Merge pull request #310 from MicrosoftDocs/av-test

Av test

.vscode/settings.json

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+{
+   "cSpell.words": [
+      "kovter",
+      "kovter's",
+      "poshspy"
+   ]
+}

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/cybersecurity-industry-partners.md

@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ Go to the [VIA program page](virus-information-alliance-criteria.md) for more in
 
 MVI is open to organizations who build and own a Real Time Protection (RTP) antimalware product of their own design, or one developed using a third-party antivirus SDK.
 
-Members get access to Microsoft client APIs for the Windows Defender Security Center, IOAV, AMSI, and Cloud Files, along with health data and other telemetry to help their customers stay protected. Antimalware products are submitted to Microsoft for performance testing on a regular basis.
+Members get access to Microsoft client APIs for the Microsoft Defender Security Center, IOAV, AMSI, and Cloud Files, along with health data and other telemetry to help their customers stay protected. Antimalware products are submitted to Microsoft for performance testing on a regular basis.
 
 Go to the [MVI program page](virus-initiative-criteria.md) for more information.
 

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/developer-info.md

@@ -25,6 +25,4 @@ Learn about the common questions we receive from software developers and get oth
 Topic | Description
 :---|:---
 [Software developer FAQ](developer-faq.md) | Provides answers to common questions we receive from software developers.
-[Developer resources](developer-resources.md) | Provides information about how to submit files, detection criteria, and how to check your software against the latest Security intelligence and cloud protection from Microsoft.
-
-
+[Developer resources](developer-resources.md) | Provides information about how to submit files, detection criteria, and how to check your software against the latest security intelligence and cloud protection from Microsoft.

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/fileless-threats.md

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ---
 title: Fileless threats
 description: Learn about fileless threats, its categories, and how it runs
-keywords: fileless, amsi, behavior monitoring, memory scanning, boot sector protection, security, malware, Windows Defender ATP, antivirus, AV
+keywords: fileless, amsi, behavior monitoring, memory scanning, boot sector protection, security, malware, Windows Defender ATP, antivirus, AV, Microsoft Defender ATP
 ms.prod: w10
 ms.mktglfcycl: secure
 ms.sitesec: library
@@ -17,49 +17,49 @@ search.appverid: met150
 
 # Fileless threats
 
-What exactly is a fileless threat? The term "fileless" suggests that a threat that does not come in a file, such as a backdoor that lives only in the memory of a machine. However, there's no generally accepted definition. The terms is used broadly; it's also used to describe malware families that do rely on files in order to operate.
+What exactly is a fileless threat? The term "fileless" suggests that a threat that does not come in a file, such as a backdoor that lives only in the memory of a machine. However, there's no generally accepted definition. The term is used broadly; it's also used to describe malware families that do rely on files to operate.
 
-Given that attacks involve [several stages](https://attack.mitre.org/wiki/ATT&CK_Matrix) for functionalities like execution, persistence, information theft, lateral movement, communication with command-and-control, etc., some parts of the attack chain may be fileless, while others may involve the filesystem in some form or another.
+Given that attacks involve [several stages](https://attack.mitre.org/wiki/ATT&CK_Matrix) for functionalities like execution, persistence, or information theft, some parts of the attack chain may be fileless, while others may involve the filesystem in some form or another.
 
-To shed light on this loaded term, we grouped fileless threats into different categories.
+For clarity, fileless threats are grouped into different categories.
 
 ![Comprehensive diagram of fileless malware](images/fileless-malware.png)<br>
 *Figure 1. Comprehensive diagram of fileless malware*
 
-We can classify fileless threats by their entry point, which indicates how fileless malware can arrive on a machine: via an exploit; through compromised hardware; or via regular execution of applications and scripts.
+Fileless threats can be classified by their entry point, which indicates how fileless malware can arrive on a machine. They can arrive via an exploit, through compromised hardware, or via regular execution of applications and scripts.
 
-Next, we can list the form of entry point: for example, exploits can be based on files or network data; PCI peripherals are a type of hardware vector; and scripts and executables are sub-categories of the execution vector.
+Next, list the form of entry point. For example, exploits can be based on files or network data, PCI peripherals are a type of hardware vector, and scripts and executables are sub-categories of the execution vector.
 
-Finally, we can classify the host of the infection: for example, a Flash application that may contain an exploit; a simple executable; a malicious firmware from a hardware device; or an infected MBR, which could bootstrap the execution of a malware before the operating system even loads.
+Finally, classify the host of the infection. For example, a Flash application that may contain an exploit, a simple executable, malicious firmware from a hardware device, or an infected MBR, which could bootstrap the execution of a malware before the operating system even loads.
 
-This helps us divide and categorize the various kinds of fileless threats. Clearly, the categories are not all the same: some are more dangerous but also more difficult to implement, while others are more commonly used despite (or precisely because of) not being very advanced.
+This helps you divide and categorize the various kinds of fileless threats. Clearly, the categories are not all the same: some are more dangerous but also more difficult to implement, while others are more commonly used despite (or precisely because of) not being very advanced.
 
-From this categorization, we can glean three big types of fileless threats based on how much fingerprint they may leave on infected machines.
+From this categorization, you can glean three main types of fileless threats based on how much fingerprint they may leave on infected machines.
 
 ## Type I: No file activity performed
 
 A completely fileless malware can be considered one that never requires writing a file on the disk. How would such malware infect a machine in the first place? An example scenario could be a target machine receiving malicious network packets that exploit the EternalBlue vulnerability, leading to the installation of the DoublePulsar backdoor, which ends up residing only in the kernel memory. In this case, there is no file or any data written on a file.
 
-Another scenario could involve compromised devices, where malicious code could be hiding in device firmware (such as a BIOS), a USB peripheral (like the BadUSB attack), or even in the firmware of a network card. All these examples do not require a file on the disk in order to run and can theoretically live only in memory, surviving even reboots, disk reformats, and OS reinstalls.
+Another scenario could involve compromised devices, where malicious code could be hiding in device firmware (such as a BIOS), a USB peripheral (like the BadUSB attack), or even in the firmware of a network card. All these examples do not require a file on the disk to run and can theoretically live only in memory, surviving even reboots, disk reformats, and OS reinstalls.
 
 Infections of this type can be extra difficult to detect and remediate. Antivirus products usually don’t have the capability to access firmware for inspection; even if they did, it would be extremely challenging to detect and remediate threats at this level. Because this type of fileless malware requires high levels of sophistication and often depend on particular hardware or software configuration, it’s not an attack vector that can be exploited easily and reliably. For this reason, while extremely dangerous, threats of this type tend to be very uncommon and not practical for most attacks.
 
 ## Type II: Indirect file activity
 
-There are other ways that malware can achieve fileless presence on a machine without requiring significant engineering effort. Fileless malware of this type don’t directly write files on the file system, but they can end up using files indirectly. This is the case for [Poshspy backdoor](https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/03/dissecting_one_ofap.html). Attackers installed a malicious PowerShell command within the WMI repository and configured a WMI filter to run such command periodically.
+There are other ways that malware can achieve fileless presence on a machine without requiring significant engineering effort. Fileless malware of this type doesn't directly write files on the file system, but they can end up using files indirectly. This is the case for [Poshspy backdoor](https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/03/dissecting_one_ofap.html). Attackers installed a malicious PowerShell command within the WMI repository and configured a WMI filter to run such command periodically.
 
 It’s possible to carry out such installation via command line without requiring the presence of the backdoor to be on a file in the first place. The malware can thus be installed and theoretically run without ever touching the file system. However, the WMI repository is stored on a physical file that is a central storage area managed by the CIM Object Manager and usually contains legitimate data. Therefore, while the infection chain does technically use a physical file, for practical purposes it’s considered a fileless attack given that the WMI repository is a multi-purpose data container that cannot be simply detected and removed.
 
 ## Type III: Files required to operate
 
-Some malware can have some sort of fileless persistence but not without using files in order to operate. An example for this scenario is Kovter, which creates a shell open verb handler in the registry for a random file extension. This action means that opening a file with such extension will lead to the execution of a script through the legitimate tool mshta.exe.
+Some malware can have some sort of fileless persistence but not without using files to operate. An example for this scenario is Kovter, which creates a shell open verb handler in the registry for a random file extension. This action means that opening a file with such extension will lead to the execution of a script through the legitimate tool mshta.exe.
 
 ![Image of Kovter's registry key](images/kovter-reg-key.png)<br>
 *Figure 2. Kovter’s registry key*
 
 When the open verb is invoked, the associated command from the registry is launched, which results in the execution of a small script. This script reads data from a further registry key and executes it, in turn leading to the loading of the final payload. However, to trigger the open verb in the first place, Kovter has to drop a file with the same extension targeted by the verb (in the example above, the extension is .bbf5590fd). It also has to set an auto-run key configured to open such file when the machine starts.
 
-Despite the use of files, and despite the fact that the registry too is stored in physical files, Kovter is considered a fileless threat because the file system is of no practical use: the files with random extension contain junk data that is not usable in verifying the presence of the threat, and the files that store the registry are containers that cannot be detected and deleted if malicious content is present.
+Kovter is considered a fileless threat because the file system is of no practical use: the files with random extension contain junk data that is not usable in verifying the presence of the threat, and the files that store the registry are containers that cannot be detected and deleted if malicious content is present.
 
 ## Categorizing fileless threats by infection host
 
@@ -67,21 +67,21 @@ Having described the broad categories, we can now dig into the details and provi
 
 ### Exploits
 
-**File-based** (Type III: executable, Flash, Java, documents): An initial file may exploit the operating system, the browser, the Java engine, the Flash engine, etc. in order to execute a shellcode and deliver a payload in memory. While the payload is fileless, the initial entry vector is a file.
+**File-based** (Type III: executable, Flash, Java, documents): An initial file may exploit the operating system, the browser, the Java engine, the Flash engine, etc. to execute a shellcode and deliver a payload in memory. While the payload is fileless, the initial entry vector is a file.
 
 **Network-based** (Type I): A network communication that takes advantage of a vulnerability in the target machine can achieve code execution in the context of an application or the kernel. An example is WannaCry, which exploits a previously fixed vulnerability in the SMB protocol to deliver a backdoor within the kernel memory.
 
 ### Hardware
 
-**Device-based** (Type I: network card, hard disk): Devices like hard disks and network cards require chipsets and dedicated software to function. A software residing and running in the chipset of a device is called a firmware. Although a complex task, the firmware can be infected by malware, as the [Equation espionage group has been caught doing](https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/equation-hdd-malware/7623/).
+**Device-based** (Type I: network card, hard disk): Devices like hard disks and network cards require chipsets and dedicated software to function. Software residing and running in the chipset of a device is called firmware. Although a complex task, the firmware can be infected by malware, as the [Equation espionage group has been caught doing](https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/equation-hdd-malware/7623/).
 
 **CPU-based** (Type I): Modern CPUs are extremely complex and may include subsystems running firmware for management purposes. Such firmware may be vulnerable to hijacking and allow the execution of malicious code that would hence operate from within the CPU. In December 2017, two researchers reported a vulnerability that can allow attackers to execute code inside the [Management Engine (ME)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Management_Engine) present in any modern CPU from Intel. Meanwhile, the attacker group PLATINUM has been observed to have the capability to use Intel's [Active Management Technology (AMT)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Active_Management_Technology) to perform [invisible network communications](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2017/06/07/platinum-continues-to-evolve-find-ways-to-maintain-invisibility/) bypassing the installed operating system. ME and AMT are essentially autonomous micro-computers that live inside the CPU and that operate at a very low level. Because these technologies’ purpose is to provide remote manageability, they have direct access to hardware, are independent of the operating system, and can run even if the computer is turned off. Besides being vulnerable at the firmware level, CPUs could be manufactured with backdoors inserted directly in the hardware circuitry. This attack has been [researched and proved possible](https://www.emsec.rub.de/media/crypto/veroeffentlichungen/2015/03/19/beckerStealthyExtended.pdf) in the past. Just recently it has been reported that certain models of x86 processors contain a secondary embedded RISC-like CPU core that can [effectively provide a backdoor](https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/10/via_c3_x86_processor_backdoor/) through which regular applications can gain privileged execution.
 
-**USB-based** (Type I): USB devices of all kinds can be reprogrammed with a malicious firmware capable of interacting with the operating system in nefarious ways. This is the case of the [BadUSB technique](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/07/this-thumbdrive-hacks-computers-badusb-exploit-makes-devices-turn-evil/), demonstrated few years ago, which allows a reprogrammed USB stick to act as a keyboard that sends commands to machines via keystrokes, or as a network card that can redirect traffic at will.
+**USB-based** (Type I): USB devices of all kinds can be reprogrammed with malicious firmware capable of interacting with the operating system in nefarious ways. This is the case of the [BadUSB technique](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/07/this-thumbdrive-hacks-computers-badusb-exploit-makes-devices-turn-evil/), demonstrated few years ago, which allows a reprogrammed USB stick to act as a keyboard that sends commands to machines via keystrokes, or as a network card that can redirect traffic at will.
 
 **BIOS-based** (Type I): A BIOS is a firmware running inside a chipset. It executes when a machine is powered on, initializes the hardware, and then transfers control to the boot sector. It’s a very important component that operates at a very low level and executes before the boot sector. It’s possible to reprogram the BIOS firmware with malicious code, as has happened in the past with the [Mebromi rootkit](https://www.webroot.com/blog/2011/09/13/mebromi-the-first-bios-rootkit-in-the-wild/).
 
-**Hypervisor-based** (Type I): Modern CPUs provide hardware hypervisor support, allowing the operating system to create robust virtual machines. A virtual machine runs in a confined, simulated environment, and is in theory unaware of the emulation. A malware taking over a machine may implement a small hypervisor in order to hide itself outside of the realm of the running operating system. Malware of this kind has been theorized in the past, and eventually real hypervisor rootkits [have been observed](http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2017/Jun/29), although very few are known to date.
+**Hypervisor-based** (Type I): Modern CPUs provide hardware hypervisor support, allowing the operating system to create robust virtual machines. A virtual machine runs in a confined, simulated environment, and is in theory unaware of the emulation. A malware taking over a machine may implement a small hypervisor to hide itself outside of the realm of the running operating system. Malware of this kind has been theorized in the past, and eventually real hypervisor rootkits [have been observed](http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2017/Jun/29), although very few are known to date.
 
 ### Execution and injection
 
@@ -89,12 +89,12 @@ Having described the broad categories, we can now dig into the details and provi
 
 **Macro-based** (Type III: Office documents): The [VBA language](https://msdn.microsoft.com/vba/office-shared-vba/articles/getting-started-with-vba-in-office) is a flexible and powerful tool designed to automate editing tasks and add dynamic functionality to documents. As such, it can be abused by attackers to carry out malicious operations like decoding, running, or injecting an executable payload, or even implementing an entire ransomware, like in [the case of qkG](https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/qkg-filecoder-self-replicating-document-encrypting-ransomware/). Macros are executed within the context of an Office process (e.g., Winword.exe), and they’re implemented in a scripting language, so there is no binary executable that an antivirus can inspect. While Office apps require explicit consent from the user to execute macros from a document, attackers use social engineering techniques to trick users into allowing macros to execute.
 
-**Script-based** (Type II: file, service, registry, WMI repo, shell): The JavaScript, VBScript, and PowerShell scripting languages are available by default on Windows platforms. Scripts have the same advantages as macros: they’re textual files (not binary executables) and they run within the context of the interpreter (e.g., wscript.exe, powershell.exe, etc.), which is a clean and legitimate component. Scripts are very versatile; they can be run from a file (e.g., by double-clicking them) or, in some cases, executed directly on the command line of an interpreter. Being able to run on the command line can allow malware to encode malicious command-line scripts as auto-start services inside [autorun registry keys](https://www.gdatasoftware.com/blog/2014/07/23947-poweliks-the-persistent-malware-without-a-file) as [WMI event subscriptions](https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/03/dissecting_one_ofap.html) from the WMI repo. Furthermore, an attacker who has gained access to an infected machine may input the script on the command prompt.
+**Script-based** (Type II: file, service, registry, WMI repo, shell): The JavaScript, VBScript, and PowerShell scripting languages are available by default on Windows platforms. Scripts have the same advantages as macros: they are textual files (not binary executables) and run within the context of the interpreter (e.g., wscript.exe, powershell.exe, etc.), which is a clean and legitimate component. Scripts are very versatile; they can be run from a file (e.g., by double-clicking them) or, in some cases, executed directly on the command line of an interpreter. Being able to run on the command line can allow malware to encode malicious command-line scripts as auto-start services inside [autorun registry keys](https://www.gdatasoftware.com/blog/2014/07/23947-poweliks-the-persistent-malware-without-a-file) as [WMI event subscriptions](https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/03/dissecting_one_ofap.html) from the WMI repo. Furthermore, an attacker who has gained access to an infected machine may input the script on the command prompt.
 
 **Disk-based** (Type II: Boot Record): The [Boot Record](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boot_sector) is the first sector of a disk or volume and contains executable code required to start the boot process of the operating system. Threats like [Petya](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2017/06/27/new-ransomware-old-techniques-petya-adds-worm-capabilities/?source=mmpc) are capable of infecting the Boot Record by overwriting it with malicious code, so that when the machine is booted the malware immediately gains control (and in the case of Petya, with disastrous consequences). The Boot Record resides outside the file system, but it’s accessible by the operating system, and modern antivirus products have the capability to scan and restore it.
 
 ## Defeating fileless malware
 
-At Microsoft, we actively monitor the security landscape to identify new threat trends and develop solutions that continuously enhance Windows security and mitigate classes of threats. We instrument durable protections that are effective against a wide range of threats. Through AntiMalware Scan Interface (AMSI), behavior monitoring, memory scanning, and boot sector protection, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection [(Windows Defender ATP)](https://www.microsoft.com/WindowsForBusiness/windows-atp?ocid=docs-fileless) can inspect fileless threats even with heavy obfuscation. Machine learning technologies in the cloud allow us to scale these protections against new and emerging threats.
+At Microsoft, we actively monitor the security landscape to identify new threat trends and develop solutions that continuously enhance Windows security and mitigate classes of threats. We instrument durable protections that are effective against a wide range of threats. Through AntiMalware Scan Interface (AMSI), behavior monitoring, memory scanning, and boot sector protection, Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection [(Microsoft Defender ATP)](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness?ocid=docs-fileless) can inspect fileless threats even with heavy obfuscation. Machine learning technologies in the cloud allow us to scale these protections against new and emerging threats.
 
 To learn more, read: [Out of sight but not invisible: Defeating fileless malware with behavior monitoring, AMSI, and next-gen AV](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/09/27/out-of-sight-but-not-invisible-defeating-fileless-malware-with-behavior-monitoring-amsi-and-next-gen-av/)

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/index.md

@@ -22,6 +22,6 @@ Here you will find information about different types of malware, safety tips on
 * [Submit files for analysis](submission-guide.md)
 * [Safety Scanner download](safety-scanner-download.md)
 
-Keep up with the latest malware news and research. Check out our [Windows security blogs](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/?product=windows,windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection) and follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wdsecurity) for the latest news, discoveries, and protections.
+Keep up with the latest malware news and research. Check out our [Microsoft Security blogs](https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/product/windows/) and follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wdsecurity) for the latest news, discoveries, and protections.
 
 Learn more about [Windows security](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/index).

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/phishing.md

@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ Send an email with the phishing scam to **The Anti-Phishing Working Group**: rep
 
 ## Where to find more information about phishing attacks
 
-For information on the latest Phishing attacks, techniques, and trends, you can read these entries on the [Windows Security blog](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/?product=windows,windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection):
+For information on the latest phishing attacks, techniques, and trends, you can read these entries on the [Microsoft Security blog](https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/product/windows/):
 
 * [Phishers unleash simple but effective social engineering techniques using PDF attachments](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2017/01/26/phishers-unleash-simple-but-effective-social-engineering-techniques-using-pdf-attachments/?source=mmpc)
 

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/prevent-malware-infection.md

@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ Microsoft provides comprehensive security capabilities that help protect against
 
 * [OneDrive for Business](https://support.office.com/article/restore-a-previous-version-of-a-file-in-onedrive-159cad6d-d76e-4981-88ef-de6e96c93893?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US) can back up files, which you would then use to restore files in the event of an infection.
 
-* [Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection) provides comprehensive endpoint protection, detection, and response capabilities to help prevent ransomware. In the event of a breach, Windows Defender ATP alerts security operations teams about suspicious activities and automatically attempts to resolve the problem. This includes alerts for suspicious PowerShell commands, connecting to a TOR website, launching self-replicated copies, and deletion of volume shadow copies. Try Windows Defender ATP free of charge.
+* [Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-atp/microsoft-defender-advanced-threat-protection) provides comprehensive endpoint protection, detection, and response capabilities to help prevent ransomware. In the event of a breach, Microsoft Defender ATP alerts security operations teams about suspicious activities and automatically attempts to resolve the problem. This includes alerts for suspicious PowerShell commands, connecting to a TOR website, launching self-replicated copies, and deletion of volume shadow copies. Try Microsoft Defender ATP free of charge.
 
 * [Windows Hello for Business](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-identity-verification) replaces passwords with strong two-factor authentication on your devices. This authentication consists of a new type of user credential that is tied to a device and uses a biometric or PIN. It lets user authenticate to an Active Directory or Azure Active Directory account.
 
@@ -114,6 +114,6 @@ Microsoft provides comprehensive security capabilities that help protect against
 
 ## What to do with a malware infection
 
-Windows Defender ATP antivirus capabilities helps reduce the chances of infection and will automatically remove threats that it detects.
+Microsoft Defender ATP antivirus capabilities helps reduce the chances of infection and will automatically remove threats that it detects.
 
 In case threat removal is unsuccessful, read about [troubleshooting malware detection and removal problems](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4466982/windows-10-troubleshoot-problems-with-detecting-and-removing-malware).

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/safety-scanner-download.md

@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Microsoft Safety Scanner is a scan tool designed to find and remove malware from
 
 Safety Scanner only scans when manually triggered and is available for use 10 days after being downloaded. We recommend that you always download the latest version of this tool before each scan.
 
-> **NOTE:** This tool does not replace your antimalware product. For real-time protection with automatic updates, use [Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 and Windows 8](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-defender) or [Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows 7](https://support.microsoft.com/help/14210/security-essentials-download). These antimalware products also provide powerful malware removal capabilities. If you are having difficulties removing malware with these products, you can refer to our help on [removing difficult threats](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/help/troubleshooting-infection).
+> **NOTE:** This tool does not replace your antimalware product. For real-time protection with automatic updates, use [Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 and Windows 8](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/comprehensive-security) or [Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows 7](https://support.microsoft.com/help/14210/security-essentials-download). These antimalware products also provide powerful malware removal capabilities. If you are having difficulties removing malware with these products, you can refer to our help on [removing difficult threats](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/help/troubleshooting-infection).
 
 > **NOTE:** Safety scanner is a portable executable and does not appear in the Windows Start menu or as an icon on the desktop. Note where you saved this download.
 
@@ -51,4 +51,4 @@ For more information about the Safety Scanner, see the support article on [how t
 - [Microsoft Security Essentials](https://support.microsoft.com/help/14210/security-essentials-download)
 - [Removing difficult threats](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4466982/windows-10-troubleshoot-problems-with-detecting-and-removing-malware)
 - [Submit file for malware analysis](https://www.microsoft.com/wdsi/filesubmission)
-- [Microsoft antimalware and threat protection solutions](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection)
+- [Microsoft antimalware and threat protection solutions](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-atp/microsoft-defender-advanced-threat-protection)

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/top-scoring-industry-antivirus-tests.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 title: Top scoring in industry tests
-description: Windows Defender ATP consistently achieves high scores in independent tests. View the latest scores and analysis.
+description: Microsoft Defender ATP consistently achieves high scores in independent tests. View the latest scores and analysis.
 keywords: security, malware, av-comparatives, av-test, av, antivirus, windows, defender, scores, endpoint detection and response, next generation protection, MITRE, WDATP
 ms.prod: w10
 ms.mktglfcycl: secure
@@ -17,33 +17,37 @@ search.appverid: met150
 
 # Top scoring in industry tests
 
-Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection ([Windows Defender ATP](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/windows-atp?ocid=cx-docs-avreports)) technologies consistently achieve high scores in independent tests, demonstrating the strength of its enterprise threat protection capabilities. Microsoft aims to be transparent about these test scores. This page summarizes the results and provides analysis.
+Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection ([Microsoft Defender ATP](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/windows-atp?ocid=cx-docs-avreports)) technologies consistently achieve high scores in independent tests, demonstrating the strength of its enterprise threat protection capabilities. Microsoft aims to be transparent about these test scores. This page summarizes the results and provides analysis.
 
 ## Endpoint detection & response
 
-Windows Defender ATP [endpoint detection and response](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/overview-endpoint-detection-response) capabilities provide advanced attack detections that are near real-time and actionable. Security analysts can prioritize alerts effectively, gain visibility into the full scope of a breach, and take response actions to remediate threats.
+Microsoft Defender ATP [endpoint detection and response](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/microsoft-defender-atp/overview-endpoint-detection-response) capabilities provide advanced attack detections that are near real-time and actionable. Security analysts can prioritize alerts effectively, gain visibility into the full scope of a breach, and take response actions to remediate threats.
 
 ### MITRE: Industry-leading optics and detection capabilities
 
 MITRE tested the ability of products to detect techniques commonly used by the targeted attack group APT3 (also known as Boron or UPS). To isolate detection capabilities, all protection and prevention features were turned off. Microsoft is happy to be one of the first EDR vendors to sign up for the MITRE evaluation based on the ATT&CK framework, widely regarded today as the most comprehensive catalog of attacker techniques and tactics.
 
-- ATT&CK-based evaluation: [Leading optics and detection capabilities](https://attackevals.mitre.org/) | [Analysis](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/12/03/insights-from-the-mitre-attack-based-evaluation-of-windows-defender-atp/)
+- ATT&CK-based evaluation: [Leading optics and detection capabilities](https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2018/12/03/insights-from-the-mitre-attack-based-evaluation-of-windows-defender-atp/) | [Analysis](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-Defender-ATP/MITRE-evaluation-highlights-industry-leading-EDR-capabilities-in/ba-p/369831)
 
-    Windows Defender ATP delivered comprehensive coverage of attacker techniques across the entire attack chain. Highlights included the breadth of telemetry, the strength of threat intelligence, and the advanced, automatic detection through machine learning, heuristics, and behavior monitoring.
+    Microsoft Defender ATP delivered comprehensive coverage of attacker techniques across the entire attack chain. Highlights included the breadth of telemetry, the strength of threat intelligence, and the advanced, automatic detection through machine learning, heuristics, and behavior monitoring.
 
 ## Next generation protection
 
 [Windows Defender Antivirus](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10?ocid=cx-docs-avreports) consistently performs highly in independent tests, displaying how it is a top choice in the antivirus market. Note that these tests only provide results for antivirus and do not test for additional security protections.
 
-Windows Defender Antivirus is  part of the  [next generation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy3MOxkX_o4) Window Defender ATP security stack which addresses the latest and most sophisticated threats today. In some cases, customers might not even know they were protected because a cyberattack is stopped [milliseconds after a campaign starts](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/03/07/behavior-monitoring-combined-with-machine-learning-spoils-a-massive-dofoil-coin-mining-campaign?ocid=cx-docs-avreports). That's because Windows Defender Antivirus detects and stops malware at first sight by using [machine learning](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/06/07/machine-learning-vs-social-engineering?ocid=cx-docs-avreports), [artificial intelligence](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/02/14/how-artificial-intelligence-stopped-an-emotet-outbreak?ocid=cx-docs-avreports), behavioral analysis, and other advanced technologies.
+Windows Defender Antivirus is  part of the  [next generation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy3MOxkX_o4) Microsoft Defender ATP security stack which addresses the latest and most sophisticated threats today. In some cases, customers might not even know they were protected because a cyberattack is stopped [milliseconds after a campaign starts](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/03/07/behavior-monitoring-combined-with-machine-learning-spoils-a-massive-dofoil-coin-mining-campaign?ocid=cx-docs-avreports). That's because Windows Defender Antivirus detects and stops malware at first sight by using [machine learning](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/06/07/machine-learning-vs-social-engineering?ocid=cx-docs-avreports), [artificial intelligence](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/02/14/how-artificial-intelligence-stopped-an-emotet-outbreak?ocid=cx-docs-avreports), behavioral analysis, and other advanced technologies.
 
 ### AV-TEST: Protection score of 6.0/6.0 in the latest test
 
 The AV-TEST Product Review and Certification Report tests on three categories: protection, performance, and usability. The scores listed below are for the Protection category which has two scores: Real-World Testing and the AV-TEST reference set (known as "Prevalent Malware").
 
-- January - February 2019 AV-TEST Business User test: [Protection score 6.0/6.0](https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/business-windows-client/windows-10/february-2019/microsoft-windows-defender-antivirus-4.18-190611/) <sup>**Latest**</sup>
+- March - April 2019 AV-TEST Business User test: [Protection score 6.0/6.0](https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/business-windows-client/windows-10/april-2019/microsoft-windows-defender-antivirus-4.18-191517/) <sup>**Latest**</sup>
 
-    Windows Defender Antivirus achieved an overall Protection score of 6.0/6.0, with 19,956 malware samples used. This is the fifth consecutive cycle that Windows Defender Antivirus achieved a perfect score.
+    Windows Defender Antivirus achieved an overall Protection score of 6.0/6.0, with 6,849 malware samples used. This is the sixth consecutive cycle that Windows Defender Antivirus achieved a perfect Protection score.
+
+- January - February 2019 AV-TEST Business User test: [Protection score 6.0/6.0](https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/business-windows-client/windows-10/february-2019/microsoft-windows-defender-antivirus-4.18-190611/)
+
+    Windows Defender Antivirus achieved an overall Protection score of 6.0/6.0, with 13,977 malware samples used.
 
 - November - December 2018 AV-TEST Business User test: [Protection score 6.0/6.0](https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/business-windows-client/windows-10/december-2018/microsoft-windows-defender-antivirus-4.18-185074/) | [Analysis](https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RWusR9)
 
@@ -61,25 +65,21 @@ The AV-TEST Product Review and Certification Report tests on three categories: p
 
      Windows Defender Antivirus achieved an overall Protection score of 6.0/6.0, detecting 100% of 5,790 malware samples.
 
-- March - April 2018 AV-TEST Business User test: [Protection score 5.5/6.0](https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/business-windows-client/windows-10/april-2018/microsoft-windows-defender-antivirus-4.12-181574/) | [Analysis](https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE2ouJA?ocid=cx-docs-avreports)
-
-     Windows Defender Antivirus achieved an overall Protection score of 5.5/6.0, missing 2 out of 5,680 malware samples (0.035% miss rate).
-
-- January - February 2018 AV-TEST Business User test: [Protection score 6.0/6.0](https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/business-windows-client/windows-10/february-2018/microsoft-windows-defender-antivirus-4.12-180674/) | [Analysis](https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE27O5A?ocid=cx-docs-avreports)
-
-    Windows Defender Antivirus achieved an overall Protection score of 6.0/6.0, with 5,105 malware samples tested.
-
 |||
 |---|---|
-|![Graph describing Real-World detection rate](./images/RealWorld18.png)|![Graph describing Prevalent Malware](./images/PrevalentMalware18.png)|
+|![Graph describing Real-World detection rate](./images/real-world-small.png)|![Graph describing Prevalent Malware](./images/prevalent-malware-small.png)|
 
-### AV-Comparatives: Protection rating of 99.6% in the latest test
+### AV-Comparatives: Protection rating of 99.7% in the latest test
 
 AV-Comparatives is an independent organization offering systematic testing for security software such as PC/Mac-based antivirus products and mobile security solutions.
 
-- Real-World Protection Test Enterprise August - November 2018: [Protection Rate 99.6%](https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-enterprise-august-november-2018-testresult/) <sup>**Latest**</sup>
+- Real-World Protection Test Enterprise March - April 2019: [Protection Rate 99.7%](https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-enterprise-march-april-2019-testresult/) <sup>**Latest**</sup>
 
-    This test, as defined by AV-Comparatives, attempts to assess the effectiveness of each security program to protect a computer against active malware threats while online. The test set contained 1207 test cases (such as malicious URLs).
+    This test, as defined by AV-Comparatives, attempts to assess the effectiveness of each security program to protect a computer against active malware threats while online. The test set contained 389 test cases (such as malicious URLs).
+
+- Real-World Protection Test Enterprise August - November 2018: [Protection Rate 99.6%](https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-enterprise-august-november-2018-testresult/)
+
+   The test set contained 1,207 test cases (such as malicious URLs).
 
 - Malware Protection Test Enterprise August 2018: [Protection Rate 99.9%](https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/malware-protection-test-enterprise-august-2018-testresult/)
 
@@ -89,12 +89,6 @@ AV-Comparatives is an independent organization offering systematic testing for s
 
     The test set contained 1,163 test cases (such as malicious URLs).
 
-- Malware Protection Test Enterprise March 2018: [Protection Rate 99.9%](https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/malware-protection-test-enterprise-march-2018-testresult/)
-
-    For this test, 1,470 recent malware samples were used.
-
-[Historical AV-Comparatives Microsoft tests](https://www.av-comparatives.org/vendors/microsoft/)
-
 ### SE Labs: Total accuracy rating of AAA in the latest test
 
 SE Labs tests a range of solutions used by products and services to detect and/or protect against attacks, including endpoint software, network appliances, and cloud services.
@@ -115,6 +109,6 @@ SE Labs tests a range of solutions used by products and services to detect and/o
 
 It is important to remember that Microsoft sees a wider and broader set of threats beyond what’s tested in the evaluations highlighted above. For example, in an average month, we identify over 100 million new threats.  Even if an independent tester can acquire and test 1% of those threats, that is a million tests across 20 or 30 products. In other words, the vastness of the malware landscape makes it extremely difficult to evaluate the quality of protection against real world threats.
 
-The capabilities within [Windows Defender ATP](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness?ocid=cx-docs-avreports) provide [additional layers of protection](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2017/12/11/detonating-a-bad-rabbit-windows-defender-antivirus-and-layered-machine-learning-defenses?ocid=cx-docs-avreports) that are not factored into industry tests, and address some of the latest and most sophisticated threats. Isolating AV from the rest of Windows Defender ATP creates a partial picture of how our security stack operates in the real world. For example, attack surface reduction and endpoint detection & response capabilities can help prevent malware from getting onto devices in the first place. We have proven that [Windows Defender ATP components catch samples](https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE2ouJA?ocid=cx-docs-avreports)  that Windows Defender Antivirus missed in these industry tests, which is more representative of how effectively our security suite protects customers in the real world.
+The capabilities within [Microsoft Defender ATP](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness?ocid=cx-docs-avreports) provide [additional layers of protection](https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2017/12/11/detonating-a-bad-rabbit-windows-defender-antivirus-and-layered-machine-learning-defenses?ocid=cx-docs-avreports) that are not factored into industry tests, and address some of the latest and most sophisticated threats. Isolating AV from the rest of Microsoft Defender ATP creates a partial picture of how our security stack operates in the real world. For example, attack surface reduction and endpoint detection & response capabilities can help prevent malware from getting onto devices in the first place. We have proven that [Microsoft Defender ATP components catch samples](https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE2ouJA?ocid=cx-docs-avreports) that Windows Defender Antivirus missed in these industry tests, which is more representative of how effectively our security suite protects customers in the real world.
 
-Using independent tests, customers can view one aspect of their security suite but can't assess the complete protection of all the security features. Microsoft is highly engaged in working with several independent testers to evolve security testing to focus on the end-to-end security stack. In the meantime, customers can evaluate Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection in their own networks by signing up for a [90-day trial of Windows Defender ATP](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/windows-atp?ocid=cx-docs-avreports), or [enabling Preview features on existing tenants](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/preview-settings-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection?ocid=cx-docs-avreports).
+Using independent tests, customers can view one aspect of their security suite but can't assess the complete protection of all the security features. Microsoft is highly engaged in working with several independent testers to evolve security testing to focus on the end-to-end security stack. In the meantime, customers can evaluate Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection in their own networks by signing up for a [90-day trial of Microsoft Defender ATP](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/windows-atp?ocid=cx-docs-avreports), or [enabling Preview features on existing tenants](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-atp/preview-settings-windows-defender-advanced-threat-protection?ocid=cx-docs-avreports).

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/understanding-malware.md

@@ -14,13 +14,13 @@ ms.collection: M365-security-compliance
 ms.topic: conceptual
 search.appverid: met150
 ---
-# Understanding  malware & other threats
+# Understanding malware & other threats
 
 Malware is a term used to describe malicious applications and code that can cause damage and disrupt normal use of devices. Malware can allow unauthorized access, use system resources, steal passwords, lock you out of your computer and ask for ransom, and more.
 
 Cybercriminals that distribute malware are often motivated by money and will use infected computers to launch attacks, obtain banking credentials, collect information that can be sold, sell access to computing resources, or extort payment from victims.
 
-As criminals become more sophisticated with their attacks, Microsoft is here to help. Windows 10 is the most secure version of Windows yet and includes many features to help protect you whether you're at home, at work, or on the go. With Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection ([Windows Defender ATP](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/windows-atp?ocid=cx-docs-avreports)), businesses can stay protected with next-generation protection and other security capabilities.
+As criminals become more sophisticated with their attacks, Microsoft is here to help. Windows 10 is the most secure version of Windows yet and includes many features to help protect you whether you're at home, at work, or on the go. With Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection ([Microsoft Defender ATP](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/WindowsForBusiness/windows-atp)), businesses can stay protected with next-generation protection and other security capabilities.
 
 For good general tips, check out the [prevent malware infection](prevent-malware-infection.md) topic.
 
@@ -38,6 +38,6 @@ There are many types of malware, including:
 - [Unwanted software](unwanted-software.md)
 - [Worms](worms-malware.md)
 
-Keep up with the latest malware news and research. Check out our [Windows security blogs](https://aka.ms/wdsecurityblog) and follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wdsecurity) for the latest news, discoveries, and protections.
+Keep up with the latest malware news and research. Check out our [Microsoft security blogs](https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/product/windows/) and follow us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/wdsecurity) for the latest news, discoveries, and protections.
 
 Learn more about [Windows security](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/index).

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/unwanted-software.md

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ Here are some indications of unwanted software:
 
 Some indicators are harder to recognize because they are less disruptive, but are still unwanted. For example, unwanted software can modify web pages to display specific ads, monitor browsing activities, or remove control of the browser.
 
-Microsoft uses an extensive [evaluation criteria](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/criteria) to identify unwanted software.
+Microsoft uses an extensive [evaluation criteria](criteria.md) to identify unwanted software.
 
 ## How to protect against unwanted software
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ To prevent unwanted software infection, download software only from official web
 
 Use [Microsoft Edge](https://docs.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/deploy/index) when browsing the internet. Microsoft Edge includes additional protections that effectively block browser modifiers that can change your browser settings. Microsoft Edge also blocks known websites hosting unwanted software using [SmartScreen](https://docs.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/deploy/index) (also used by Internet Explorer).
 
-Enable [Windows Defender AV](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10) in Windows 10. It provides real-time protection against threats and detects and removes known unwanted software.
+Enable [Windows Defender Antivirus](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10) in Windows 10. It provides real-time protection against threats and detects and removes known unwanted software.
 
 Download [Microsoft Security Essentials](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=5201) for real-time protection in Windows 7 or Windows Vista.
 

windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/worms-malware.md

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ This image shows how a worm can quickly spread through a shared USB drive.
 
 ## How to protect against worms
 
-Enable [Windows Defender AV](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10) in Windows 10. It provides real-time protection against threats and detects and removes known unwanted software.
+Enable [Windows Defender Antivirus](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/windows-defender-antivirus-in-windows-10) in Windows 10. It provides real-time protection against threats and detects and removes known unwanted software.
 
 Download [Microsoft Security Essentials](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=5201) for real-time protection in Windows 7 or Windows Vista.