Windows Defender AV must be configured to process scanning when real-time protection is enabled.

From Windows Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001242

SV-89911r2_rule Windows Defender AV must be configured to process scanning when real-time protection is enabled.

Vulnerability discussion

This policy setting allows you to configure process scanning when real-time protection is turned on. This helps to catch malware which could start when real-time protection is turned off. If you enable or do not configure this setting a process scan will be initiated when real-time protection is turned on. If you disable this setting a process scan will not be initiated when real-time protection is turned on.

Check content

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Defender Antivirus -> Real-time Protection -> "Turn on process scanning whenever real-time protection is enabled" is set to "Enabled" or "Not Configured". Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key: HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection Criteria: If the value "DisableScanOnRealtimeEnable" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding. If the value does not exist, this is not a finding. If the value is 1, this is a finding.

Fix text

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Defender Antivirus -> Real-time Protection -> Turn on process scanning whenever real-time protection is enabled to "Enabled" or "Not Configured".

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