Microsoft has pushed out the new build of Windows 10 on its Insider programme; which has a heavy focus on new security features. Not least of which is the new anti-ransomware protection that prevents unwanted programmes from accessing selected folders.
Build 16232 introduces a controlled folder access option, allowing computer owners to limit the number of folders that can be altered by third party programmes. The idea here is that this measure will prevent ransomware from accessing and encrypting the protected folders. That said, this is not something that is intended to cover every single file on the computer.
Windows’ own folders are protected by default, these being Documents, Photos, Movies, and Desktop. Which is ideally where most files should be ending up. Users are then free to add their own folders to the list; and include a list of apps that are allowed to access those folders.
It’s early days for the feature, and hopefully some meaningful feedback comes from the Insider programme. Particularly if it can block macros in allowed applications from making unwanted edits. Otherwise, there is still a long way to go to stopping the damage caused by ransomware.
[Source: Windows Blog]
