Microsoft Windows 7 Security Best Practices and Vulnerabilities - Research Paper Example

Download file to see previous pages There are several features of windows 7 security, which provide the users a freedom to go anywhere on the network quite securely such as Windows 7 Application locker, Data Execution and Prevention, Bitlocker, Internet Explorer 8, Window 7 Direct Access, and Microsoft Virtual hard disk (VHD). While in the second section some of the vulnerabilities of Windows 7 OS are highlighted, where a number of holes existing in the Windows 7 OS are discussed from. As a result, the attackers can enter and cause harm to the system of the user or users in a network.
The Windows 7 operating system has some updated features of security, which are more efficient options available than in windows XP, for instance the updated kernel patch protection, service hardening, data execution prevention, address space layout randomization, and mandatory integrity levels (Shimonski, 2010). Windows 7 has an excellent capability to deal with the viruses, spyware and other malware. Windows 7 uses a wide variety of tools to deal with these unpredictable security threats such as windows application locker and Bit locker Encryption. Along with the efficiency of these features, there exist some vulnerabilities as well, like remote attackers can easily attack, and local users can achieve privileges using crafted applications (CVeDetails, 2014). This paper presents an analysis of Microsoft Windows 7 operating system in the context of its security support. The basic objective of this research is to discuss the best practices and vulnerabilities of Microsoft Windows 7 operating system.
Windows 7 has a wonderful tool, known as App locker that is used to secure executable files. Windows 7 application locker allows the administrator to create custom rules for the execution of executable files. In these rules, one can define: an application that will run, the requirement of rebooting for application, the type of application from specific vendors that can be executed without any restriction, and the specification of vendors that have rigid restrictions on the operating system. Additionally, administrators can redefine the rules developed for the different types of executable files. ...Download file to see next pages Read More