Microsoft Introduces Smart App Control to Enhance Windows Security
Microsoft has introduced a new security feature called Smart App Control (SAC) with Windows 11 22H2, designed to prevent malicious applications from running on your system. This feature works alongside Microsoft Defender to provide an additional layer of security.
How Smart App Control Works
Traditional antivirus software like Microsoft Defender operates on an “Innocent until proven guilty” principle. It trusts programs until they exhibit suspicious behavior. However, this reactive approach can sometimes allow novel or polymorphic malware to bypass initial detection. Smart App Control takes a different approach, operating on the principle of “Guilty until proven innocent.”
SAC assesses an application’s security by checking it against Microsoft’s Intelligence Security Graph, a cloud-based reputation service. If the check is inconclusive, it attempts to validate the application’s digital signature to ensure it comes from a trusted developer. The application is blocked if it’s predicted to be malicious or unsigned.
Performance and Compatibility Considerations
Microsoft claims that Smart App Control offers a performance boost compared to traditional antivirus solutions. However, it’s designed to work in conjunction with Windows Defender, not replace it. One significant limitation is that SAC requires a fresh Windows installation to be enabled, which might be a barrier for some users.
SAC is likely more suitable for enterprise systems or average users rather than developers or tech enthusiasts. This is because once SAC deems a program malicious, it cannot be whitelisted or flagged as a false positive. Microsoft runs SAC through an evaluation phase to determine if it hinders day-to-day activities, and if deemed unsuitable, it will be disabled.
Conclusion
Smart App Control represents a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enhancing the existing Windows Defender capabilities. While it offers improved security and potentially better performance, its limitations, such as the requirement for a fresh Windows installation and limited flexibility, may affect its suitability for all users.
