No matter who you are, your web browser is a major attack vector used by hackers to get at your data. So why is Microsoft only giving its new security tool for Edge browser to Enterprise business customers?
This process is also called sandboxing, a method Apple uses to keep apps sold in its online stores from harming its iOS and macOS platforms. App Guard will do this differently, by isolating the browser into a hardware-based virtual machine.
MORE: 12 Computer Security Mistakes You’re Probably Making
Unfortunately, building App Guard around VBS makes it unfit for consumers. First of all, virtualized sites can't store cookies between sessions; closing the browser clears all of your cookies, so you'd have to re-login every time.
Secondly, as users of most virtualization software can tell you, it hampers performance. Many consumers probably wouldn't appreciate their PC suddenly losing its speed, and would possibly trade this level of protection back in exchange for normal performance.
Lastly, not all laptops support VBS, as it requires an Intel VT or AMD-V capable processor. So, even if you would agree to all of those issues, your computer probably couldn't run it.
We hope, though, that Microsoft finds a way to bring this level of safety to the average consumer. It would be a major reason to use Edge, which could use one.
Windows 10 Security and Networking
- Use the Windows 10 Parental Controls
- Find Your MAC Address
- Turn Your Windows PC into a Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Password Protect a Folder
- Create a Guest Account in Windows 10
- Enable Windows Hello Fingerprint Login
- Set Up Windows Hello Facial Recognition
- How to Restrict Cortana's Ever-Present Listening in Windows 10
- Automatically Lock Your PC with Dynamic Lock
- Blacklist Non-Windows Store Apps
- Find Saved Wi-Fi Passwords
- Set Up a Metered Internet Connection
- Use Find My Device
- Stream XBox One Games
- All Windows 10 Tips
- Map a Network Drive
- Create Limited User Accounts
- Set Time Limits for Kids
- Pin People to Your Taskbar
