What's New in Windows 7 - Security Features

Written by: Donna Buenaventura • Edited by: Lamar Stonecypher
Updated Mar 7, 2010 • Related Guides: Windows 7 | Malware

Windows 7, the newest operating system by Microsoft is now the most secure system compared to earlier editions of Windows. Windows 7 has both security enhancements and new security features. Find out the top Windows 7 security features that you should take advantage of at home or in a home office.

Overview

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Windows 7 was released to the public and software stores last October 22, 2009. The new operating system by Microsoft has received positive reviews and feedback from consumers and software developers. It also includes new and improved security features. If you are planning to upgrade to Windows 7, you need to know the security features in Windows 7.

Malware, Privacy and Hacker Protections in Windows 7

Malware Protection – Internet Explorer 8’s SmartScreen Filter in Windows 7 prevents unsafe downloads and blocks fraudulent websites. Also, the Protected Mode in IE will prevent installation of ActiveX or any plug-ins that will modify critical settings in the system or the browser. IE8 will also block any changes in your default search engines in case software or a hijacker tries to modify the settings. The real-time protection of Windows Defender, which is updated daily to detect spyware, adware and other types of malware, is enabled by default in Windows 7. Another feature in Windows 7 to help prevent installation of malware is enabling User Account Control (UAC). UAC will prevent programs from using higher permission in the system unless the user allows it. Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is another security feature in Windows 7. DEP will monitor the programs to make sure it uses system memory safely. It will close any program that will cause security and performance issues on the computer. You can also use XP Mode in Windows 7 to run or test software in a virtual environment before installing it on your host system. Using XP Mode in Windows 7 let you browse the internet and safely remove the changes in the disk. If a spyware or malware has been installed while you are using XP in Windows 7, deleting the changes in the drive will remove any infection as well.
Privacy and Hacker Protection – BitLocker and BitLocker to Go in Windows 7 to secure files and folders by encrypting devices to be restricted with a passphrase set before any users have access to data. If your flash drive or computer is lost, and you took advantage of this feature, hackers or thieves will not be able to access your data on the drive easily. The Internet Explorer 8 also includes a new feature to protect your privacy while browsing the internet by enabling InPrivate Browsing and InPrivate Filtering. Also, Windows 7 supports Biometric devices, e.g. fingerprint reader, that prevent unauthorized user to access your computer. The Windows Firewall in Windows 7 has received improvements too. You can now configure Windows Firewall to create settings based on your location. If you are using a public connection, Windows Firewall will use a restricted or aggressive firewall protection than when you are connected in your private or home network.

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