Sunday, 30 Jun 2024
Technology

Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows Overview

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a crucial component of your next-generation protection in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. It combines machine learning, big-data analysis, in-depth threat resistance research, and the Microsoft cloud infrastructure to safeguard devices and endpoints in your organization. Available in Windows 10, Windows 11, and versions of Windows Server, Microsoft Defender Antivirus works seamlessly with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to provide comprehensive protection.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus Capabilities

One of the standout features of Microsoft Defender Antivirus is its anomaly detection. This layer of protection targets malware that doesn’t fit any predefined pattern. By monitoring process creation events and downloaded files from the internet, Microsoft Defender Antivirus can stay ahead of attackers. With machine learning and cloud-delivered protection, it can block attacks even before they are registered in VirusTotal. Anomaly detection is enabled by default, offering powerful defense against evolving threats.

In 2015, Microsoft Defender Antivirus shifted from a static signature-based engine to a more dynamic model that incorporates predictive technologies. With machine learning, applied science, and artificial intelligence, it can effectively counter the complexity of today’s malware landscape. Microsoft Defender Antivirus can identify and stop almost all malware at first sight, providing near-instantaneous protection.

The antivirus solution is designed to work seamlessly in both online and offline scenarios. In offline situations, it receives the latest dynamic intelligence from the Intelligent Security Graph regularly throughout the day. When connected to the cloud, it benefits from real-time intelligence from the Intelligent Security Graph.

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Moreover, Microsoft Defender Antivirus has the ability to thwart threats based on their behaviors and process trees, even after they have started execution. This includes the detection and prevention of fileless malware and other abnormal behaviors. These advanced protection features work together to deliver enhanced security.

Compatibility with Other Antivirus Products

For users with non-Microsoft antivirus or antimalware solutions, it is possible to run Microsoft Defender Antivirus in passive mode alongside these products. However, compatibility depends on the operating system and the device’s onboarding status to Defender for Endpoint. To learn more about Microsoft Defender Antivirus compatibility, visit the official documentation.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus Processes and Services

To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to understand the different processes and services associated with Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Here’s a summary:

  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus Core service (MdCoreSvc):

    • Processes tab: Antimalware Core Service
    • Details tab: MpDefenderCoreService.exe
    • Services tab: Microsoft Defender Core Service
  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus service (WinDefend):

    • Processes tab: Antimalware Service Executable
    • Details tab: MsMpEng.exe
    • Services tab: Microsoft Defender Antivirus
  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus Network Realtime Inspection service (WdNisSvc):

    • Processes tab: Microsoft Network Realtime Inspection Service
    • Details tab: NisSrv.exe
    • Services tab: Microsoft Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service
  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus command-line utility:

    • Processes tab: N/A
    • Details tab: MpCmdRun.exe
    • Services tab: N/A
  • Microsoft Security Client Policy Configuration Tool:

    • Processes tab: N/A
    • Details tab: ConfigSecurityPolicy.exe
    • Services tab: N/A

To manage Microsoft Endpoint Data Loss Prevention (Endpoint DLP), the following processes and services are relevant:

  • Microsoft Endpoint DLP service (MDDlpSvc):

    • Processes tab: MpDlpService.exe
    • Details tab: MpDlpService.exe
    • Services tab: Microsoft Data Loss Prevention Service
  • Microsoft Endpoint DLP command-line utility:

    • Processes tab: N/A
    • Details tab: MpDlpCmd.exe
    • Services tab: N/A
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Microsoft Defender Core Service

To enhance endpoint security, Microsoft has introduced the Microsoft Defender Core service. This service improves the stability and performance of Microsoft Defender Antivirus. For users of Microsoft Endpoint Data Loss Prevention in the small, medium, and enterprise business sectors, Microsoft has separated the codebase into its own service.

The Microsoft Defender Core service will be released with Microsoft Defender Antivirus platform version 4.18.23110.2009. The rollout is scheduled to begin in November 2023 for prerelease customers and will eventually be available to all enterprise customers.

Enterprise customers should allow specific URLs for proper functioning, while consumers need not take any specific actions. If you use Application Control for Windows or run non-Microsoft antivirus or endpoint detection and response software, ensure that the mentioned processes are added to your allow list.

Comparing Active Mode, Passive Mode, and Disabled Mode

Understanding the different modes of Microsoft Defender Antivirus is essential for managing security effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each mode:

  • Active mode: Microsoft Defender Antivirus acts as the primary antivirus app on the device. It scans files, remediates threats, and provides detailed security reports within your organization.

  • Passive mode: Microsoft Defender Antivirus is not the primary antivirus app on the device but still operates alongside another antivirus solution. It scans files, reports detected threats, but doesn’t remediate them. Passive mode is available only for devices that are onboarded to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and meet specific requirements.

  • Disabled or uninstalled: Microsoft Defender Antivirus is inactive and not used on the device. It does not perform any scans or remediation. However, disabling or uninstalling Microsoft Defender Antivirus is generally not recommended.

For more information on Microsoft Defender Antivirus compatibility and the different modes, refer to the official documentation.

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Check the State of Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Your Device

To determine the status of Microsoft Defender Antivirus on your device, you can use the Windows Security app or Windows PowerShell.

Use the Windows Security app:

  1. Open the Start menu and type “Security” to search for the Windows Security app.
  2. Select Virus & threat protection.
  3. Under Who’s protecting me?, click on Manage Providers.
  4. The name of your antivirus/antimalware solution will be displayed on the security providers page.

Use PowerShell:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “PowerShell” to find Windows PowerShell.
  2. Type Get-MpComputerStatus.
  3. Look for the AMRunningMode row in the results:
    • Normal indicates that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running in active mode.
    • Passive mode means Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running but not as the primary antivirus solution.
    • EDR Block Mode indicates that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running with Endpoint detection and response (EDR) in block mode.
    • SxS Passive Mode means Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running alongside another antivirus/antimalware product.

Get Your Antivirus/Antimalware Platform Updates

Keeping Microsoft Defender Antivirus up to date is crucial for ensuring optimal protection against new malware and attack techniques. Microsoft regularly releases updates to enhance the technology. To learn more about managing Microsoft Defender Antivirus updates and applying baselines, refer to the official documentation.

Conclusion

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a powerful tool for protecting devices and endpoints in your organization. With its advanced capabilities, compatibility with other antivirus solutions, and comprehensive management options, it offers a robust defense against modern threats. By keeping the antivirus platform up to date and understanding the different modes, you can ensure the highest level of security for your systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coming soon…