What you need to know
- Microsoft announced several security features at Ignite 2024.
- The tech giant introduced the Windows Resiliency Initiative during the conference, which focuses on strengthening security through enhanced admin privilege controls, improved identity protection, and learning from recent incidents, such as the CrowdStrike disaster that occurred this past July.
- Quick Machine Recovery, one of the key features announced, allows IT admins to execute targeted fixes from Windows Update remotely even if a PC is unable to boot.
As a seasoned researcher with over two decades of experience in the tech industry, I’ve seen my fair share of operating system evolutions and security challenges. The announcements made at Microsoft’s Ignite 2024 conference were particularly intriguing, given my own memories of the CrowdStrike disaster this past July. It was a stark reminder that even the most robust systems can face unexpected issues, and it seems Microsoft has learned valuable lessons from that event.
Over three-and-a-half decades, Windows has established itself as a dominant force in professional settings, with countless computers worldwide running this operating system. Due to its widespread use, Windows systems are frequently targeted by cyberattacks. To bolster system security and offer tools for IT administrators to safeguard data and devices, Microsoft dedicates significant resources. At their Ignite 2024 conference, Microsoft detailed their plans for enhancing the security of Windows 11, discussed why upgrading to the most recent version is important, and revealed upcoming security features.
At Microsoft Ignite 2024, which takes place from November 19 to November 21 online, there’ll be a flurry of conversations centered around Windows, security, and upcoming innovations. To prepare us, Microsoft has already provided overviews and specifics about the key advancements that will dominate the conference discussions.
Quick machine recovery
The headline security feature announced at Ignite 2024 is Quick Machine Recovery. The feature allows IT admins to execute targeted fixes from Windows Update remotely, even if a PC is unable to boot. Remote access is the key, as it reduces the time required to fix bricked PCs.
At Ignite 2024, several new security enhancements like Quick Machine Recovery were unveiled, which have been inspired by insights gained from the CrowdStrike incident that occurred in July last year. Earlier this year, a problem led to one of the most significant outages ever experienced, impacting airlines, TV broadcasters, retail businesses, emergency service providers like 911 operators, and numerous other industries. This IT failure was deemed catastrophic. The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) appeared on systems following the incident, leading to heavy criticism towards Microsoft. However, it’s important to note that the issues were not entirely Microsoft’s fault. Features like Quick Machine Recovery aim to prevent similar incidents in the future, although I’m confident Microsoft hopes there will never be another event as severe as CrowdStrike.
Quick Machine Recovery will enter testing among Windows Insiders in early 2025.
Admin privileges
At Ignite 2024, Microsoft tackled persistent issues related to Windows security, including the risk posed by overprivileged users and applications potentially damaging systems. The problem with administrator privileges arises because organizations must either grant a user full administrative access or make them a standard user, which doesn’t provide enough flexibility for various work processes. This rigid division lacks the necessary subtlety in many day-to-day tasks.
Restricting administrator access can be a smart move because individuals with administrative rights have the power to modify system settings, such as the registry, and install software. However, it’s important to note that personal computers sometimes need administrator privileges for simple tasks like adjusting the time zone. If a user is made into a standard user, they might need to submit a support ticket to an IT admin for tasks like changing the time zone. Microsoft is currently exploring ways to strike a balance and is experimenting with solutions to address this dilemma.
A new feature called “Administrator Protection,” now in beta testing, enables regular users to momentarily obtain higher permissions following a secure login process. Once identity is confirmed using Windows Hello, Windows generates a temporary admin token isolated for specific tasks like installing essential software. This token ceases to exist once the task is finished, restoring the user’s standard privileges.
The administrative protection works so that hackers can’t maintain admin rights, even when they gain access to a system. This is because it necessitates authentication through Windows Hello and issued tokens are only temporary.
Windows 11 vs Windows 10
As a researcher delving into the presentations at Microsoft’s Ignite 2024 event, it appears that the company continues to emphasize the enhanced security features of Windows 11 compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. I can’t help but suspect that this focus is driven by their desire to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 ahead of its older version reaching end-of-support in October 2025.
Many millions of personal computer users have been hesitant or simply unable to update their systems to Windows 11 because their hardware doesn’t meet the necessary requirements. Interestingly, one of the key features Microsoft emphasized during Ignite 2024, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), is actually a significant hurdle preventing many PCs from upgrading to Windows 11.
Microsoft emphasized enhancements to the security of Windows 11 computers, showcasing features such as Credential Guard, fortified Local Security Authority, and having BitLocker activated automatically on numerous contemporary systems. Furthermore, they took out potentially unsafe programming during the development of Windows 11.
Based on Microsoft’s report, there has been a significant decrease of 62% in security incidents, and firmware attacks have diminished by nearly three times, thanks to the company’s dedicated security measures.
It’s quite likely that Windows 11 offers enhanced security compared to Windows 10, given Microsoft’s dedication to improving security and setting strict hardware requirements in alignment with their vision for secure devices. However, I anticipate that some users may continue to operate unsupported devices either because they can’t afford a new PC or are reluctant to replace functional ones.
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2024-11-19 16:40