18.9.47.9.4 Ensure 'Turn on script scanning' is set to 'Enabled'

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Information

This policy setting allows script scanning to be turned on/off. Script scanning intercepts scripts then scans them before they are executed on the system.

The recommended state for this setting is: Enabled.

Rationale:

When running an antivirus solution such as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it is important to ensure that it is configured to heuristically monitor in real-time for suspicious and known malicious activity.

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Enabled:

Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Real-Time Protection\Turn on script scanning

Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template WindowsDefender.admx/adml that is included with the Microsoft Windows 11 Release 21H2 Administrative Templates (or newer).

Default Value:

Enabled. (Script scanning will be enabled.)