Microsoft Defender

Tech Optimizer
May 21, 2025
A newly developed security program called Defendnot can deceive and disable Windows Defender, even without legitimate antivirus software installed. It alters the system to appear as a genuine antivirus program, allowing hackers to neutralize Windows Defender's protective measures. Defendnot operates through an undocumented API that antivirus software uses to register with the Windows Security Center, causing Microsoft Defender to deactivate. Developed by security researcher es3n1n, Defendnot injects a DLL file into the Taskmgr.exe process, misleading Windows into believing an antivirus is present. Although created for research purposes, it can be misused by cybercriminals. Microsoft Defender recognizes Defendnot as a Trojan and quarantines it upon detection.
Tech Optimizer
May 19, 2025
A researcher using the pseudonym es3n1n has created a tool called Defendnot that manipulates Windows operating systems to disable Microsoft Defender, making devices vulnerable to malware. Defendnot simulates the presence of a legitimate antivirus by using an undocumented API in the Windows Security Center, convincing Windows that a valid antivirus is installed. This development raises concerns about cybersecurity, as it undermines the effectiveness of built-in antivirus protections like Windows Defender.
Tech Optimizer
May 19, 2025
The OpenEoX Technical Committee, part of OASIS, has introduced a draft framework to standardize end-of-life security notices for software and hardware, involving companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, IBM, Dell, and RedHat. The framework aims to provide clear communication about the security status of technology, helping organizations manage risks associated with legacy systems. It outlines a structured approach for notifying users about end-of-life status, enabling informed decisions on upgrades or replacements to improve security.
Tech Optimizer
May 18, 2025
A new tool called Defendnot, developed by es3n1n, allows users to disable Windows Defender by using an undocumented Windows Security Center (WSC) API to simulate the presence of another antivirus program. This tool is a successor to the no-defender tool, which was taken down due to legal issues. Defendnot does not use third-party antivirus code and aims for a clean implementation. It disables Microsoft Defender upon activation, leaving users vulnerable to malware as it does not provide real-time scanning. Defendnot is designed to run automatically at Windows startup. Microsoft classifies Defendnot as a Trojan, raising concerns about its potential misuse by malicious actors.
Tech Optimizer
May 18, 2025
Windows 11 accounts for nearly 44% of global desktop users as of April 2025, making it a prime target for cybercriminals, with 83% of malware in 2020 aimed at Windows systems. Microsoft Defender, which comes pre-installed with Windows 11, offers commendable malware protection, basic ransomware protection, a SmartScreen feature for anti-phishing, and a firewall that monitors network traffic. While it provides a solid foundation for security, additional third-party antivirus software can enhance protection, offering more comprehensive features such as superior parental controls, integrated VPN services, and identity theft protection.
Winsage
May 17, 2025
Microsoft will end update support for Windows 10 in October 2025, but new patches are still being released. The latest cumulative update, KB5058379, has caused issues for users, especially those with devices from Dell, Lenovo, and HP. Microsoft is aware of the problems and has not yet deployed a fix as of May 16, but has provided a temporary workaround. For users affected by the BitLocker bug, Microsoft Support recommends the following steps to regain access: 1. Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/Firmware settings. 2. If issues persist, disable all virtualization technologies in BIOS/Firmware settings. 3. Check the Microsoft Defender System Guard Firmware Protection Status via Registry Editor or GUI method. 4. If firmware protection settings are restricted by Group Policy, disable them using Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor. A system restart is required for these changes to take effect, and these workarounds should only be temporary until a patched update is released. Disabling certain BIOS settings may compromise system security.
Winsage
May 16, 2025
Microsoft is winding down support for Windows 10 this October and has released update KB5058379, which has caused unexpected BitLocker recovery prompts for some users after a restart. This issue has been confirmed by Microsoft representatives on forums, although it is not mentioned in the update's release notes. The problem predominantly affects devices from manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo, and the specific cause is unclear. Microsoft has provided workarounds, including disabling Secure Boot and virtualization technologies, checking Microsoft Defender System Guard Firmware Protection status, and disabling firmware protection via Group Policy or Registry Editor.
Search