14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 sure comes with lots of improvements, mostly in terms of features and visual effects, but Microsoft has also implemented a series of enhancements under the hood that make the operating system as a whole more secure for users and organizations.
In a blog post detailing the security improvements available in Windows 10, Microsoft reveals that the new OS comes with multi-factor authentication which “eliminates the need for additional hardware security peripherals.”
There’s no doubt that such an addition is really helpful for those who’re focused on security more than on anything else, while also reducing the overall investments needed to protect data, as additional hardware is no longer necessary.
Microsoft says that users will be allowed to set up multi-factor authentication on each of the devices they have with Windows 10 and “once enrolled, device themselves become one of the two factors that are required for authentication.”
Automatic encryption for corporate networks
Since Windows 10 is focused so much on improving the desktop and making the operating system better for enterprises and organizations, the new platform also includes a new automatic encryption mode for corporate apps, data, email, and websites.
“This solution will provide the same experience on Windows Phone as we see on the Windows desktop and we’ll provide interoperability such that protected documents can be accessed across multiple platforms,” Microsoft says.
At the same time, the operating system also includes new VPN connectivity options, but some might fail to work properly in the existing preview builds.
Microsoft itself has admitted that there are some bugs in the way VPN connections work, but all of these are supposed to be fixed in the upcoming updates for Windows 10 Technical Preview.
Lock down devices and apps
As far as organizations and corporations are concerned, the new operating system comes with options to lock down devices and allow only certain applications. Microsoft says that this could add a new layer of security against threats and malware, without the need for additional software solutions.
Again, Windows Phone serves as source of inspiration for all these changes, with the company explaining that each organization will be allowed to select which apps they want to run on the target device.
In addition, on Windows 10, companies can also select desktop software solutions, in addition to apps signed by corporations, SIVs, or from the Windows Store.
Some of these improvements are already available in Windows 10 Preview, but the rest will be implemented in the final version of the operating system which according to sources should debut in spring 2015.