In a bid to enhance user security, Microsoft has unveiled a series of advancements across its products, including Windows 11, Microsoft 365, Intune, and Defender. The tech giant is making strides towards a passwordless future, introducing improved passkeys features in Windows 11, set to arrive in preview form on September 26.
Users will experience cross-device passkeys registration and the ability to access websites or applications using facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN through Windows Hello. “As we rapidly iterate and improve technology, it’s imperative that we do so with a security-first mindset,” emphasized Vasu Jakkal, Microsoft Corporate Vice President.
Empowering IT and Enhancing Application Control
Microsoft is not just stopping at user-level security; it is also empowering IT teams with robust tools. The company is introducing Application Control for Business in Intune, a rebranded and enhanced version of Windows Defender Application Control.
This feature employs a trust model to ensure that only secure and approved applications gain access to devices, thereby fortifying organizational security. Additionally, Microsoft is implementing Config Refresh in Windows 11, a feature that resets configuration settings periodically to protect against unauthorized changes, providing an added layer of defense.
Advanced Security for Individuals and Families
Addressing the security needs of individual users, Microsoft has announced the introduction of credit monitoring and privacy protection services in Microsoft Defender for Individuals. These services aim to alert users to potentially malicious activity related to their credit and shield sensitive data on open and public Wi-Fi networks. Furthermore, Microsoft 365 Basic subscribers will soon have access to OneDrive Advanced Security features, including unlimited files in Personal Vault and ransomware detection and recovery, starting October 12, 2023.
