Win8 has a lot of improvements in the function, 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 Win8, this feature was integrated into the operating system.
SmartScreen is a security protection software that prevents malicious programs from running in Win8. 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, the Win8 system sends all the information you download and install to your Microsoft server. The Microsoft server will return an evaluation of the application - if the application you are downloading is a legitimate and more commonly used application, such as Firefox or itunes, Win8 will automatically run the application.
If SmartScreen does not have information about the application, whether it is a new malicious plugin or a niche software, Win8 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 Win8, 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 an application that is not certified by SmartScreen, it will automatically pop up a message "Protecting your system" to prevent the program from 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 on "More Information".
Click the "still want to run" button and the system will allow the program to run.
About privacy issues
Since SmartScreen sends each of your program information to a 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 Win8, Microsoft will know the name of the file and your IP address.
Microsoft also issued a statement in the official, saying that they are not trying to build a database of users running those applications, the content is as follows:
We can confirm that Microsoft is not trying to build a 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.
Stop SmartScreen as follows:
Shortcut Win+X - Control Panel - Action Center - Change Windows SmartScreen Filter Settings - Do nothing - OK.