PCs that are no longer new risk being excluded from Windows 11. Microsoft has raised the technical requirements of the new operating system, already available this year for free for those using Windows 10.
The most stringent requirement and which is causing discussion is the Tpm 2.0, i.e. the new version of the Trusted Platform Module: is a security chip that improves the management of cryptography to protect system access data.
The problem is that not having the Tpm 2.0 chip, integrated into the motherboard or added to the processor, are many computers now in use and not old (according to some estimates, less than 5 years old) and above all still adequate for many needs. And then there are the PC with Tpm 2.0 present, but to be activated via Bios, which is an operation not for everyone.
In short, the controversy is whether it really was the case to raise the requirement for Windows 11 to Tpm 2.0, cutting out so many potential users, in fact forcing them to stay with Windows 10 or to change the computer. There are who, how Danilo Bruschi, professor at the University of Milan and one of the fathers of Italian cyber, pointed out to Italian Tech that “the differences between 2.0 and 1.2 are not so great, hence the suspicion that the new requirements only serve to support the sales of PCs and partner hardware. of Microsoft “.
There is no room for Skype in the new Windows 11
by Alessandro Longo
Why switch to 2.0
Microsoft wrote that the new version is necessary against the peak of attacks detected in recent years, with a crescendo in particular in the Covid period. Mostly, 2.0 would protect against firmware attacks, that is to the deepest part of the system i a computer: “Our Security Signals report found that 83% of companies have experienced a firmware attack and only 29% are allocating resources to protect this critical level,” he said. David Weston, director of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft.
The 2.0 also serves a protect Windows Hello login Pins and passwords and to activate more advanced security functions, such as the Windows Defender System Guard: “Its purpose is to help protect the keys of cryptography, user credentials and other sensitive data behind a hardware barrier so that the malware and attackers cannot access or tamper with that data, ”Weston added.
Memory runs fast on recent attacks suffered in the Solarwinds case, where Microsoft systems have been involved and from which a threat to American national security has also arisen: the coronavirus has increased the need to remotely access corporate data and the cloud, creating new security risks especially on old devices without Tpm (but of any version).
One type of attack that takes advantage of this situation is the so-called Pass-The-Prt-Attack, which after puncturing a poorly protected device is able to access corporate cloud data and even ad activate a ransomware (what’s this?) able to block the entire network of the company. Tpm 2.0 should favor the use of cryptography for prevent unwanted access to all PCs on the network, even those of employees in smart working.
Nadella against Apple: “Windows 11 will be a platform open to all”
by Simone Cosimi
What can be done to fix it
If you find yourself in this situation, what should you do? First of all, you can use the Microsoft tool of check the compatibility of your computer with Windows 11, which is available online: if it is, no problem; if it isn’t, it would still be better wait before making any decisions on buying a new PC.
First of all, Windows 10 will be fine for a few more years, during which it will be supported by Microsoft; secondly, “for two more years, for non-business users, even Tpm 1.2 for security can work”, explained Professor Bruschi.
Paolo dal Checco, computer forensic expert, is of the same opinion: “Microsoft could have made Tpm 2.0 optional for Windows 11, but probably wanted to increase the security of the operating system in every way, perhaps an excess of zeal after the many attacks of the last period “.
.