Protecting Memory from Malicious Applications

Windows Vista includes Data Execution Prevention (DEP),a memory protection application that monitors the use of memory by applications.By default,it does not allow applications to use those memory locations reserved for the system.This essentially helps protect the system from malicious code that may insert itself into a system memory location.In other words,DEP is a security feature that allows only system applications to use system memory locations.If DEP detects that any appli- cation is inappropriately using system memory locations,it shuts down the application and displays a message.
By default,DEP is enabled only for essential Windows services and applications.You can con-
?gure DEP for all services and programs as well as specify exceptions.Vista provides this feature as a software-based solution for protecting system memory.Some hardware vendors provide DEPas a hardware-based solution.Even if your computer hardware does not support DEP,a malicious applica- tion such as a virus program can be prevented by Windows Vista DEP from undesired use of system memory.This helps in keeping the system stable by preventing inappropriate memory usage by mali- cious software.

Enabling Data Execution Prevention
To check whether your computer supports DEP or not,or to enable DEP,use the following
procedure:
1.Click Start | Control Panel |System and Maintenance | Performance
Information and Tools.
2.Click the Adjust Visual Effects link on the left-hand side panel.
3.Click the Continue button in the User Account Control dialog box to con?rm your
administrative action.
4.Click the Data Execution Prevention tab in the Performance Options window.The
DEP window is shown in Figure 10.17.
5.Notice that DEP is enabled by default for essential Windows programs and services only.
The information on the bottom part of the window indicates that the computerís processor
supports hardware-based DEP.
6.To enable DEP for all programs and services (including Windows programs and services),
click the radio button for Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those
I select.
7.Click the Add button to add exceptions.Select the applications for which you do not wish
to enable DEP.
8.Click OK twice to close the Performance Options window.

Protect windows memory from malicious applications, save your credit cards, Save account details, Save your system from viruses.