Microsoft unveils Secured-core PC initiative to combat cyberthreats

Microsoft unveils Secured-core PC initiative to combat cyberthreats
Device makers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo and Panasonic are onboard, as well as hardware firms

Elly Yates-Roberts |


Microsoft has developed a new Secured-core PC initiative which it says will improve the security of Windows PCs and combat cyberthreats.

Device makers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo and Panasonic are onboard, as are hardware firms including AMD, Intel and Qualcomm. 

“Our ecosystem partnerships have enabled us to add this additional layer of security in devices that are designed for highly-targeted industries and end-users who handle mission-critical data in some of the most data-sensitive industries,” said David Weston, partner director of operating system (OS) security at Microsoft in a blog post about the initiative. “These innovations build on the value of Windows 10 Pro that comes with built-in protections like firewall, secure boot, and file-level information-loss protection which are standard on every device.”

Secured-core PCs are specifically designed for users working in industries like financial services, government and healthcare, who regularly handle sensitive data that is highly sought after by attackers.

The devices combine identity, virtualisation, OS, hardware and firmware protection to add additional layers of security. Weston says the new classification aims to enhance security as the machines can prevent attacks, rather than detecting them once they've occurred.

“These requirements enable customers to boot securely, protect the device from firmware vulnerabilities, shield the operating system from attacks, prevent unauthorised access to devices and data, and ensure that identity and domain credentials are protected,” said Weston. “The built-in measurements can be used by SecOps and IT admins to remotely monitor the health of their systems using System Guard runtime attestation and implement a zero-trust network rooted in hardware.”

Read the full Microsoft blog post.

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