Security Measures for Windows 10 Pro Workstation Environments

Windows 10 Pro offers numerous features for businesses, but some can expose systems to cyber threats. For workstations handling sensitive data, engaging in crucial activities, or accessing corporate systems, optimizing security settings is paramount.

Built-in Windows Features:

Windows Defender Antivirus:

Integrated antivirus with a firewall for robust protection.
Automatically scans downloaded files and recommends monthly deep rootkit scans.

Windows Defender Antivirus Windows 10 Pro

Windows Defender Exploit Guard:

Anti-malware software providing memory protection and intrusion prevention.
Reduces attack surface, protects folders, and prevents network access for malware.

Windows Defender Device Guard:

Whitelists applications, implementing a code integrity policy.
Safeguards against malicious code compromising the operating system.

Windows Defender Application Guard:

Runs browser sessions in a virtual machine for isolation.
Whitelists trusted sites, ensuring security during web browsing.

Windows Defender Credential Guard:

Isolates login information, preventing credential theft.
Stores credential information as randomized, full-length hashes.

Microsoft SmartScreen:

Scans and prevents execution of known malware.
Compares email and website reliability against Microsoft’s blacklist.

Windows Hello:

Supports biometric identification for secure logins.
Utilizes fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition technologies.

Windows Hello Windows 10 Pro

Windows Sandbox:

Runs unknown applications in an isolated virtual environment.
Mitigates threats by preventing full exposure to untrusted applications.

Windows Hello Windows 10 Pro

Windows Secure Boot:

Safeguards UEFI/BIOS against ransomware.
Configurable to allow only signed code by Microsoft or hardware manufacturers.

Windows BitLocker Encryption:

Encrypts entire drives, preventing unauthorized access.
Requests a password and generates a recovery key for enhanced security.
Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) and Exploit Protection:

Provides protection for third-party and legacy applications.
Integrated into Windows 10 versions 1709 and onwards for exploit protection.

Windows Information Protection (WIP):

Mitigates data leaks, especially in BYOD scenarios.
Separates personal and company data without disrupting user experience.
Integrates audit reports and supports management systems like Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager and Intune.
Implementing these security measures helps safeguard Windows 10 Pro workstations from various threats, ensuring a resilient defense against malware, unauthorized access, and privilege escalation.