Microsoft unveils Windows 10 and Windows 11 keylogger protection methods

In the early 2000s, the Windows operating system’s security largely depended on third-party antivirus applications. In 2009, Microsoft launched Security Essentials as a complimentary antivirus solution for Windows PCs. Over the subsequent years, Microsoft enhanced Security Essentials, evolving it into a formidable product that ultimately surpassed many industry leaders in AV-TEST certification rankings.

With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft substituted Security Essentials with Windows Defender. In Windows 10, Microsoft rebranded Windows Defender as a comprehensive solution encompassing various security tools, and now all Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices come equipped with Windows Defender Antivirus pre-installed.

Recently, Microsoft shared insights in a blog post on how Microsoft Defender Antivirus safeguards Windows 10 and Windows 11 users from keylogger and screen scraper malware. Keylogger malware is capable of recording every keystroke, clipboard data, and capturing screenshots on a PC, while screen scrapers can take screen captures and record video of the PC’s activities.

Microsoft highlighted that Microsoft Defender Antivirus employs artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the cloud-powered Microsoft Intelligent Security Graph to effectively block malware within milliseconds of detection. Furthermore, Defender AV can analyze processes and behaviors to combat fileless malware and human-operated attacks.

Here’s how Windows Defender Antivirus defends Windows 10 and Windows 11 users from keylogger threats:

• Upon powering on a PC, Windows utilizes Secure Boot, Trusted Boot, and Measured Boot to confirm that the anticipated firmware, bootloader, kernel, drivers, and anti-malware software are loaded correctly. This mechanism prevents malware from infiltrating the boot sequence and compromising the PC before Microsoft Defender Antivirus initiates.
• Once the PC is operational, Microsoft Defender Antivirus employs multiple detection engines to identify and block malware upon detection.
• The Tamper Protection feature ensures that vital functionalities, such as virus and threat detection, remain unaltered and can’t be disabled by malware.
• Microsoft Defender SmartScreen acts to prevent malware downloads, even in instances where real-time scanning by Microsoft Defender Antivirus is deactivated.
• For enhanced security measures, Microsoft suggests utilizing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint alongside the integrated Defender Antivirus.

Through its multi-layered security strategy, Windows Defender Antivirus delivers strong protection against keyloggers and other cybersecurity threats, underscoring Microsoft’s dedication to user safety.

Source: Microsoft

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