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Windows 7 Security

Windows Vista dramatically changed Windows operating system security. Most significantly, Windows Vista used lesser-privileged standard user accounts for most tasks by default. Implemented as part of User Account Control (UAC) and Windows Internet Explorer Protected Mode, the effect was to decrease malware infections by limiting the changes an application can make to the operating system without the user approving the changes.

Windows 7 refines the improvements to Windows Vista. UAC is now less intrusive by default. Windows BitLocker is more flexible and has been extended to work with removable storage. Windows AppLocker provides more flexibility when restricting which applications a user can run. Windows Firewall now supports separate profiles for a physical network and a virtual private network (VPN). Although Windows Vista dramatically changed Windows client operating system security, Windows 7 focuses on making the most of the security foundation established in Windows Vista.

This tutorial provides an overview of the most important Windows Vista and Windows 7 security improvements, explains how they can improve common security scenarios, and offers information about how you can use these security improvements to meet your organization's security requirements.

In this tutorial:

  1. Addressing Specific Security Concerns
  2. Help Desk Calls Related to Malware
  3. Protecting Against Bundling and Social Engineering
  4. Protecting Against Browser Exploit Malware Installations
  5. Protecting Against Network Worms
  6. Data Theft
  7. Security Features Previously Introduced in Windows Vista
  8. Windows Defender
  9. Windows Firewall
  10. Encrypting File System
  11. Credential Manager Enhancements
  12. New Security Features of Windows 7