A system and method are provided for controlling a wind turbine to protect the wind turbine from anomalous operations. Accordingly, in response to receiving data indicative of an anomalous operational event of the wind turbine, the controller initiates an enhanced braking mode for the wind turbine. The enhanced braking mode is characterized by operating the generator at a torque setpoint that generates maximum available torque for a given set of operating conditions. Additionally, the torque setpoint is in excess of a nominal torque limit for the generator.