18.10.43.15 Ensure 'Turn off Microsoft Defender AntiVirus' is set to 'Disabled'

Information

This policy setting turns off Microsoft Defender Antivirus. If the setting is configured to Disabled, Microsoft Defender Antivirus runs and computers are scanned for malware and other potentially unwanted software.

The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled.

Rationale:

It is important to ensure a current, updated antivirus product is scanning each computer for malicious file activity. Microsoft provides a competent solution out of the box in Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Organizations that choose to purchase a reputable 3rd-party antivirus solution may choose to exempt themselves from this recommendation in lieu of the commercial alternative.

Impact:

None - this is the default behavior.

Solution

To establish the recommended configuration, set the following Device Configuration Policy to Disabled:

To access the Device Configuration Policy from the Intune Home page:

Click Devices

Click Configuration profiles

Click Create profile

Select the platform (Windows 10 and later)

Select the profile (Administrative Templates)

Click Create

Enter a Name

Click Next

Configure the following Setting

Path: Computer Configuration\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Setting Name: Turn off Microsoft Defender AntiVirus
Configuration: Disabled

Select OK

Continue through the Wizard to complete the creation of the profile (profile assignments, applicability etc.)

Note: More than one configuration setting from each of the Configuration profiles (ex: Administrative Templates, Custom etc.) can be added to each Device Configuration Policy.

Default Value:

Disabled. (Microsoft Defender Antivirus runs and computers are scanned for malware and other potentially unwanted software.)

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/14664

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-3, CSCv7|8.1

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: ef7d30b35b6a04effa982feab5df3f3ee5f8d90754ec30e04bc62d27e6a353fa