This week, Microsoft has released the final version of their security configuration baseline settings for Windows 11 which includes several security features including kernel exploit protection.

On September 20, Microsoft released their final version of the security configuration baseline for Windows 11 22H2.

The security configuration baseline is used by security administrators to work with a recommended level of security for end points in order to promote an organisation’s overall security.

This update has added further protections against phishing attacks, loss of credentials, driver security as well as improved DNS and port configurations.

Whilst these added protections are important, the vendor giant has also included a “kernel mode hardware-enforced stack protection” which is designed to help protect the kernel against malware.

Additionally, the Windows 11 2022 Update was released this week which highlighted Microsoft’s plans for continuous updates referred to as controlled feature rollouts. These smaller, controlled feature updates can be applied in between major feature updates.

Microsoft claim that the first of these will be available for download in October or November and have urged users that the move to continuous updates has several benefits including better responsiveness and reliability, which the tech giant believes is already causing a reduction in vulnerabilities and exploits as a result.

Organisations using Windows 11 are encouraged to install the Windows 11 2022 Update and consider how the Windows 11-controlled feature rollouts may affect their digital estate.

Guidance on how to install the update, and further information on the controlled feature rollouts, can be reviewed here.

Additionally, information on the final version of security configuration baseline settings for Windows 11 can be reviewed here.

The update is available through the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit and is intended to reduce the attack surface and to improve the security posture of Windows enterprise endpoints.

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