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Microsoft has announced a series of updates to its Windows operating system, aimed at enhancing security and providing users with greater transparency and control over their data. The new features include "Windows Baseline Security Mode" and "User Transparency and Consent," designed to address long-standing concerns about the operating system's security posture.
Microsoft has announced updates to its Windows operating system with a focus on security and transparency. A new baseline security mode will operate with runtime integrity safeguards enabled by default, protecting against potential threats. Users will receive more granular prompts for app access and consent before proceeding, prioritizing user control over data protection. The updates aim to address long-standing concerns about Windows' security posture following recent high-profile incidents. CrowdStrike has expressed support for Microsoft's new approach, highlighting the benefits of enhanced user transparency and security.
Microsoft has recently announced a series of significant updates to its Windows operating system, aimed at enhancing security and providing users with greater transparency and control over their data. Dubbed "Windows Baseline Security Mode" and "User Transparency and Consent," these new features are designed to address long-standing concerns about the operating system's security posture.
At the heart of Microsoft's new approach is the introduction of a baseline security mode, which will operate with runtime integrity safeguards enabled by default. This means that only properly signed apps, services, and drivers will be allowed to run on the device, providing an additional layer of protection against potential threats. However, users and administrators are still able to override these safeguards for specific applications, allowing for a degree of flexibility while maintaining the overall security posture.
In addition to this baseline mode, Microsoft is also placing a greater emphasis on user transparency and consent. The company has announced plans to provide more granular prompts when apps access sensitive resources or try to install other software, asking users for explicit consent before proceeding. This shift towards greater transparency and accountability is designed to put users at the forefront of their own data protection and security.
The rationale behind this new approach can be understood through the lens of recent high-profile incidents involving Windows devices and third-party components. In 2024, a piece of malformed code took down millions of Windows instances worldwide, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures. This incident led Microsoft to re-evaluate its stance on third-party components and their relationship with the operating system.
In response to this wake-up call, Microsoft has been actively working towards beefing up Windows security for years. The company's Secure Future Initiative (SFI) was established to address these concerns, but it appears that further action is needed to ensure the operating system remains secure in the face of emerging threats.
CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm, has expressed its support for Microsoft's new approach, stating that the introduction of baseline security mode and enhanced user transparency will help raise the bar for user security and privacy. According to Alex Ionescu, Chief Technology Innovation Officer at CrowdStrike, "When applications and agentic workloads are well-behaved and respect user consent settings with proper security boundaries, security software can better protect users from attackers with reduced performance overhead."
As Microsoft's new Windows Baseline Security Mode and User Transparency and Consent features begin to roll out through a phased approach, users can expect greater control over their data protection and security. While there are no specific timelines provided for the rollout of these updates, it is clear that Microsoft is committed to addressing long-standing concerns about its operating system's security posture.
In conclusion, Microsoft's recent announcement marks an important shift towards greater transparency and accountability in Windows security. By introducing baseline security mode and enhancing user consent, the company is taking significant steps towards protecting users from potential threats and ensuring the overall security of its operating system.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Microsoft-Unveils-Enhanced-Windows-Security-Features-A-Shift-Towards-User-Transparency-and-Consent-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/02/10/microsoft_windows_security/
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5628654/keep-getting-warning-about-computer-being-locked-u
https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsofts-latest-bit-of-nagging-in-windows-11-might-come-from-a-good-place-but-its-seriously-annoying-some-people
Published: Tue Feb 10 09:27:58 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
