Going back as far as the 2004 release of Windows XP SP2, Windows has offered various GUIs to help users understand the security state of their PC. In modern Windows 10 (RS2+) and Windows 11, the latest version of this graphical user interface is called the “Windows Security Center/App“. The Windows Security App (WSA) isContinue reading “The Windows Security App”
Tag Archives: Windows
Participatory Extensible Security
In the past, I’ve explained how security products combine sensors and throttles with threat intelligence to protect users and devices from attack. I’ve also outlined how the evolution of software, including increased complexity and a focus on privacy, have made it harder than ever for sensors and throttles to function effectively, leading to security andContinue reading “Participatory Extensible Security”
Smart App Control
Users of modern versions of Windows 11 have a powerful security feature for keeping their devices secure, known as Smart App Control. I’ve talked about this feature a few times over the last year, but in April 2026, a powerful improvement landed. Previously, Smart App Control could not be turned back on if you everContinue reading “Smart App Control”
Windows: Choose Where To Get Apps
Modern versions of Windows offer a setting named “Choose where to get apps” which can reduce attack surface by limiting the locations from which applications can be installed. Internally, we’ve called this feature “Smart Install”. By default, this option is set to “Anywhere“, which means that Windows will allow an executable downloaded from the InternetContinue reading “Windows: Choose Where To Get Apps”
Defensive Technology: Ransomware Data Recovery
In a prior installment we looked at Controlled Folder Access, a Windows feature designed to hamper ransomware attacks by preventing untrusted processes from modifying files in certain user folders. In today’s post, we look at the other feature on the Ransomware protection page of the Windows Security Center App — Ransomware data recovery. User-Interface TheContinue reading “Defensive Technology: Ransomware Data Recovery”