table of contents
- 01.What is Windows Security?
- 02.Windows Security Features
- 03.How to disable and enable Windows Security
- 04.Microsoft 365 business security features
- 05.Benefits of using Windows Security in conjunction with other security tools
Windows Security refers to the security features that come standard with Windows 10 and 11.
By enabling it, you will be able to detect and remove malware and block unauthorized access from outside.
This article explains Windows Security features and how to disable and enable them.
What you’ll learn in this article
- Windows Security Features
- How to disable and enable Windows Security
- Benefits of using other security tools
If you want to know what Windows security is and whether Windows security alone is enough, please read this article.
What is Windows Security?
Windows Security is a general term for the security features that come standard with Windows 10 and 11.
It was previously known as “Windows Defender Security Center,” but was renamed to its current name when Windows 10’s functionality was updated.
The primary role of Windows Security is to protect your device from threats like viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
It features multifaceted defense functions, including firewall functionality, application control, and device health checks.
The security features of Windows 11 have been recognized by third-party organizations, and the antivirus evaluation organization AV-TEST has given it the highest rating in all categories: protection, performance, and usability.
In recent years, Windows security features have improved dramatically, and an increasing number of Windows 10 and 11 users are finding the built-in features sufficient.
For this reason, many users do not install additional paid security software.
Windows Security Features
Windows Security features include:
- Virus and threat protection
- Protect your account
- Firewall and Network Protection
- App and Browser Control
- Device Security
- Device Performance and Health
- Family Options
Below we’ll take a closer look at the key features included in Windows Security.
Virus and threat protection
Virus & threat protection protects your device from various threats, including viruses and ransomware, by scanning to detect and remove malware.
There are four scanning methods:
| Quick Scan | How to quickly scan |
|---|---|
| Full Scan | How to scan all files and programs on your device |
| Custom Scan | How to scan only selected files and folders |
| Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Offline Scan) | How to scan offline without booting the OS |
You can also customize your protection level and submit threat samples to Microsoft for detailed protection.
Protect your account
“Account Protection” is a feature for protecting your authentication information.
Specifically, strong security can be achieved by utilizing biometric authentication such as facial recognition and fingerprint authentication with “Windows Hello.”
It also has a dynamic lock function, which can automatically lock a Windows device if the paired smartphone moves more than a certain distance away from the Windows device.
Firewall and Network Protection
“Firewall and network protection” is a function that configures a firewall to block unauthorized access from outside.
Networks are classified into three types: “Domain,” “Private,” and “Public,” and it is possible to configure a firewall for each.
This allows you to maintain the right level of protection in different environments, such as at work, at home, or in public.
You can also finely control whether to allow or deny communication for specific apps and services, set connection security rules, and check monitoring logs.
App and Browser Control
App & Browser Control is a feature that protects your device from dangerous apps and files.
Specifically, by setting up Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, the site you visit will be checked against phishing and malicious sites, and a warning will be displayed if a match is found.
This increases the chances of avoiding visiting websites that may be phishing scams or attempting to distribute malware.
Device Security
“Device Security” is a key feature that provides protection at the hardware level.
Specifically, you can strengthen the security of your device by making the following settings:
| Core Separation | Protects against malicious software by isolating critical system processes in memory |
|---|---|
| Security Processor | Encrypting data in storage and protecting encryption keys |
| Secure Boot | Preventing rootkits from loading |
A rootkit is a packaged set of tools that allows attackers to secretly and remotely control a computer or server after it has been compromised.
If you would like to know more, please check out the article below.
Device Performance and Health
“Device Performance and Health” is a feature that allows you to view and check reports related to device performance, such as remaining storage capacity and battery life.
By utilizing this function, you can not only prevent everyday problems from occurring, but also expect to detect system problems early.
Family Options
Family Options is a management feature that allows your family, especially children, to use devices safely.
You can prevent trouble by limiting the apps and websites that your child can use based on their age.
You can also manage your settings remotely by linking your Microsoft account.
This is an effective feature for home security.
How to disable and enable Windows Security
Windows Security is automatically enabled by default, but you can manually change the settings if necessary.
Here we will explain in detail how to change the settings in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
For Windows 10
To disable or enable Windows Security settings in Windows 10, follow the steps below.
- Open “Settings” from the Start menu
- Select “Update and Security” and click “Windows Security.”
- Select “Virus & Threat Protection” and open “Virus & Threat Protection Settings”
- Turn protection on or off as needed
For Windows 11
Follow the steps below to disable or enable Windows Security settings in Windows 11.
- Open “Settings” from the Start menu
- Select “Privacy and Security” and click “Windows Security.”
- Select “Virus & threat protection” and open “Manage settings”
- Turn protection on or off as needed
Change the settings carefully, taking into account company policies and security considerations.
Microsoft 365 business security features
We will explain the main security features of Microsoft 365 for businesses.
- Multi-factor authentication
- Data encryption
- Exchange Online Protection (EOP)
- Access Restrictions
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection
- Microsoft Intune
If you are a company or organization that has a Microsoft 365 contract, be sure to take advantage of this feature.
Multi-factor authentication
With the conventional single authentication method using ID and password, it is difficult to completely prevent the risk of unauthorized access in the event of information leakage.
Multi-factor authentication is an authentication method that solves these issues, and is an advanced security feature that combines multiple authentication methods to verify identity.
Microsoft 365 business security features allow you to set up additional authentication methods, such as a smartphone app, SMS, or voice call.
By implementing multi-factor authentication, you can increase the likelihood of preventing unauthorized access even if your password is leaked to a third party.
Data encryption
Microsoft 365 automatically encrypts data at rest, protecting all information stored on its servers.
In addition, SSL/TLS encryption technology is used during the communication process to protect data sent between users and servers from third parties.
This prevents data eavesdropping and tampering, ensuring the safety of confidential information.
Exchange Online Protection (EOP)
Exchange Online Protection (EOP) is a specialized security system that protects businesses from sophisticated email-based cyber attacks.
Proactively detects malicious software such as ransomware and spyware and prevents them from infiltrating your email system.
Additionally, the cloud storage service SharePoint Online also has advanced malware detection capabilities that automatically scan files when they are uploaded.
By utilizing EOP, you can prevent malicious files from spreading within your organization.
Access Restrictions
Conditional Access allows you to configure granular settings for allowed IPs, device types, locations, and risk levels at the app, user, or group level.
For example, by blocking operations on the management portal from outside the company network or requiring additional authentication only when signing in at a high risk, you can prevent unauthorized use without compromising convenience.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is an advanced security feature that prevents confidential company information from being accidentally leaked.
Automatically identify sensitive data like credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other personal information to prevent inappropriate sharing.
By utilizing this function, you can prevent employees from accidentally sending emails containing confidential information to external parties or engaging in inappropriate file sharing.
Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection
Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection is a cloud-based, advanced email filtering service powered by artificial intelligence technology.
Machine learning technology makes it possible to identify with high accuracy new types of malware and sophisticated phishing emails that are difficult to detect using conventional security measures.
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is an endpoint management platform that can manage a wide range of devices in an integrated manner, from company-issued devices to personal devices used by employees for work.
Devices with different operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, can be monitored and controlled from a single management screen.
By utilizing Microsoft Intune, you can reduce the burden on administrators while maintaining a consistent level of security across the company.
Benefits of using Windows Security in conjunction with other security tools
As mentioned above, Windows Security is a highly functional security feature, but depending on the security needs of companies and individuals, it may be more effective to use it in conjunction with other security tools.
This article explains the benefits of using Windows Security in conjunction with other security tools.
Enables more extensive security measures
By using it in conjunction with other security tools, you can take more comprehensive security measures.
For example, by using it in conjunction with tools that offer professional protection features such as a secure browser, camera protection, and password management, you will be able to address risks that Windows Security alone cannot address.
Support is available
Paid security tools often have a support desk where you can consult with specialist staff via phone or chat.
For example, being able to consult with experts and have them respond when an emergency incident occurs is a major benefit.
In the case of Windows Security, if you have any questions, you post them on the message board and wait for a reply, so please be aware that this takes time and there is a possibility that you may not receive a reply.
Responding to advanced attacks
Cyber ​​attacks are evolving every day, and there are an increasing number of cases where traditional antivirus measures alone are not enough to deal with them.
As a result, standard Windows security currently has limitations in its ability to deal with unknown malware and targeted attacks.
However, paid security tools are equipped with highly accurate defense functions that utilize the latest technology, such as AI-based behavior detection and cloud analysis.
By using these tools in combination, you can build a stronger security system and use your PC safely.
