Smart App Control

Bypassing security

Security firm warns that 'design weaknesses' in Windows Smart App Control mean it can be easily bypassed

Smart App Control is just one of various security features Microsoft has built into Windows 11. But while many users place faith in the tool to block malicious apps, Elastic Security Labs warns that it is fundamentally flawed.

The company says that Windows Smart App Control and its predecessor SmartScreen "have several design weaknesses that allow attackers to gain initial access with no security warnings or popups". In an investigatory report, Elastic Security Labs details numerous types of attack that can be used to bypass Windows Smart Control as well as revealing a bug in the handling of .lnk files which can be used to get around security.

By Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson -
Windows 11 laptop

Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 22567 with a big new security feature

A month ago, Microsoft announced a change to the Windows Insider program that would see Dev Channel releases becoming "more experimental". As a result of this, the last two builds have introduced bigger changes and new features.

Today’s new flight, Build 22567, continues this trend and comes with some new features and a load of changes and improvements.

By Wayne Williams -
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