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

Microsoft Defender AV must enable heuristics.

DISA Rule

SV-278680r1192832_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-278680

Group Title

SRG-APP-000278

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000077

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 >> Scan >> Turn on heuristics to "Enabled".

Check Contents

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Scan >> Turn on heuristics 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\Scan

Criteria: If the value "DisableHeuristics" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

If the value is 1, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-278680

Documentable

False

Rule Version

WNDF-AV-000077

Severity Override Guidance

Verify the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Microsoft Defender Antivirus >> Scan >> Turn on heuristics 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\Scan

Criteria: If the value "DisableHeuristics" is REG_DWORD = 0, this is not a finding.

If the value is 1, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3985