No, Windows Defender does not block all types of malware. Windows Defender is a built-in antimalware solution that helps protect against certain types of malicious software, such as viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software. It does not protect against all forms of malware, including ransomware, rootkits, bootkits, and browser hijackers.
Windows Defender provides real-time protection against known threats, including those found on the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT). It also features enhanced heuristic scanning and remediation capabilities, which help detect and remove previously unknown or zero-day threats. However, Windows Defender is not a complete security solution and should be used in conjunction with other forms of endpoint protection, such as antivirus software or a web content filter.
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a user’s files and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt them. Windows Defender does not provide protection against this type of malicious software. It is important to note that ransomware can be spread through phishing emails or malicious downloads, so it is important to exercise caution when browsing online and to be aware of any suspicious activity.
Rootkits are pieces of malicious software that allow an attacker to gain access to a computer system by using root or administrator-level privileges. Rootkits can be difficult to detect and remove due to their stealthy nature, and Windows Defender does not provide protection against them. To protect against rootkit infections, users should employ additional security measures such as a host-based intrusion prevention system (HIPS) or a behavioral firewall.
Bootkits are malicious software programs that are used to modify the boot process of a computer system. Bootkits can be used to bypass authentication measures or to install malicious code on the target system. Windows Defender does not provide protection against bootkits, so it is important to keep your system’s firmware up to date with the latest security patches.
Browser hijackers are pieces of malicious software that modify the settings of a web browser in order to redirect users to malicious websites or cause pop-up ads to appear. They can also be used to steal user information, such as passwords and credit card details. Windows Defender does not provide protection against browser hijackers, so it is important to ensure that you have a comprehensive anti-malware solution installed on your system.
In conclusion, Windows Defender can help protect against certain types of malicious software, including viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted programs. However, it does not provide protection against all types of malware, such as ransomware, rootkits, bootkits, or browser hijackers. Therefore, it is important to use caution when browsing the internet, and to employ additional security measures, such as an antivirus program or a web content filter, to help safeguard against these more advanced threats.