What can Windows 10 offer in terms of cyber security?
Our operating systems are the lifeblood of our computers, and in many cases, they are what allow users to be productive at home and at work. So when there are threats to our systems from the inside, it might just pay to have a secure set of programs backing you up.
Windows 10 was rolled out towards the end of 2015, and since then it has seen widespread popularity. Is the rise of this new operating system worth it for those at risk of a cyberattack, though? And how do other systems stack up in comparison?
Windows 10 - the rise
Analysis from Net Market Share indicates that of all the operating systems on the market, approximately 13 per cent of people have switched over to the newest Windows edition(1). While there are still 52.34 per cent of people using the popular, and very functional, Windows 7(1), the fact that Windows 10 is the second-largest part of the market is great news for Microsoft's business.
In fact, Windows reported that there were over 14 million downloads within the first day of the roll-out (2), and that number is estimated to have increased further to around 60 million, according to Beta News(3).
There are a significant amount of users on devices with Windows 10 now, and as a relatively new platform, hackers have attempted to take advantage of any security flaws.
The ESET Trends 2016 (In)Security Everywhere report states that Microsoft plans to have more than 3 billion devices around the world using its new platform over the next three years(4), and for that to happen, there needs to be a significant benefit for users to change over from their existing systems. Symantec has recently discovered a ransomware program that can target the Mac OS X operating system - the first of its kind(5) - so that could potentially discourage new users moving onto Apple systems.
But more than half of the users around the world are still on board with the old Windows 7, even though Microsoft has offered free upgrades to its latest offering. Windows 7 was a number of levels above the rushed Windows Vista in terms of functionality, so it's no wonder that it still reigns supreme, but why does it top the charts even though Windows 10 has been so successful? Well, the first hurdle might be the fact that people perceive Windows 10 to be built for touchscreen devices, but there is also the idea that it's still a new operating system, and there haven't been enough tests run on its security measures.
Well, ESET believes otherwise.
Windows Defender upgrades are the key
Significant upgrades to Windows' own security system, Windows Defender, have allowed greater protection protocols to be put into place4. File-less malware infections and enhanced scanning are just two ways that the operating system has been developed to protect users(4).
If malware is active on your device, it could be stealing your personal information without you even knowing. Bank accounts and social media profiles are at risk, but so is personal identity. That could be used to apply for a line of credit which will then rack up debt in the affected user's name - that could be happening without any warning. Having a strong virus scanner installed on devices will help, but vigilance is key when browsing the web. Attacks can come from just about anywhere.
Microsoft has also unveiled the new internet browser, Edge(4), with the Windows 10 roll-out. This has a simpler source code which means there are less vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit, and while the old Windows Explorer is still available with the new operating system, Microsoft highly recommend using Edge(4).
Microsoft has also started collecting telemetry data about crash reports and infections, which is helping the user confidence and experience(4), so as it continues to improve Windows 10, the organisation will move closer to its target of three billion users.
Helping out the user
While Microsoft is focusing on security breaches, user access is also being thoroughly overhauled, and ESET has noted that some of the best improvements come in this area. Windows Hello is an authentication system that has the ability to use biometrics scanning (of the face, eye and finger) to verify a user's identity(6). Pins and traditional passwords can also be used(6), but these are more susceptible to being infiltrated. Iris scans are no longer a concept for the future that we see in movies, you can use the security system on your very own devices.
There are a number of ways that Windows 10 will improve the security of your home or work systems. Protection from malware sits atop that list in terms of preventing attacks on your identity which is of the utmost importance in this day and age.
1. Net Market Share. Accessed March 2016.
2. Windows. Accessed March 2016.
3. Beta News. Accessed March 2016.
4. ESET. Accessed March 2016.
5. Symantec Security Response. Accessed March 2016.
6. ESET We Live Security. Accessed March 2016.