Microsoft Windows Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide

The Microsoft Windows Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide (V2 R3) has 41 STIG checks. New to STIG checklists? Read What is a STIG checklist?, CKL vs CKLB, and STIG vs SCAP benchmark.

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Severity

Version

V2 · R3

CurrentPublished Mon Nov 01 2021

Windows Defender AV must be configured to block the Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) feature.

Microsoft Windows Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide

Assessment Title

Rule Text

Windows Defender AV must be configured to block the Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) feature.

Description

Discussion Text

After enabling this feature, PUA protection blocking takes effect on endpoint clients after the next signature update or computer restart. Signature updates take place daily under typical circumstances. PUA will be blocked and automatically quarantined.

New to STIG checklists? Read What is a STIG checklist? and CKL vs CKLB.

Objective

V-213426

Rule

SV-213426r569189_rule

Severity

high

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000001

Documentable

false

IA Controls

NIST SP 800-53

Rev 5

Assessment Procedure

Check Text

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Defender Antivirus >> "Configure detection for potentially unwanted applications" is set to "Enabled" and "Block".

Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: 

HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

If the value "PUAProtection" does not exist, this is a finding.

If the value "PUAProtection" is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

Implementation Procedure

Fix Text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Defender Antivirus >> "Configure Detection for Potentially Unwanted Applications" to "Enabled" and "Block".

STIG check 1 of 41 in the Microsoft Windows Defender Antivirus STIG checklist

Next · V-213427 →Windows Defender AV must be configured to automatically take action on all detected tasks.