Every year, we rigorously test Windows Defender against some of the most infamous ransomware. In this video, we're automating the execution of these threats on a test system to see how well Windows Defender performs out of the box, and whether additional tools and tweaks can enhance its protection.
Default Windows Defender Performance
Initially, we test Windows Defender with its default settings, which is how most users have their systems configured. During the execution of various ransomware threats, we observe some being blocked while others manage to bypass the defenses. Specifically, we note that around 98% of the threats are blocked, but unfortunately, some ransomware, such as Black Claw, encrypts our data. This suggests a gap in the real-time protection capabilities of Windows Defender, possibly due to delays in cloud-based detection.
Tweaking Windows Defender for Better Protection
Many users have recommended additional tools like Defender UI, which allows for advanced configurations of Windows Defender settings. We implemented tweaks such as enabling attack surface reduction (ASR) rules, blocking untrusted and unsigned processes, and enhancing ransomware protection.
With these enhanced settings, we reran the same tests. This time, we achieved a proactive detection rate of 100%, preventing our data from being encrypted. This demonstrates that with proper configuration, Windows Defender can offer robust protection against known ransomware.
Potential Drawbacks
While these tweaks can improve security, they might also increase system resource usage and lead to false positives, where legitimate applications are mistakenly blocked. Therefore, it's essential to balance security settings based on individual needs and system capabilities.
Threat Research with Any.run
To conduct these tests and gather malware samples, we use threat intelligence platforms like Any.run. This online sandbox allows users to run and analyze malware in a controlled environment, providing valuable insights into how different threats behave. For those interested in threat research, Any.run offers a comprehensive solution to test and study various malware samples.
Conclusion
Our tests reveal that while Windows Defender offers substantial protection, fine-tuning its settings with tools like Defender UI can significantly enhance its ability to combat ransomware. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you have experimented with ASR rules or other advanced settings. Don't forget to like and share this video if you found it helpful.
For those interested in conducting similar research, Any.run is an excellent resource. The first 50 users to sign up via the link in the description will receive access to their Enterprise threat intelligence, enabling deeper malware analysis.
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