Essential Windows Security Settings to Enhance Protection (That Hackers Want You to Ignore)

For years, I have been vigilant about the security of my PC. Thankfully, Microsoft Windows has significantly enhanced its security features, including several powerful tools that many users might not be aware of. These valuable settings are readily accessible but often overlooked, allowing cybercriminals to exploit this ignorance.

4 Windows Sandbox

Keeps Suspicious Files Away From Your System

Windows Sandbox offers a completely isolated virtual space where suspicious files can be tested without jeopardizing your primary operating system. Whenever you download something that raises a red flag, you can execute it in the Sandbox first. If it’s malicious, the potential damage remains contained and is erased upon closing the sandbox.

This feature is available exclusively to Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro users. If you’re on the Home edition, consider utilizing free online sandbox tools. To activate Windows Sandbox, follow these steps:

Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog, then type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
Select Turn Windows features on or off from the left panel.
Check the box for Windows Sandbox.
Restart your computer when prompted.

Beyond this basic setup, there are additional methods to enable Windows Sandbox in Windows 11. Once activated, you can easily find and launch it from the Start menu. It initializes a fresh Windows environment within seconds. Subsequently, you can handle that dubious email attachment or examine questionable software; if any trouble arises, simply close the Sandbox, and the threat dissipates.

3 Core Isolation

Stops Advanced Malware in Its Tracks

Core Isolation employs your system’s hardware to establish a fortified barrier around Windows’ essential processes. The primary mechanism, known as Memory Integrity, is instrumental in preventing hackers from injecting harmful code into your system’s memory, a common tactic used by sophisticated malware.

This innovative feature leverages virtualization-based security (VBS) to segregate sensitive operations from the broader operating system. If malware attempts to breach your computer, it cannot interfere with the protected kernel processes. To enable Memory Integrity, execute the following steps:

Press Windows + I to access Settings, then go to Privacy & Security in the left sidebar.
In the main panel, click on Windows Security, then select Device Security.
Find Core Isolation and toggle on Memory Integrity.
Click Restart now when prompted to reboot your system.

One of the standout advantages of Core Isolation is its capacity to thwart kernel-level attacks that traditional antivirus tools might overlook. This feature complements other security measures in Windows’ ecosystem. However, compatibility issues may arise with older drivers, and there could be marginal performance impacts in resource-heavy applications like video games.

If you find that the Memory Integrity toggle is grayed out, you may need to update your drivers or make adjustments to your BIOS settings. Although Windows 11 has enhanced security features making standalone antivirus software debatable, your browsing habits will often dictate the need for additional protection.

2 App and Browser Control

Prevents Dangerous Downloads

App and Browser Control functions as a built-in web protection system that halts harmful downloads before they reach your hard drive. The SmartScreen feature assesses files, websites, and applications against Microsoft’s constantly updated threat database in real time.

This multi-layered protection extends to your browser, file downloads, and even applications from the Microsoft Store. If you attempt to download a flagged item, SmartScreen will either warn you or block the attempt altogether.

Many users first encounter SmartScreen when they see the “Windows protected your PC”alert while attempting to install legitimate software. While it may be tempting to disable this feature, that is precisely what cybercriminals hope for. To ensure your App and Browser Control is configured correctly, follow these instructions:

Access Windows Security through Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
From the main dashboard, select App & browser control.
Under Reputation-based protection, click Reputation-based protection settings.
Make sure Check apps and files is switched on for effective download protection.
Enable SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge if you utilize that browser.
Activate Potentially unwanted app blocking to mitigate bundled software threats.

The “Potentially unwanted app blocking”feature effectively intercepts those unwanted toolbars and system optimizers that often accompany legitimate downloads. SmartScreen may not be infallible, but it does catch a significant amount of malware that other antivirus programs fail to detect, thanks to its cloud-based update mechanism.

While you can temporarily bypass SmartScreen warnings for trusted software, it’s best to avoid making this a regular practice.

1 Controlled Folder Access

Blocks Ransomware

Controlled Folder Access acts as Windows’ layered defense against ransomware attacks, establishing a protective perimeter around your vital directories, including documents, photos, and more, thereby restricting unauthorized applications from making changes.

This feature functions on a whitelist principle, permitting only trusted applications to alter secured folders while denying access to all others. Thus, if ransomware attempts to encrypt your files, it hits a formidable barrier.

Ransomware typically targets user folders where sensitive data resides, but Controlled Folder Access neutralizes such threats. To activate this feature in Windows settings, follow these steps:

Open Windows Security through Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
Navigate to Virus & Threat Protection from the menu.
Scroll down to click on Manage ransomware protection.
Toggle Controlled folder access to the On position.
Next, click Protected folders to view which directories are automatically secured.
Utilize Allow an app through Controlled folder access to add trusted applications to your allowlist.

While you will need to manually approve any legitimate applications wishing to access protected folders, consistently enabling ransomware protection within Windows is crucial as it stands as one of the most effective safeguards against file-encryption threats.

This security feature continuously monitors file system activities in real time, relying on behavioral actions rather than malware signatures. Some productivity applications may trigger false alarms initially, but you can easily add them to the approved list.

These robust security tools have long been embedded within Windows. Dedicating just a few minutes to activate these features could prevent you from suffering the consequences of a devastating ransomware attack or malware infection in the future. Your future self will undoubtedly appreciate these proactive steps.

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