STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Defender Antivirus Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 9 Benchmark Date: 01 Jul 2026:

Microsoft Defender AV must monitor for incoming and outgoing files.

DISA Rule

SV-213442r1192801_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-213442

Group Title

SRG-APP-000278

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000018

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-002624 - Configure malicious code protection mechanisms to perform real-time scans of files from external sources at endpoint; and/or network entry and exit points as the files are downloaded, opened, or executed in accordance with organizational policy.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Set the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Real-time Protection >> "Configure monitoring for incoming and outgoing file and program activity" to "Enabled" with a policy option value of "bi-directional (full on-access)".

Check Contents

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Real-time Protection >> "Configure monitoring for incoming and outgoing file and program activity" is set to "Enabled" with a policy option value of "bi-directional (full on-access)".

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 "RealtimeScanDirection" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

If the value is 1 or 2, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-213442

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000018

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Real-time Protection >> "Configure monitoring for incoming and outgoing file and program activity" is set to "Enabled" with a policy option value of "bi-directional (full on-access)".

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 "RealtimeScanDirection" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

If the value is 1 or 2, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3985