Secure Windows

Applies To: Windows 8, Windows 8.1

Get proven guidance to help you better secure and protect your Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 infrastructure by using technologies such as AppLocker, BitLocker, and Windows Firewall. This section offers technology overviews, step-by-step guides, and answers to frequently asked questions.

In this library

• Windows 8 Security Overview

• What's Changed in Security Technologies in Windows 8.1

• What's Changed in Security Technologies in Windows 8

• Access Control and Authorization Overview

• AppLocker Overview

• BitLocker

• Credential Locker Overview

• Secure Boot

• Software Restriction Policies

• Trusted Platform Module Technology Overview

• Virtual Smart Card Overview

• Windows Authentication

• Windows Biometric Framework Overview

• Windows Selective Wipe for Device Data Management

Additional resources in the Windows Server Library

• Encrypted Hard Drive

• Security Policy Settings Overview

• Smart Card Overview

• User Account Control Overview

• Windows Firewall with Advanced Security Overview

Support and enhance critical security needs

Many technologies, features, and configuration options can be used to enhance the security of computers and networks. Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 supports and enhances critical security needs, including:

• Authentication and identity

• Authorization and isolation

• Data protection

• Secure networking

The following resources highlight key technologies and features that can be used as building blocks to address these needs (some may be stand-alone solutions, and others are version-interdependent). For more information, see Secure Windows Server 2012.

Technology or feature	Authentication and identity	Authorization and isolation	Data protection	Secure networking
Access Control	X	X	X	X
Active Directory Certificate Services	X	X	X	X
Active Directory Domain Services (including Dynamic Access Control and Active Directory Rights Management Services)	X	X	X	X
Biometrics	X	X		X
BitLocker (including Encrypted Hard Drive)	X	X	X
Encrypting File System			X
Group Policy (including Security Policy Settings)	X	X	X	X
Remote Access (including DirectAccess, Routing, and VPN)	X	X		X
Security Auditing	X	X	X	X
Software Restrictions Policies		X
Smart Cards and virtual smart cards	X
Windows Authentication and Logon	X			X
Windows Firewall with Advanced Security				X

See also

• Secure Windows Server 2012

• Explore Windows

• Plan for Windows

• Install, Deploy, and Migrate to Windows 8

• Manage Privacy in Windows

• Manage Windows