Do you still need Virus Protection with Windows 11?

Do you doubt that Windows 11 is more secure? Should I need antivirus software for virus protection with windows 11? Well, here are some of the things one must keep in mind while using Windows 11.

When Microsoft first released Windows 11, it boasted that it was the most secure version yet. Given the necessity for a trusted platform module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot to ensure complete compatibility and a guarantee of future security updates, the company’s criteripassa strongly suggest that Windows 11 outperforms its predecessor.

However, Microsoft’s promotion of Windows 11 as more secure has an unforeseen consequence. Some individuals now assume that they don’t need to do anything else besides completing the hardware and security criteria. That isn’t the case.

TPM and Secure Boot protect only two sorts of attacks. A TPM is a device that maintains information about encryption and authentication (like Windows Hello biometric data).

It checks your configuration settings to keep it safe, and if it discovers a change, it will lock you out until you produce a recovery key or use another way of login. Secure Boot, for its part, verifies that the BIOS (technically, UEFI) drivers and operating system signatures are legitimate and trustworthy before granting control of the OS.

These safeguards are effective against newer assaults, but older, more well-known dangers, such as malware that targets your operating system activities, still exist. You presumably already know how to defend yourself against these threats, and you should continue to be cautious on Windows 11.

Microsoft Defender is preloaded in Windows 11. Microsoft Defender has a high reputation and is among the best in the industry. However, it isn’t the greatest if you want to go by top AV test results.

It’s lightweight and offers above-average protection against the majority of threats. If you often download files from the internet from unknown sources, consider utilizing a third-party antivirus tool such as Kaspersky or Bitdefender.

Yes, most likely, because Windows 11 is still insecure. Making this window fully functioning and free of errors and malfunctions will take longer. Microsoft is doing everything possible to make Windows 11 more secure. Let’s make the leap from Windows 7 to Windows 11, just like we did from Windows 8 to Windows 10. Then we can determine whether or not we still require virus protection with Windows 11.

It makes no difference how secure a system is. If it becomes extensively utilized, viruses will certainly be designed for it. Yes, for everyday use and if you are diligent and know how to prevent malware, Windows Defender 11 should suffice.

Security Threats Associated with Windows 11

Malware and Viruses

Those hazardous sites you could unintentionally click on or those apps you thought were safe to download? Yes, it would help if you still were on the lookout for them. The greatest defence against such hazards is to be cautious in your regular activities, but you can’t protect yourself from everything.

Sometimes you make a mistake—or worse, you do nothing at all—and a hardware or software vulnerability is uncovered.

Yes, antivirus software is still required on Windows 11. However, Microsoft includes a security solution with the operating system: Windows Security. It’s a solid basic choice that should be enough for anyone who wants to use the internet safely. Simply ensure that it is switched on; it should be by default.

Also read: 5 Best Tools to Delete Spyware and Malware from Your System

Zero Trust Security

While it’s true that Microsoft is significantly raising the hardware requirements for Windows 11—far more than it did for Windows 10—a lot has changed for Microsoft in terms of security since Windows 10 in 2015. The growth of ransomware assaults, side-channel vulnerabilities like Spectre and Meltdown, and the mammoth SolarWinds hack have all entangled Microsoft and its platforms in various ways.

Microsoft has become significantly more public and active about the need for increased security in the last year. This has included a push for organizations to move away from on-premises technology and toward the cloud. Moving to the cloud, on the cloud he other hand, does not address many of the most serious PC security vulnerabilities, leaving PCs as a weak link.

One way to think about Microsoft’s bigger objective is that it wants to offer “zero trust” security for its clients, which is predicated on the idea that no user should be trusted by definition since they may be hacked.

In a recent interview with CRN, Microsoft Channel Chief Rodney Clark revealed that zero trust security will be a significant focus at next month at the Inspire 2021 partner conference.

TPM 2.0

A PC with a Trusted Computing Module (TPM) 2.0 chip is one of the other important hardware security protocols for running Windows 11.

Microsoft’s TPM documentation says that a TPM security chip is used for cryptographic operations and has “several physical security methods” that make it hard to change. “Malicious software cannot interfere with the TPM’s security functionality.” The business says that one of the benefits of TPM is that it can make and store cryptographic keys and authenticate devices.

According to Michael Montagliano, chief of innovation at ProArch, an Atlanta-based Microsoft Gold partner, requiring a TPM chip in Windows 11 boosts any zero-trust security solution.

Some reported issues with Microsoft Windows Defender

• Many third-party rivals have poorer malware detection rates.
• The Microsoft Edge browser is the only one with parental controls.
• The main user interface is clumsy and difficult to operate.
• A basic PC system health report (no performance-boosting or system cleanup) is provided.
• There is no cross-platform compatibility (except for enterprise users).
• Additional features such as a VPN, password manager, dark web surveillance, and identity theft protection are not available, as they are with third-party antiviruses.

Reasons to like Windows Defender

There are many reasons to prefer Windows Defender, especially since Microsoft has been working hard to enhance it in recent years. It presently provides:

• Detection of threats in real-time.
• Firewall and network security.
• Phishing sites are guarded against.
• Reports on the system’s performance.
• Hardware safety is important.
• Controls by the parents.

Windows 11 Security Features

Microsoft has released Windows 11 with several speeds, user experience, and security enhancements. In terms of the latter, Windows 11 is perhaps the most secure operating system Microsoft has ever launched. It has extensive security features such as S-mode, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 (trusted platform module).

Many customers wonder if they still need antivirus for Windows 11 because of the increased security features. Here’s what you need to understand about Windows 11 and its security features to address such inquiries:

Microsoft account

It is required to utilize a Microsoft account that is linked to your device with Windows 11. This protects your data in the event that your device is lost or stolen. All you have to do now is make sure your device’s password is strong. Bitlocker is a feature in Windows 11 that encrypts your files.

Windows 11 S mode

Windows 11 S mode is the best security feature to have on your PC for normal home usage. This security feature only allows you to install programs from the Microsoft Store. This reduces the possibility of installing malware or viruses from third-party programs.

Furthermore, using the Microsoft Edge browser in S-mode safeguards your online surfing activity. For security concerns, S-mode does not enable you to use other browsers. In most cases, if you use Windows 11 in S-mode, your computer and data will be protected.

When running Windows 11 in S-mode, you don’t need to buy antivirus software.

Windows Defender

Windows Defender, the built-in security suite, was initially released in 2006. It had previously existed under the name Microsoft AntiSpyWare. Over time, Windows Defender has seen considerable advancements. Windows Defender delivers a wide variety of security measures in its most recent edition, which is included with Windows 11. It’s part of the Windows Security system.

Real-time virus and threat prevention, account protection, firewall, and network protection, app and browser management, parental controls, and device (hardware) security are some of the most critical security features. This is equivalent to third-party antivirus software’s security features.

Ransomware protection

In response to the increasing number of ransomware attacks, Microsoft has included specialised ransomware protection in Windows 11. It works by preventing programmes from modifying files and directories that aren’t permitted. Users may pick which of their key files and folders they wish to remain ransomware-free. As can be seen, Windows 11 provides strong security on the computer’s hardware and software sides. You may not require third-party antivirus for Windows 11 if you only browse trustworthy sites and don’t utilize external devices like USB drives or external hard drives. The built-in Windows Defender and Windows Security should handle most threats.

You should use a reputable third-party antivirus programme if you don’t want even the slightest danger. This may also be important since hackers are always seeking ways to exploit security flaws in computer systems. New dangers emerge regularly, and the cycle is virtually never-ending.