<p>Don't let the Windows 8 haters brainswash you: Microsoft actually introduced a few great features in its new operating system, some of which will help keep you safer from malware and other security threats. Though most of these security enhancements are active by default, you still must be proactive to get the most from them. Also, one new Windows 8 feature presents specific security concerns that must be addressed to keep your PCand your dataas safe as possible. Let's jump in and investigate.Buy a new PC instead of upgrading</p><p>To take full advantage of Windows 8's new security features, your PC needs to run a new kind of boot system called Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). This system, which replaces the archaic Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), adds many new boot features and greatly speeds the startup process.</p><p>Included in UEFI is a feature, called Secure Boot, that helps prevent unauthorized operating systems and malware from running at startup. This makes it more difficult for data thieves to use bootable discs or flash drives to access your files; it also helps keep rootkitsa form of malware that's hard to detectfrom infecting your computer during bootup.</p><p>Some PC vendors included UEFI on select systems in the past, but Secure Boot requires a new version, specifically UEFI revision 2.3.1. So if your system originally came with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, it likely doesn't include UEFI. And if it does include UEFI, it's probably an earlier version that doesn't support Secure Boot.</p><p><a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2027593/windows-8-put-its-hidden-security-features-to-work-.html">Keep reading...</a></p>