Windows 11 22H2 update comes with a serious security boost
New security tool blocks untrusted or potentially dangerous applications
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With the release ofWindows 11 22H2later this year,Microsoftis adding a new security tool that will help protect users frommalwareand other malicious apps being installed on their PCs.
According to anew postin the Windows Insider Blog, the software giant is currently working on a new security feature forWindows 11called Smart App Control. Once enabled, it will prevent untrusted or potentially dangerous applications from being installed on your computer.
In addition to infecting your device with viruses, these potentially unwanted apps may slow down your device, randomly show ads, change the preferred search engine in yourbrowser, install other software and more. Thankfully though, Smart App Control aims to stop them in their tracks by ensuring they’re not installed in the first place.
While deciding which apps shouldn’t be installed on a user’s PC can be difficult, Microsoft has developed a way to automatically detect and flag suspicious apps.
Smart App Control
WhenWindows 1122H2 begins rolling out to Windows PCs, Smart App Control will initially be configured in evaluation mode. When in evaluation mode, the security tool will determine if it can be help protect yourPCwithout getting in the way and if so, it will be turned on automatically.
Once enabled, Smart App Control will scan any apps you try to install to confirm whether or not they’ve been signed by their developer and if the signature is valid. This helps determine if an app is trusted or untrusted as both large companies and even the developers of popularopen source softwaresign their apps using a digital certificate in order to declare and verify their identity.
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Smart App Control will then check the certification and if the signature is valid, the app will be able to run on Windows 11. However, if the signature is invalid, the security tool will then work together withMicrosoft Defenderto run another scan to find out if the app is known and safe. Unsafe and potentially dangerous apps are flagged by Smart App Control and subsequently blocked from being installed on your device.
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Microsoft is in the process of testing out Smart App Control now with Windows Insiders but the feature will be available to everyone using the latest version of itsoperating systemwith the release of its upcoming Sun Valley 2 update for Windows 11.
ViaWindows Latest
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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