Key Takeaways:
- Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, but Windows 11 has been prepared to defend against such high-level cyber attacks using AI.
- Because of AI, updates like multifactor authentication, passwordless authentication, and virtualization-based security are possible, significantly improving system security.
Method 1: Multifactor Authentication
AI can enhance Multifactor Authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) in Windows 11. Traditionally, logging into Windows relied on only your password. This method makes your system vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access to your entire system.
MFA adds a layer of security by demanding a second factor for login. AI comes in by doing the following:
- AI can learn user behavior, like your typical login patterns, location, time of day, and device.
- It detects anomalies created when a login attempt deviates from your usual pattern and flags it as suspicious.
- Windows might prompt you for a secondary verification method, such as:
- A verification code on your phone or generated by an authentication app (like Microsoft Authenticator).
- Biometric authentication via available fingerprint scans and facial recognition.
Method 2: Passwordless Authentication
In Windows 11, AI helps in enhancing the Passwordless Authentication experience. AI contributes to this security feature in the following ways:
- AI processes over 65 trillion security signals daily to detect likely threats and anomalies from unusual patterns that could imply a security breach.
- AI can analyze user behavior patterns, such as typing rhythm and mouse movements, and create a distinctive behavioral biometric profile based on the analysis.
- AI algorithms can recognize normal user behavior, flag deviations from this pattern, and even block the device until resolved.
- AI systems continuously learn and adapt to new threats, identifying new attacks, updating their models, and ensuring passwordless authentication remains secure over time.
Method 3: Virtualization-based Security
In Windows 11, Virtualization-based security (VBS) enhances security with AI alongside traditional measures. AI supports VBS in the following ways:
- Credential Guard separates sensitive data using hardware virtualization. AI analyzes user behavior and system activity to initiate the isolation of credentials in a secure environment when potential threats are detected.
- Device Guard creates authorized drivers and application whitelists, and AI analyzes application behavior and system resources to isolate unauthorized or suspicious activity within a virtual machine.
- Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI) safeguards the Windows kernel integrity, and AI monitors kernel activity to prevent unauthorized changes.
Method 4: Windows Hello
Windows Hello is a security feature in Windows 11 that utilizes AI to enhance traditional security measures by providing a secure and convenient biometric authentication method. AI enhances security through Windows Hello in the following ways:
- AI-powered algorithms analyze and recognize facial features, confirming the user’s identity.
- Windows Hello uses deep learning strategies to enhance facial recognition accuracy, even with inconsistent lighting conditions, facial expressions, or accessories.
- AI detects and prevents attempts to unlock the device using fake or spoofed images, such as photos or videos.
- Windows Hello uses AI to ensure that the person trying to unlock the device is a living being, preventing attempts to use fake or prosthetic faces.
- The AI algorithms in Windows Hello continually learn and improve their recognition capabilities, adjusting to changes in the user’s appearance over time.
If you have an issue with Windows Hello, ensure you fix it for optimal functionality.
Method 5: Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity
The Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity (HVCI) in Windows 11 ensures only trusted code runs at the kernel level. It does this by isolating critical system components and protecting kernel mode code from unauthorized modifications. HVCI uses a security signal database to block untrusted applications, reducing security incidents.
AI enhances security in Windows via HVCI by predicting application safety, learning from evolving threats, and processing data for advanced threat intelligence. This process improves app control and threat detection, making Windows 11 more secure against modern cyber threats.
