Windows 11 adds new security features that warns users if they store passwords in random apps

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It is obviously not wise to save passwords directly in a plain text file, but there are indeed many users who like to use Notepad to record passwords. Microsoft is ready to deliver a new feature with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen which provides protection against malicious apps or browser extensions. This function can pop up a security reminder when the user saves the password with Notepad, and it is recommended that the user not use such insecure applications to save the password.

“We’re also looking ahead to bring the power of the cloud to hardware with the flexible, updatable Microsoft Pluton security processor. We’re thrilled with the ecosystem progress to date,” Microsoft said during the event.

SmartScreen is what we often call the filter function. The filter works directly at the system kernel level, so the permissions are very high and can provide comprehensive protection. For example, when the file we download through the browser belongs to rogue software, it will be filtered by the filter, and the filter will also pop up a reminder when opening a network file. The new phishing protection feature is also filter-based, which works by judging which applications or software windows users enter their passwords in.

This feature will be enabled by default in Windows 11 22H2 (that is, Sun Valley 2), and users do not need to configure it manually because the feature will be enabled after installation. When turned on, Windows 11 will provide kernel-level phishing protection to prevent users from entering account passwords on insecure websites and applications. Its coverage also includes browsers and browser extensions, so in theory, this can also protect against phishing sites and malicious extensions that can be identified.

Of course, all Microsoft can do is remind users. If users think that websites and applications are safe, they can ignore the prompts and continue to enter or paste their passwords. Therefore, if there is a false alarm, it will basically not interfere with the normal use of the user, and the user can of course turn off this function directly.

Via: windowslatest

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