Update, March 31, 2025: This story, originally published March 29, has been updated with an explanation of LOLBINS as well as further technical information regarding the Windows Defender Application ...

So, I decided to perform a full system security audit of my Windows PC. It revealed something a bit concerning: software that ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Davey Winder is a veteran cybersecurity writer, hacker and analyst. There are a number of antivirus, anti-malware, and internet ...

A new tool called 'Defendnot' can disable Microsoft Defender on Windows devices by registering a fake antivirus product, even when no real AV is installed. The trick utilizes an undocumented Windows ...

Windows Defender is a crucial security tool designed to protect your system from harmful files and malware in Windows 11/10. However, dealing with it can sometimes be frustrating, as it mistakenly ...

There are times when you may want to turn off Windows Security. I'll show you how to (temporarily or permanently) disable it on Windows 11 Home and Pro. I also recommend creating a restore point, and ...

Q: Are Windows Defender warnings that pop up with a phone number legit? A: Microsoft’s built-in security tool has improved over the years, and it still blocks plenty of everyday threats. But the ...

Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. is a senior editor and founding member of The Verge who covers gadgets, games, and toys. He spent 15 years ...