Can Windows 11 Stop Well-Known Ransomware Variants? An Examination of Its Built-in Security Features

Abstract

The ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, with ransomware at its forefront, poses significant challenges to the digital world. Windows 11 Pro, Microsoft’s latest operating system, claims to offer enhanced security features designed to tackle such threats. This paper aims to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of these Windows 11 Pro, built-in security measures against prevalent ransomware strains, with a particular emphasis on crypto-ransomware. Utilizing a meticulously crafted experimental environment, the research adopted a two-phased testing approach, examining both the default and a hardened configuration of Windows 11 Pro. This dual examination offered insights into the system’s inherent and potential defenses against ransomware threats. The study’s findings revealed that Windows 11 Pro does present formidable defenses. This paper not only contributes valuable insights into cybersecurity, but also furnishes practical recommendations for both technology developers and end-users in the ongoing battle against ransomware. The significance of these findings extends beyond the immediate evaluation of Windows 11 Pro, serving as a reference point for the broader discourse on enhancing digital security measures.