In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, Windows 11 stands as a crucial shield against cyberattacks. Discover how this new operating system strengthens your digital security.
Given the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, Dixie Consulting strongly advises considering migrating to Windows 11. Its advanced security features, including NTLM protection and TPM 2.0, represent a major advancement in corporate data protection. This upgrade is no longer an option but a strategic imperative for any organization concerned about its cybersecurity.
Enhanced Protection Against Password Attacks
The Threat of NTLM and Pass-the-Hash Attacks
Previous operating systems primarily used NTLM for authentication, potentially exposing hashed passwords during SMB connections. This vulnerability allowed attackers to intercept this data and use it to compromise sensitive resources via “pass-the-hash” attacks.
Windows 11’s Innovative Solution
Windows 11 introduces a revolutionary feature: blocking NTLM data transfer over SMB. This innovation allows administrators to:
- Block the transmission of hashed passwords to remote servers
- Effectively prevent the capture and cracking of hashes
- Maintain controlled use of NTLM when necessary
© Windows 11 Logo
Benefits for Enterprise Security
This new approach offers several major advantages:
- Enhanced protection against “pass-the-hash” attacks
- Increased control over network security
- Flexibility in applying security policies
- Ability to create whitelists for specific servers
Verifying Your System’s Compatibility
Before taking advantage of these advanced security features, it’s essential to check your system’s compatibility with Windows 11.
Using the Official Verification Tool
Microsoft provides the PC Health Check application to assess your system’s compatibility:
- Download the tool via this link: https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp
- Install and launch the application
- Follow the instructions to analyze your system
For more information on Windows 11 – Visit the official Microsoft website
Refreshing the Results
If you have made hardware changes, you can update the assessment in two ways:
Via the Task Scheduler:
- Open the Task Scheduler
- Navigate to “Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience”
- Run “Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser”
Via the administrator command prompt:schtasks.exe /Run /TN "\Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser"
Other Major Security Features
Windows 11 also integrates a set of advanced security features, some of which rely on artificial intelligence to detect threats. Like the revolution brought about by AI models like ChatGPT (check out our comprehensive guide to free and paid ChatGPT options), Windows 11 uses modern technologies to enhance your system’s protection:
| Security Feature | Description | Protection Level | Requirements | Performance Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced NTLM Protection | Blocking pass-the-hash attacks | High | TPM 2.0 | Minimal |
| Secure Boot | Protection against rootkits at startup | Very High | UEFI compatible | None |
| Core Isolation | Virtualization of critical processes | High | Compatible processor | Slight |
| Windows Hello | Biometric authentication | Very High | Biometric sensor | None |
| BitLocker | Disk encryption | Very High | TPM 2.0 | Minimal |
| Smart App Control | Application control | Moderate | Clean installation | Moderate |
| Microsoft Defender | Integrated antivirus protection | High | None specific | Slight |
| Integrity control | Real-time system verification | High | None specific | Slight |