Microsoft first announced the Windows 10 Creators Update back in October with a number of features geared towards content creators. This week, Microsoft revealed that the planned update will also include an expanded array of tools to improve the user experience of enterprise class customers. If you’ve held out this long, the Creators Update may make spring the perfect time to upgrade to Window 10.
The Windows 10 Creators Update promises to introduce new security capabilities for IT administrators to better protect, defend and respond to threats on their networks and devices. The security portion of the Creators Update is focused on enhancing the functionality of the Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) service that was first introduced with the Anniversary update. Windows Defender is the default security software included with all versions of Windows 10, whereas ATP is primarily intended for enterprise users who require a more in-depth security solution.
The ATP service was designed to detect any threats that might make it past the standard Windows Defender service and provides IT admins with reporting tools so then can investigate the breaches. Currently, the ATP system is weak to detect threats that exist only in active memory; the Creators Update hopes to fix this and add additional protection against kernel-level exploits. This will make it possible for admins to monitor loaded drivers and in-memory activities such as injection and reflective loading attacks. If an attack is detected, admins will have access to enhanced remediation tools that will allow them to isolate an infected machine from the network, collect data and quarantine or block suspect files.
Beyond security improvements, the Creators Update also promises to add a number of features to help with system management and mobile interconnectivity. Included with the update is an enhanced Windows Analytics Dashboard that will help IT administrators manage and support Windows devices. The updated dashboard will provide admins detailed operational and system health data for all devices within their network. Mobile devices will also see some improvement with the introduction of Mobile Application Management. Many businesses rely on allowing their users to access network files remotely but this can open up numerous security concerns. Mobile Application Management will help protect data on personal devices without requiring them to be enrolled in a mobile device management solution. This should make it easier to keep corporate data secure without putting restrictions of user access or requiring direct management of mobile devices.
The Windows 10 Creators Update is expected to arrive in early 2017. If you would like help migrating your office to Windows 10, our support engineers can help. Give us a call at 212 – 242- 2949 and our team will guide you through the steps to upgrading your office.
