected using the computer.
There are several items within Windows that need to be protected because they can be open doors to the rest of the computing world. For example, email messages, especially with attachments, can provide a doorway for viruses, so the user must take particular care to prevent such intrusions. There are a number of low-cost protection programs that will help with this, in support of the protection that comes with the Windows OS.
The Firewall that is part of the Windows package, is a general boundary meant to protect the computer from problems when data is transferred to a network or the World Wide Web or when communication comes to the computer from outside networks, the Web or the Internet. Essentially, the Windows Firewall gives the user the advantage of protection from someone who might attempt to access files from an outside location. This protection is a default setting with the XP Service Pack, for example.
Over the course of about 15 years, developers in the Windows world have focused on authentication, which makes sure that the data and sender are who they say they are and have no malicious motives. This is certainly not foolproof, however, recent developments have allowed users to feel a general sense of safety when sending and receiving to the outside world. Another focus is on authorization, which is slightly different from authentication or is a second step. Some communications are authorized to access, send and receive. The third factor is auditing, which basically looks at computer activity and outside communication on a consistent basis. Reports from the “audit” are available to systems administrators and other users.
Attempts at continuous updates and improvements could be considered advantages of Windows security, as provided with or in support of the operating system. The actual benefit depends on who is reporting the experience. For example, in early 2009 there was a lot of discussion about Windows Genuine Advantage, part of the battle against piracy of Windows programs. But some of the discussion emphasized that the company presented WGA as a security update. The jury went back and forth on this one for some time and, in the end, many users simply decided that WGA provided protection for the massive company but really did little for the end user.
In 2008, some “techies” reported significant advantages of Vista over XP and other previous systems. While there is still some debate about this subject, there has been a strong effort at Microsoft to make computer security a priority. For about six years now there has been a focus on Security Development Lifecycle. According to Microsoft, “Since 2003, this methodology has evolved and matured into a rigorous process that penetrates design, coding, testing, review, and response around all Microsoft products that live in the enterprise, handle sensitive information, or communicate with the Internet in any way.”
Category: Computers, Technology