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Microsoft has launched a comprehensive Windows Resiliency Initiative aimed at bolstering the security and reliability of its Windows operating system. The initiative includes new features such as Quick Machine Recovery, hardware-backed security baselines, and support for passkeys in Windows Hello.
Microsoft has launched the "Windows Resiliency Initiative" to bolster the security and reliability of its Windows operating system. The primary objective is to enhance the overall resilience of the Windows ecosystem and protect against evolving cyber threats. New features include Quick Machine Recovery, improved user mode capabilities, and collaboration with endpoint security partners. Microsoft is introducing hardware-backed security, administrator protection, passkey support, and other enhancements to improve security and reliability.
Microsoft has recently launched a far-reaching initiative aimed at bolstering the security and reliability of its Windows operating system. Dubbed the "Windows Resiliency Initiative," this comprehensive effort seeks to fortify the foundation upon which users rely for their computing experiences.
The primary objective of the Windows Resiliency Initiative is to enhance the overall resilience of the Windows ecosystem, allowing it to better withstand the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. By implementing a multi-faceted approach that encompasses various security measures and features, Microsoft aims to ensure that its operating system remains a secure and reliable platform for users worldwide.
One of the most significant components of the Windows Resiliency Initiative is Quick Machine Recovery, a feature slated for release in early 2025. This cutting-edge technology enables IT administrators to execute targeted fixes from Windows Update on PCs, even when machines are unable to boot, without needing physical access to the PC. According to David Weston, vice president of enterprise and OS security at Microsoft, this feature will "unblock your employees from broad issues much faster than what has been possible in the past."
Furthermore, Microsoft is introducing new capabilities that allow security tools to be run in user mode, just like regular apps, as opposed to relying on kernel access. This change enables a more seamless and secure experience for users, while also providing a means for easy recovery and reducing impacts at the operating system level in the event of a crash or an error.
In addition to these technical advancements, Microsoft is working closely with endpoint security partners to bolster resilience as part of what's called the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI). This collaborative effort includes gradual product update rollouts and recovery procedures, leveraging deployment rings, and ensuring that there are little-to-no negative consequences from applying those updates.
Some other key changes being implemented by Microsoft include:
* A hardware-backed security baseline for all new Windows 11 PCs, featuring TPM 2.0 and virtualization-based security (VBS) by default
* Administrator protection, which provides users with the security of standard user permissions by default, but allows them to easily make system changes when needed, using Windows Hello authentication
* Support for passkeys in Windows Hello to facilitate phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA)
* Windows Protected Print, which eliminates the need for third-party print drivers
* Personal Data Encryption, an enterprise feature that secures files stored in the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders using Windows Hello
* Hotpatch in Windows, allowing businesses to apply critical security updates without requiring a system restart
* Zero Trust DNS, which restricts Windows devices to approved domains and blocks outbound IPv4 and IPv6 traffic unless resolved by a Protected DNS server or allowed by IT admin
* Config Refresh, which helps protect PCs from configuration drift by automatically returning their settings to the preferred configuration (available now)
These updates are in line with Microsoft's Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multi-year commitment that aims to put security front-and-center when designing new products and counter cyber threats. The development comes as the company is expanding its bug bounty program with a new hacking challenge called Zero Day Quest, aimed at advancing research and security in the areas of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI).
The launch of the Windows Resiliency Initiative marks an important step forward for Microsoft's efforts to enhance the security and reliability of its operating system. By implementing these comprehensive measures, the company is poised to create a more secure and resilient platform for users worldwide.
Related Information:
https://thehackernews.com/2024/11/microsoft-launches-windows-resiliency.html
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/11/19/windows-security-and-resiliency-protecting-your-business/
Published: Wed Nov 20 08:23:43 2024 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
