In the world of ciberseguridadMicrosoft is constantly updating and enhancing Windows defenses to offer a more secure experience to its users. One of the most significant new features of recent times is called smart app control (Intelligent Application Control), a specific tool that has arrived to reinforce the protection of our equipment with Windows 11 against malicious software, suspicious applications and increasingly sophisticated malware.
Unlike systems that detect threats when they are already inside the PC, This feature relies on anticipation and artificial intelligence in the cloud to block dangerous things before they can be executed. Let's take a closer look at how it works.
What exactly is Smart App Control?
Smart App Control is a security feature specific to Windows 11 which raises the level of system protection by blocking the execution of programs that are untrusted, poorly signed, or suspicious. It does not replace conventional antivirus, but rather complements them. by adding a predictive layer based on artificial intelligence and huge cloud databases owned by Microsoft.
Essentially, when you try to launch an application or executable file, Smart App Control evaluates your security in real time through a combination of online reputation, digital signatures and behavioral analysis. Only allow files considered safe to run or that have valid and recognized certificates. If an app doesn't pass these filters, it's simply blocked before it has a chance to cause any damage to your computer.
How does the evaluation and protection system work?
The mechanism of Smart App Control always starts in evaluation mode after a clean installation of supported Windows 11. During this period, which can last several days, The system discreetly monitors how you use applications to determine whether the function can operate without interrupting normal PC use. If all goes well, enforcement mode will be activated automatically, tightening control and effectively blocking any suspicious execution.
It should be noted that Smart App Control works primarily on computers running Windows 11 22H2 or higher. and usually requires a clean install to enable. Additionally, Once permanently activated, it can only be disabled by reinstalling the operating system from scratch, which provides robustness but requires being aware of the decision.
What types of threats does it block and what role do digital signatures play?
The greatest strength of Smart App Control lies in its ability to proactively block:
- Known malware and viruses
- Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) such as adware or intrusive software
- Unknown and unsigned programs that could hide malicious intentions
The key here is the use of Digital signatures and the Microsoft Root of Trust programWhen a developer creates an app, they can digitally sign it to prove their identity and authenticity. Only applications with valid signatures recognized by the trusted root program will be allowed if the online reputation is not sufficient..
This means that even if an app has no history in the Microsoft cloud, if it's properly signed (for example, by an authorized certificate authority), it can run. Otherwise, it's automatically blocked. Therefore, The digital signature is a kind of essential 'passport' for new or little-known programs..
Advantages of using Smart App Control in Windows 11
There are many benefits to activating this feature, especially if you drive sensitive information, personal data or you usually download software from different sources. Among the most notable:
- Early threat blocking: Prevents the execution of dangerous software before it can affect the system.
- Analysis in real time: Artificial intelligence analyzes and predicts the behavior of programs, even if they are completely new.
- Does not affect performance: By not performing constant background scans, the system remains agile and fluid, even during demanding tasks like gaming or multimedia editing.
- Continuous update: Thanks to cloud-based databases and machine learning, protection evolves in real time to cover even new threats.
This system can work with other secure browsers that protect your privacy and prevent malware from entering through different channels.
Limitations and possible drawbacks of the tool
Although Smart App Control represents a major advance in security, it is advisable to be aware of certain limits to avoid surprises:
- It can block little-known legitimate programs: If you use software developed by small businesses or independent programmers, you may encounter blockages due to a lack of reputation or a recognized digital signature.
- Deactivating is not easy: After the evaluation period ends, if the feature is permanently activated, reverting it usually requires formatting and reinstalling Windows 11.
- Does not allow manual exceptions: If the feature locks a file, there is no easy option to mark it as safe and create exceptions without disabling all protection.
- Only available in recent versions and after a clean install: It is not active and cannot be activated on upgrades or installations migrated from previous versions, or on Windows prior to 11 22H2.
Therefore, It is advisable to evaluate carefully before enabling it in permanent mode. and verify that the software you regularly use is recognized or signed correctly.
How do I activate and manage Smart App Control?
Activate Smart App Control in Windows 11 It is simple, but it requires meeting certain requirements:
- Have Windows 11 version 22H2 or later (the feature is only in this edition and higher).
- Perform a clean install (without updating) so that the option is available and can be enabled.
- After installation, access Windows Security and go to 'Application and browser control'.
- Select 'Smart App Control Settings' and follow the instructions to start in trial mode or activate it directly.
During evaluation mode, Smart App Control will study the usual use And, if everything is correct, it will automatically activate in enforcement mode. To deactivate it, you'll need to reinstall Windows 11, as changing this setting isn't easy once you're in permanent protection mode.
Relationship of Smart App Control to other Windows security features
When activating smart app control, other similar functions, such as Defender SmartScreen, are automatically disabled, as the new tool takes over real-time protection and reputation analysis. Although it is very robust, not infallible and it is always advisable to complement it with an updated antivirus, periodic checks and responsible use of downloads.
Microsoft indicates that Smart App Control is designed to complement, not replace traditional antivirus solutions, forming a multi-layered protection system.
Vulnerabilities and techniques to circumvent the system: known weaknesses
Despite its sophistication, Smart App Control is not invulnerableThere are techniques that cybercriminals have used to circumvent their controls, such as:
- Signing malicious files with trusted certificates, including EV certificates, which can be stolen or fraudulently acquired.
- Manipulating the reputation of known applications or using legitimate programs for malicious activities.
- Exploiting weaknesses in LNK files (shortcuts), using techniques such as LNK Stomping, removing security tags to evade filters.
- Modifying legitimate binaries by injecting code without the global reputation being updated immediately.
Therefore, Users and security teams must be vigilant and consider Smart App Control as an additional layer in a layered protection strategy, not the only barrier.
Microsoft recommends keeping an updated antivirus program running alongside Smart App Control, as the two systems work together: the former filters out what is detected, and the latter prevents threats in their initial phase.
Incorporation smart app control It represents a significant advance in Windows 11 security, thanks to its ability to anticipate and block threats before they can cause damage, without affecting system performance. It's advisable to consider both its advantages and limitations, especially if you use lesser-known programs, and always maintain a comprehensive approach to protection.
