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

Microsoft Defender AV must randomize scheduled task times.

DISA Rule

SV-278659r1192819_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-278659

Group Title

SRG-APP-000278

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000055

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 >> Randomize scheduled task times to "Enabled".

Check Contents

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Randomize scheduled task times is set to "Enabled"; otherwise, this is a finding.

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

Criteria: If the value "RandomizeScheduleTaskTimes" is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

If the value is 0, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-278659

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000055

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Randomize scheduled task times is set to "Enabled"; otherwise, this is a finding.

Procedure: Use the Windows Registry Editor to navigate to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

Criteria: If the value "RandomizeScheduleTaskTimes" is REG_DWORD = 1, this is not a finding.

If the value is 0, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3985