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Windows Defender Offline – new tool against advanced malware
I wrote previously about how to secure your computer but last week Microsoft’s Malware Protection Center released a new tool against rootkits and other advanced malware that I would briefly like to review – the Windows Defender Offline.
Windows Defender Offline is scanning your PC to remove rootkits and other advanced malware that can’t always be detected by antimalware programs. If such a type of malware is detected on your PC you will be prompted by Microsoft Security Essentials to use Defender. However, it is good practice to run the Defender Offline on a regular basis as some advanced malware doesn’t necessarily get detected by any anti-virus program.
The main difference between Defender Offline and most other anit-malware tools is that it is run from a clean boot disk/CD/USB Stick and that way anti-malware that tries to use some cloaking technique will not have the possibility to hide.
For more information on what Windows Defender Offline does and what the system requirements are, please visit this website: http://windows.microsoft.com/
Featured Posts
We are receiving currently increased feedback from Microsoft customers about calls they receive from - supposedly - Microsoft support. The callers claims to be a Microsoft representative or working for a Microsoft partner. The usual call goes about the following:
- The caller calls from either the UK or the US and informs the Microsoft customer that there is supposedly a problem with some software on the computer or that they have indications that the customer has had recently some security problems.
- The caller claims to be from either a Microsoft Partner or a “Windows Service Center”.
- The caller speaks English but often with an accent.
- The caller will try to gain remote access to the computer e.g. by asking the customer to go to a – fraudulent – support website and download software or then send something by e-mail.
- Usually, if the customer is suspicious and starts asking questions, the caller hangs up.
- Microsoft does not send unsolicited e-mail or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information.
- Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.
- Communications claiming that you have won the “Microsoft Lottery” are fraudulent because there is no Microsoft Lottery.
- Microsoft does not request credit card information to validate your copy of Windows, Office etc.
- Microsoft does not send unsolicited communication about security updates.
Welcome to Reto Haeni's cloud
A cloud can be many things. A white patch in a sunny blue sky, the source of a powerful thunderstorm or almost unlimited computing power. My cloud is a place where I am discussing security, technology, productivity, IT-business alignment and corporate citizenship with a few lightning bolts once a while. I welcome all comments and feedback and if you have a question please use the contact form below.
About the Author
I am Microsoft's Chief Security Advisor for Switzerland and have over 15 years work experience in an information security and risk focused IT environment as program manager, technical director and CIO.
