Now that Windows 10 has a foothold in the enterprise, it's important to know what tools are available for day-to-day security, as well as periodic security-related tasks.
The 80/20 rule states that 20% of the weaknesses create 80% of the problems. The problems usually come somewhere in the passwords, patches and user behaviors. If IT finds vulnerabilities on one of its Windows 10 systems, it's a safe bet that the same vulnerabilities exist across the board.
There are both commercial and open source tools to help IT better understand security gaps and gain more control over Windows 10 desktops. The best tools for the job depend on what specifically a business is trying to do. Maybe it's locking down a local system or its conducting a network or security assessment to find Windows 10-related vulnerabilities. No matter what, trust the following Windows 10 security tools to meet enterprise needs.
The tools of the trade
A few of these tools are pricey, while most others are free. Some of these Windows 10 security tools might be in IT administrators' utility belts already and they may need to add others. The following Windows 10 security tools can benefit a company beyond its existing endpoint protection.
Vulnerability testing and analysis. Vulnerability scanners can be a company's greatest asset in managing a Windows 10 deployment. They work well on a periodic and ongoing basis for internal benefits in between security reviews.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer v2.3: It's not officially made for Windows 10, but it still provides good insight into system vulnerabilities.
FileLocator Pro: Seeks out personally identifiable information on local and network drives -- works as a great general search tool.
SoftPerfect Network Scanner: Offers open-share scanning and system enumeration.
Spybot Anti-Beacon: Locks down Windows 10 privacy settings.
If IT finds vulnerabilities on one of the Windows 10 systems, it's a safe bet that the same vulnerabilities exist across the board.
Malware protection and analysis
Carbon Black Cb Defense: Enables application whitelisting.
HitmanPro: Provides a secondary line of malware defense.
VirusTotal: Analyzes executable files for infections before running them.
Data backup, protection and recovery
BitLocker: Delivers full-disk encryption.
Elcomsoft System Recovery: Enables OS password recovery.
KillDisk: Securely wipes hard drives.
NoMoreRansom.org: Decrypts ransomware.
System and network monitoring, alerting and reporting
Admin Arsenal PDQ Deploy or GFI LanGuard: Third-party software -- Java, Adobe, Apple and more -- patch management.
Aircrack-ng: Analyzes wireless networks.
AlienVault Open Source Security Information and Event Management: Performs security information and event management.
CommView and CommView for WiFi: Analyzes wired and wireless networks.
NetResident: Monitors system activity.
TCPView: Analyzes view Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol session information.
Other Windows 10 security tools such as data loss prevention, cloud access security brokers and web content filtering can also protect endpoints and the information users store on them.
Prepare for the final exam on Windows 10 hidden features
With all the features in Windows 10, it's easy to lose track of a few. Test your knowledge of these overlooked features, including a virtualization-based security tool, with this quiz.
