As technology advances, the threat of cyberattacks grows more severe. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, finding new ways to deceive individuals, steal personal information, and infiltrate accounts. Common threats include phishing emails, stolen passwords, malicious software, and scams designed to trick people into revealing their details.
These dangers affect everyone, and it is increasingly difficult for even the most tech savvy to catch. Given the escalating risks, Microsoft has updated Windows 11 to include more powerful, built-in security to help protect you.
Let's explore some of the amazing security features enhancing your security on Windows 11.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
One of the ways to help stay protected is to use Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Imagine clicking a suspicious link. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will detect the threat, block the download, and notify you, helping prevent data theft or system damage. It's on by default, reducing the need for an alternative antivirus on Windows 11.
Security by default - out of sight, but not out of mind
Hardware security barriers such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chips help Windows 11 PCs protect your encryption keys, your credentials, and other sensitive data. This helps prevent hackers and malware from accessing or altering your data.
It's important to keep your PC up to date, to ensure you get the latest updates to the important security hardware and other built-in security features of Windows 11 that help safeguard your personal information and digital identity from cybercriminals.
Passwordless authentication
For years, passwords have been the primary method of securing accounts. However, with today's sophisticated online threats, passwords alone are insufficient.
Tip: Microsoft now blocks more than 7,000 password attacks per second, more than 75% increase from a year ago, which shows that password security is too prone to attacks and not even a strong password can guarantee protection of your digital identity in the present age.
Are you concerned that if you don't have a password, how will you sign in?
Going passwordless is the next generation of sign-in security - it's simple, fast, secure.
To help enhance security, passwordless login options such as Windows Hello and Passkeys provide a faster, easier, and more secure way to sign in to your PC. Or once you remove your password from your Microsoft account, you sign in using a passwordless method such as Windows Hello or an authenticator app.
Click to expand a section below to learn more:
Windows Hello helps you to sign in using your face, fingerprint, or a PIN, offering an extra layer of protection that hackers may not easily bypass.
Windows Hello works with:
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Facial recognition: Instantly unlock your device by looking at the camera.
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Fingerprint scanner: Sign in with a simple touch.
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PIN code: Use a unique PIN that works only on your device, unlike a password.
Benefits of using Windows Hello include:
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More secure: Unique biometric data can make it harder for hackers to break in.
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Faster access: No need to type long passwords; just scan your face or touch a sensor.
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PIN security: A PIN works only on your device, in the advent of someone getting your pin, they won’t be able to do anything without access to your PC.
Passkeys are phish-resistant credentials that help you to sign in to websites using your device. Unlike passwords, passkeys are securely stored on your device and are unlocked by using your face, your fingerprint, or a PIN.
If you want to stop worrying about forgetting passwords or falling victim to phishing scams, use passkeys wherever you can.
Once set up, passkeys offer:
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Enhanced security: Replace passwords, making sign-in much safer.
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No phishing risk: Hackers cannot steal passkeys through fake websites or scams.
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Quick & easy: Sign in instantly with Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN – no more forgotten passwords!
Microsoft Authenticator is a free mobile app that helps you sign in to all your accounts without using a password - just use a fingerprint, face recognition, or a PIN.
You can use Authenticator to sign in to your Microsoft personal, work, school or other accounts.
Learn more about Microsoft Authenticator.
Defender SmartScreen
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen helps protect you from dangerous websites, fake downloads, and phishing scams. It runs silently in the background, checking websites and files to help keep you safe.
Imagine browsing the internet with less fear of landing on malicious sites or downloads. Defender SmartScreen helps to provide more continuous protection, allowing you to navigate the web securely.
Defender SmartScreen works by:
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Scanning Websites: Warning you before entering suspicious sites.
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Blocking Dangerous Downloads: Helps prevent harmful files from being downloaded.
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Checking Trusted Web Services: Compares sites and apps against known threats.
Benefits of using Defender SmartScreen include:
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Blocks Phishing & Malware: Helps stop fake sites and harmful software.
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Smart Security Alerts: Warns you about risky websites, downloads, and apps.
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Always Updated: Continuously learns about new threats and updates automatically.
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Extra Protection in Microsoft Edge: Uses SmartScreen to help block malicious downloads and dangerous websites.
You can find Microsoft Defender in Windows settings > Windows Security > Virus and threat protection.
Smart App Control
Smart App Control helps keep you safe by only allowing apps from known publishers and others that our app intelligence service predicts to be safe. That significantly reduces the risk of viruses, malware, and unwanted software impacting you.
Imagine using your PC with confidence, knowing that Smart App Control is there proactively blocking unknown and potentially harmful apps. This feature brings peace of mind through a safer digital experience.
The benefits of using Smart App Control include:
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Blocks untrusted apps: Helps prevent apps with poor reputation from running.
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Proactively stops Malware & other unwanted apps: Helps block suspicious software.
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Enhances security using Microsoft’s AI: Checks whether apps are safe before they launch using Microsoft's cloud-based app intelligence service.
You can find Smart App Control in Windows settings > Windows Security > App and browser control.
Enhanced Phishing Protection
Enhanced Phishing Protection in Windows 11 helps prevent phishing attacks across all browsers and apps. It actively monitors password entry and helps to keep you from falling into traps set by hackers.
Imagine the security of knowing that your passwords are monitored in real-time, helping protect you from phishing attacks. Enhanced Phishing Protection can help provide this level of security, reducing the risk of credential theft.
Benefits of Enhanced Phishing Protection:
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Real-time password monitoring: Warns you if you enter your Windows password on suspicious sites.
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Protection against unsafe password use: Alerts you if you reuse your password on risky sites.
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Blocks credential theft: Compares sites to Microsoft’s threat database and blocks fake login pages.
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Works across apps and browsers: Offers broad protection regardless of the browser or app used.
Want to learn more?
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For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option.
Important: To protect your account and its contents, our support agents are not allowed to send password reset links, or access and change account details.
