Windows 95 was a groundbreaking operating system that introduced many innovations in the world of personal computing. However, in terms of security, it falls short compared to modern operating systems. At the time of its release, cyber threats were not as sophisticated and prevalent as they are today, and consequently, Windows 95 did not prioritize security as a primary concern.
One of the significant security limitations of Windows 95 is its lack of built-in security features. It did not have a robust firewall or antivirus protection, leaving the system vulnerable to various malware and viruses. Users had to rely on third-party security software, but many were not aware of the importance of such tools.
Another security flaw was the lack of user access controls. Windows 95 had a single-user model, meaning there were no separate user accounts with different levels of permissions. As a result, any user could access and modify critical system files, making it easier for malware to infiltrate and cause havoc.
The Windows 95 architecture also lacked protection mechanisms against buffer overflows and other common security vulnerabilities. This made it easier for attackers to exploit software vulnerabilities and execute malicious code on the system.
Updates and patches for security vulnerabilities were not as readily available for Windows 95 as they are for modern operating systems. This meant that any security issues that arose remained unaddressed, leaving users exposed to potential threats.
Additionally, Windows 95 used the FAT16 file system, which had limited security features. There was no support for file-level permissions or encryption, making it easier for unauthorized users to access sensitive data.
Furthermore, Windows 95 was not designed with the internet in mind. As the internet became more popular, the operating system faced increased security risks due to its lack of built-in internet security features.
Phishing attacks, ransomware, and other sophisticated cyber threats were not prevalent during the time of Windows 95. As a result, the operating system was ill-prepared to defend against these modern threats.
The lack of encryption capabilities in Windows 95 was also a significant security concern. Without encryption, data transmitted over networks or stored on the system was vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access.
In conclusion, the security of Windows 95 was relatively weak compared to modern operating systems. Its lack of built-in security features, limited user access controls, and vulnerabilities to various cyber threats made it less secure in today's digital landscape. Users who are still running Windows 95 should seriously consider upgrading to a more secure and modern operating system to protect their data and systems from potential security breaches.