Seven security features of Windows 7

If you're still using Windows XP, you could be putting your business at risk. In fact, a recent piece of Microsoft research revealed that Windows XP is five times less secure than Windows 7. Even if you're using Windows Vista, an upgrade will double your security. Here are just seven of the features you'll find in Windows 7 that help to make it so safe.

1. EFS - Encrypting File System
Just by right-clicking on a folder and changing its Advanced Properties, you can encrypt the folder, its subfolders and any files so that they can only be read by you with your user account and your password. The process is transparent as far as you’re concerned, but always keep a safe backup of the encryption certificate. Lose it, or suffer a hardware failure, and you could lose access to your data.

2. Windows Backup and Restore

Windows 7 Home Premium offers a built-in backup program, giving you step-by-step guidance and the option to schedule backups. Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate go one step further by offering additional features such as the ability to back up to a home or business network, as well as local drives.

3. Windows Biometric Framework
Biometric security comes built-into Windows 7, providing a means by which users can log securely on to the computer – and the company network. Choose a laptop with a built-in fingerprint reader and your users need never worry about insecure passwords again.

4. BitLocker and BitLocker to Go

With Windows 7 Ultimate you can encrypt your entire hard drive, protecting you from a data breach in the event of loss or theft. BitLocker to Go extends this security to external drives, including USB hard drives and flash drives. Smart admins can set up policies that prevent users from storing data on non-secured drives.

5. AppLocker
Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise editions also provide a more flexible way to control software installation, using the information locked in a program’s signature certificate. Admins can create rules to allow software only from specific publishers, or even with specific names.

6. DirectAccess
Need to offer your employees secure access to your network when they’re working from home or on the road? Then DirectAccess could be the answer. It works in tandem with Windows Server 2008 to provide secure and practically transparent access, so your remote workers don’t need to email sensitive data just because they’re away from the office network – or download them to the dreaded USB thumb drive.

7. InPrivate browsing in Internet Explorer

Don’t leave a trail to follow online. Using InPrivate browsing you can ensure that cookies and temporary internet files aren’t left on your computer, while InPrivate filtering can help prevent websites from collecting information on other sites you visit.

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