What Is Microsoft Secure Boot?

So you want to know what Microsoft Secure Boot is? Well, let us tell you. If you've got a Windows 8 computer, then you've heard of Microsoft Secure Boot. It's a feature that uses secure boot functionality to prevent loading malicious software (malware) and unauthorized operating systems (OS) during system startup. Microsoft Secure Boot is set up with encryption keys to secure communication between the Windows 8 OS and computer firmware, which is embedded software that correlates with the hardware. So what does this mean for you? In short, it means your PC will be safer from malware, especially on a new computer that hasn't been tampered with yet. It also protects against rootkits and other types of malware that try to bypass security features like anti-virus software or firewalls. When the computer boots up, it tries to read the operating system's security key. The key will only boot up if it matches the computer's firmware. It protects against unauthorized access to the computer's operating system. A Microsoft Secure Boot-activated laptop will not boot unauthorized OS or software. Linux is safe from Microsoft Secure Boot! Linux users have expressed concern regarding Microsoft Secure Boot's effect on their ability to load Linux on Windows 8-certified computers. However, Linux founder Linus Torvalds believes these complaints are overblown. In a 2008 Wired Magazine interview, Torvalds commented that a more significant issue is whether or not it will hack Secure Boot. OS makers and distributors, like Red Hat, have found a way to work around the problem by distributing their keys - for a fee - to firmware makers to accommodate operating systems. Like Linux, replacing Microsoft's cryptographic keys with their own so that can sign that software can sign that software through Linux. Here's what you need to know for those unfamiliar with Secure Boot and how it affects Linux users. Secure Boot is a feature of UEFI, the BIOS replacement used by modern PCs running Windows 8 or later versions of Windows 10. When enabled by default on new PCs, Secure Boot prevents unauthorized programs from being loaded into memory during the bootup process by blocking any unsigned code from being executed before an operating system loads up completely.