Strengthening IT System Security: Analyzing Microsoft’s App Blocking Feature
The rapid evolution of IT systems and the increasing number of cyber-attacks have made it critical for technology companies to ensure the security of their products. This post will discuss the benefits of Microsoft’s app blocking feature and how it is likely to improve the security of its IT system.
Microsoft is a giant in the technology field and leads the way in development of new innovative software programs designed to make every aspect of life easier.
Because it manufactures so many popular applications, Microsoft software programs have become a lucrative target for computer hackers who target Microsoft users in order to gain access to millions of computers (unbeknownst to computer users worldwide) that hold a plethora of valuable personal and confidential information.
In an effort to curb the nefarious hacking that has plagued Microsoft users worldwide and in an attempt to get customers to use options offered in its “Windows Store” more often, Microsoft is currently evaluating an innovative function for Windows 10 that prevents installation of desktop apps unless they come directly from the official Microsoft Windows Store.
The move by Microsoft to evaluate and implement a new feature for Windows 10 that prevents the installation of desktop apps unless they come from the official Microsoft Windows Store is a significant step towards improving IT system security.
When enabled this option will prevent computer users from installing classic Win32 applications, which include many popularly used programs like Google Chrome and Adobe Photoshop. Win32 is the programming interface used for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Operating Systems, starting with Windows 95.
Enhancing App Security: Microsoft’s New Feature for Windows 10
This new feature limits the scope of apps users can install and may be very useful to newbies since they are much less likely to install malware on their electronic devices. The Windows Store offers apps to meet most of their needs and newbies can also get a variety of Win32 apps from the Windows Store using Microsoft’s Desktop App Converter.
The new feature is disabled by default in Windows 10, but users can easily enable it if they choose by going to the Apps and Features category and selecting Settings. Users will have the option of allowing or blocking installation of Win32 apps altogether as well as an alternative that gives priority to apps from the Windows Store without blocking standard desktop applications (which will result in a prompt asking for approval of the installation anytime you run a non-Windows Store app).
Users who enable the feature and then attempt to install a Win32 app will get a warning in the form of a dialog box that reminds them that the Windows Store is the only “safe and reliable” place to obtain software.
Microsoft is expected to release the Windows 10 Update in April, 2017 which will include a variety of other new features for use in Windows 10.
Microsoft is also developing an update for its IT system, specifically for Windows 10, which aims to create a truly universal operating system for electronic devices by prohibiting users from installing any Win32 apps. The move is aimed at improving the security of its IT system by restricting access to potentially harmful software that could compromise the system’s integrity.
