Virtualization based security

Question

Hello,

I would like to get the maximum security possible on my laptop. Can someone help configure the virtualization based security group policy for the best security?

Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Enabling and configuring Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) on your laptop can significantly enhance its security by isolating critical parts of the OS, using hardware virtualization features. Here are the steps to configure it through Group Policy:

1. Verify Hardware Requirements: Ensure your laptop supports VBS. It usually requires the following:
   • 64-bit processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)
   • CPU virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x/AMD-V)
   • TPM version 2.0
   • UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled
2. Enable Hardware Virtualization:
   • Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (typically by pressing a key like F2, Del, or Esc during startup).
   • Find and enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V and Secure Boot.
3. Enable VBS and Credential Guard via Group Policy:
   • Open the Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Start Menu and pressing Enter.
   • Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Device Guard.
   • Double-click on "Turn on Virtualization Based Security".
   • Set it to "Enabled". Then select the following:
     • Platform Security Level: “Secure Boot and DMA Protection”.
     • Virtualization Based Protection of Code Integrity: “Enabled with UEFI lock”.
   • Next, go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Device Guard -> Credential Guard.
   • Double-click on "Turn on Credential Guard".
   • Set it to "Enabled with UEFI lock".
4. Verify VBS is Enabled:
   • After configuring, restart your laptop.
   • Open System Information by typing msinfo32 in the Start Menu.
   • Check under "Virtualization-based security" to see if it is running.

Best Regards,

Yanhong Liu

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