How to Turn On Ransomware Protection in Windows 10 & 11 and Unlock Proactive Security with BestCrypt Data Shelter

How to turn on ransomware protection in Windows 10 & 11? With 92 disclosed attacks taking place in January of this year alone, it’s clear that ransomware is one of the most significant cybersecurity threats to both organizations and individuals. To help protect users, Windows 10 & 11 offer built-in ransomware protection, providing a first line of defense against these attacks.

In this guide, we’ll discuss Microsoft’s ransomware protection and walk you through 3 simple steps on activating this feature in Windows 10 & 11. Following that, we’ll show you how to unlock proactive security with BestCrypt Data Shelter.

What Is Ransomware Protection in Windows 10 & 11?

Windows 10 & 11 include built-in ransomware protection as part of its Windows Security suite. Powered by Microsoft Defender Antivirus, this feature helps safeguard your files by preventing unauthorized applications from modifying or encrypting them. The primary tool for ransomware protection is Controlled Folder Access, which restricts access to critical folders and ensures that only trusted applications can make changes.

Is Windows 10 & 11 Ransomware Protection Enough?

Although Windows 10 & 11’s built-in ransomware protection offers essential safeguards, it has some notable limitations. Let’s take a look at 3 of them:

• Limited Customization
  Windows Defender provides a default policy for ransomware protection with limited customization options. Users can protect folders in a basic manner but lack granular control over specific files or data types, potentially leaving certain assets less secure.
• Passive Protection
  The ransomware protection in Windows 10 & 11 operates as a passive solution; once enabled, it doesn’t offer ongoing guidance or updates based on user behavior. This static approach may not adapt to evolving threats or individual usage patterns, reducing its effectiveness over time.
• Dependency on Windows Antivirus
  Activating ransomware protection requires enabling Windows Defender Antivirus. Users preferring third-party antivirus solutions will find that the Controlled Folder Access functionality is disabled, meaning they will also need to find ransomware protection from elsewhere.

Enhancing Ransomware Protection with BestCrypt Data Shelter

BestCrypt Data Shelter is a free security tool by Jetico designed to protect your data even when it’s in use. By allowing you to create protection policies for selected folders, it ensures that only trusted programs and authorized users can access your sensitive files, safeguarding them from ransomware, malware and unauthorized access.

Here are some benefits to using BestCrypt Data Shelter in addition to Microsoft’s built-in ransomware protection.

• 🌟 Free Solution for Enhanced Security
  BestCrypt Data Shelter is completely free, providing an easy-to-use solution for users looking to enhance their ransomware defense without incurring additional costs.
• 🌟 Works Seamlessly with Windows 10 & 11’s Built-in Tool
  BestCrypt Data Shelter integrates smoothly with Windows 10 and 11’s built-in ransomware protection, adding an extra layer of security without interfering with performance.
• 🌟 Tailored Protection for Your Data
  Unlike Windows Defender, which applies a single default policy, BestCrypt Data Shelter allows users to create multiple protection policies tailored to different folders and file types. Whether you’re safeguarding sensitive business documents or personal data, you can define specific security rules based on your unique needs.
• 🌟 Proactive Protection
  In addition to the basic, static ransomware protection provided by Windows 10 & 11’s built-in tool, BestCrypt Data Shelter offers proactive defense, continuously adapting and offering tailored suggestions to improve your security. With the ability to automatically generate protection policies based on folder access history, you can easily identify vulnerabilities and have more control over how your data is protected.
• 🌟 Full Compatibility with Any Antivirus
  An added perk of BestCrypt Data Shelter is its compatibility with any antivirus solution. If you’re using a third-party antivirus that prevents you from enabling Windows 10 or 11’s built-in ransomware protection, BestCrypt Data Shelter can serve as a full replacement, providing the same essential protections while seamlessly working alongside your preferred security software.

How to Enable Ransomware Protection in Windows 10 & 11

Turning on Microsoft’s built-in ransomware protection is almost the same in both Windows 10 and 11, aside from a couple of differences in the UI layout. Find the step-by-step instructions below:

🚨 If you are using an antivirus that is not Windows Defender Antivirus, you can skip these steps and go straight to the instructions for BestCrypt Data Shelter.

Step 1: Open Windows Security

• Click on the Start menu and type “Windows Security” in the search bar.
• Select the Windows Security app from the search results.

Step 2: Go to Virus & Threat Protection

• In the Windows Security app, click on ‘Virus & Threat Protection’ in the left-hand menu.

Step 3: Enable Controlled Folder Access

• Scroll down to the Ransomware Protection section and click on ‘Manage ransomware protection’.
• Toggle the switch to turn on Controlled Folder Access and click ‘Protected Folders’ to add folders you want to protect.

How to Enable Robust & Proactive Ransomware Protection with BestCrypt Data Shelter

While Windows 10 & 11’s built-in ransomware protection offers basic security, follow these steps to enable BestCrypt Data Shelter and enhance your protection. Secure your sensitive files from unauthorized access and malicious threats with its advanced, proactive features.

Step 1: Install & Launch BestCrypt Data Shelter

• Download BestCrypt Data Shelter for free.
• After installation, go to the Start menu. Right-click on ‘BestCrypt Data Shelter’ and select ‘Run as administrator’.
• If prompted for elevation, click ‘Yes’.

Step 2: Select Folder & Assign Protection Policy

• Click the ‘Add folder’ button, choose the folders you want to protect and click ‘OK’.

• To enable access history tracking, check ‘Analyze history of programs accessing the folder and create relevant protection policy’, then click ‘Next’.

• Set a notification reminder by checking ‘Set notification timer to review folder access history’ and define your preferred review period.

• At this stage, the list under ‘The following programs have been accessing the folder’ will be empty.
• Once finished, click ‘OK’ to apply the initial policy.

Step 3: Review & Refine Protection Based on Access History

As you continue using your device, BestCrypt Data Shelter will monitor which programs access your protected folders.

• After the defined review period, you will receive a notification prompting you to review the policy. Click ‘OK’ to proceed.

• You will now see a list of programs that have accessed the folder. To block a specific program, simply uncheck it in the list.
• Click ‘Next’ to continue.

• Your folder policy will now include the access history and suggested settings. Click ‘OK’ to save and update the policy.

BestCrypt Data Shelter for Advanced Ransomware Protection

BestCrypt Data Shelter is a free security tool developed by Jetico, a trusted leader in developing data protection software for over 25 years. With products used by organizations worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Jetico specializes in encryption and secure data wiping solutions.

BestCrypt Data Shelter is designed to protect files while they are in use. With an updated, user-friendly interface, setting custom protection policies for specific folders has never been easier. The new interface simplifies the process, ensuring that only approved applications and users can access sensitive data. This added layer of security helps defend against ransomware, malware, and prying eyes, keeping your critical files safe.

Proven Protection Against Ransomware

When checked with RanSim, a tool that tests 24 ransomware and 1 cryptomining infection scenarios on your network, BestCrypt Data Shelter provided full protection against all infections. Without Jetico’s free tool, however, the network was found vulnerable to 8 of the infection scenarios.

Enterprise Features for Advanced Security

For businesses, BestCrypt Data Shelter offers advanced features to enhance data security across enterprise networks. These include the ability to export and import protection policies, facilitating the distribution of consistent security settings throughout the organization. Centralized management capabilities allow administrators to efficiently oversee and enforce data protection measures, ensuring compliance and safeguarding sensitive information enterprise-wide. For more information on enterprise licensing and support, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)