Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) has something to smile about as the NSA approved Windows 10 and Microsoft Surface tablets for use when dealing with classified tasks such as intelligence gathering, and data mining.
What was approved?
The NSA approval puts Microsoft’s Windows 10, Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book on Commercial Solutions for Classified Programs (CSfC) list. The Surface devices are the only Windows 10 devices on the list. Other Microsoft products currently on the list include some older versions of Windows and Server 2016.
Windows 10 in a layered environment
According to Microsoft, when Windows 10 is used alongside a layered solution, it meets high-security standards, making it sufficient enough for use in classified environments, such as the NSA. Microsoft provides such a layer- the Surface Enterprise Management Mode (SEMM).
SEMM allows administrators to own, modify, lock and ultimately control the hardware configuration, security and operating systems of devices. The hardware configuration SEMM can control include Bluetooth, Camera, Wi-Fi, TypeCover, USB, Microphones and Micro SD Card. SEMM is compatible with Surface Pro 4, Surface Studio and Surface Book.
“Our customers are the most security conscious in the world,” said Rob Lefferts, the Director of Program Management, Windows Enterprise, and Security. He explained that the company does its best to prove that it has what it takes to satisfy their needs.
The NSA, through its CSfC program, regularly checks and evaluates the security level of corporate products, to determine if they match its cyber security standards. The recent iPhones and iPads, the Boeing Black phone and some LG and Samsung Android Devices make that list.
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The DoD is also confident in Microsoft
Microsoft recently signed a contract with the US Department of Defense (DoD), which requires it to install Windows 10 on 4 million devices. That and the recent NSA approval will result in more contracts and deals for Microsoft.
Microsoft is taking security to the next level- it is working on other security technologies, which will be presented at the ongoing RSA security conference. Microsoft will discuss in the SEMM in details, talk about the recent developments in Windows 10 device management, the updates in Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (WDATP), Windows Hello, and the benefits of Turbo-charging in Windows analytics.
