Detailed Windows 8 System Enhanced SmartScreen Filter Features

There are breakthrough improvements in many features of Windows 8, and today we are talking about the Smartscreen filter. The SmartScreen filter is a feature in the original IE that helps detect phishing sites. It is a built-in feature of IE8 and IE9. In Windows 8, this feature was integrated into the operating system.

SmartScreen is a security protection software that prevents malicious programs from running in Windows 8. But it occasionally blocks legitimate applications, and SmartScreen sends this information to Microsoft, so it also involves some privacy issues.

How SmartScreen Works

By default, Windows 8 will send all the information you download and install to your Microsoft server. The Microsoft server will return the app's evaluation —— if the app you are downloading is a legitimate and more commonly used app, such as Firefox or itunes, Windows 8 will automatically run the app.

If SmartScreen does not have information about the application, whether it is a new malicious plugin or a niche software, Windows 8 will organize the program to run. It also automatically blocks known malware from running.

In IE8 and IE9, SmartScreen works the same way. When you download an app, IE's SmartScreen filter sends the app's information to the Microsoft server, which then decides whether to download the app.

In Windows 8, this feature has been integrated into the system. Even if you use other browsers (Flash Browser, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.), SmartScreen can also detect apps.

When running an unknown program

When you try to load a SmartScreen uncertified app, it will automatically pop up a message "Protecting your system" to block the program. Running. When you see this message, you will naturally be alert to determine if the program is safe. Occasionally, legitimate applications are blocked.

If you are sure that the open application is safe, click “More info”.

Click on the button again and the system will allow the program to run.

About the issue of privacy

Since SmartScreen sends each of your program information to the Microsoft server, you can see if the program is allowed to run. Therefore, it was pointed out by the media that this is a problem that may violate privacy.

SmartScreen sends a small amount of data from the program to the Microsoft server when you run the program. This information includes the name of the file and a small amount of program content, of course, this small amount is compared to the database of the Microsoft server. If the app meets security standards, it will run smoothly.

As soon as you try to run an application under Windows 8, Microsoft will know the name of the file and your IP address.

Microsoft also issued a statement at the official website stating that they are not trying to build a database of users running those applications, as follows:

We can confirm that Microsoft is not To create a database of user IP addresses and user program usage. Obtaining an IP address is necessary to link to a Microsoft server, but we will periodically delete the relevant information, and we will take measures in the background to protect the privacy of the user. We do not use this data to contact users or send advertisements, and we will not disclose this data to third parties.

We can be sure that SmartScreen is a very effective security protection function. It can help those who are unconscious to prevent malicious programs from infringing. Whether it needs to be used or depends on personal circumstances.

Block SmartScreen from doing the following:

Shortcut Win+X - Control Panel - Action Center - Change Windows SmartScreen Filter Settings - Do nothing - OK.

Through the introduction, are you getting a deeper understanding of the Windows 8 filter?