Knowledge base
January 31, 2025
Administrator Protection in Windows 11: What you need to know
Windows 11 continuously introduces new security features to support IT administrators and make systems more secure. One of these enhancements is Administrator Protection¹, designed specifically to protect accounts with elevated privileges from attack and abuse. But what exactly does this mean? In this blog, we dive into the details. 🔍
🌟 Why is Administrator Protection important?
Administrative accounts are a favorite target for hackers because they provide access to sensitive systems and data. Without proper protection, these accounts can be easily abused, with serious consequences such as:
- Ransomware attacks 🛑
- Unauthorized access to sensitive data 🔒
- System instability due to unwanted changes ⚙️
🛡️ How does Administrator Protection work in Windows 11?
Microsoft has built in several mechanisms to better secure administrator accounts:
- Limiting local admin rights:
- Admin rights are granted only when absolutely necessary, reducing the risk of abuse.
- Tip: Use a standard account for daily use and only an admin account for specific tasks.
- Secured-core PCs:
- Windows 11 works seamlessly with devices that are “Secured-core,” meaning that hardware and software security go hand in hand.
- Multilayer verification:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is crucial to make access to admin accounts extra secure.
- Good to know: Windows 11 integrates perfectly with Microsoft Authenticator.
- Management via Microsoft Intune:
- Use Intune to enforce central policies, such as restricting access to sensitive functions.
🛠️ Best Practices for IT Administrators
Want to take maximum advantage of these security features? Here are a few tips:
- Use the principle of least privilege (PoLP): Give users only the rights they need.
- Implement Zero Trust security: Don’t trust any user or device without authentication.
- Monitor actively: Use tools such as Microsoft Defender to detect suspicious activity.
- Enable Credential Guard: Protect credentials with hardware isolation.
🚀 What are the benefits to your organization?
With these new security features, Windows 11:
- Increased protection against attacks 🛡️
- Simpler management for IT administrators ⚙️
- Better regulatory compliance ✅
- Reduced downtime due to security incidents 🔄
🎯 Conclusion
Administrator Protection in Windows 11 is a powerful step forward in securing critical accounts and systems. By using built-in tools and following best practices, you can protect your organization from modern threats. Take action and make your IT environment more secure! 🔐
References
About the author
My name is Alta Martes, a specialist in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, with a focus on modern workplace management, cloud security and identity & access management. With years of experience, I help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and create a secure, efficient digital workplace. 🎯 Need help with your Microsoft 365 strategy?
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