--- title: Apply mitigations to help prevent attacks through vulnerabilities keywords: mitigations, vulnerabilities, vulnerability, mitigation, exploit, exploits, emet description: Exploit protection in Windows 10 provides advanced configuration over the settings offered in EMET. search.product: eADQiWindows 10XVcnh ms.pagetype: security ms.prod: w10 ms.mktglfcycl: manage ms.sitesec: library ms.pagetype: security ms.localizationpriority: medium author: levinec ms.author: ellevin ms.date: 04/02/2019 ms.reviewer: manager: dansimp --- # Protect devices from exploits **Applies to:** - [Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (Microsoft Defender ATP)](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2069559) Exploit protection automatically applies a number of exploit mitigation techniques to operating system processes and apps. It is part of [Windows Defender Exploit Guard](windows-defender-exploit-guard.md). Exploit protection is supported beginning with Windows 10, version 1709 and Windows Server 2016, version 1803. >[!TIP] >You can visit the Windows Defender Testground website at [demo.wd.microsoft.com](https://demo.wd.microsoft.com?ocid=cx-wddocs-testground) to confirm the feature is working and see how it works. Exploit protection works best with [Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection](../microsoft-defender-atp/microsoft-defender-advanced-threat-protection.md) - which gives you detailed reporting into exploit protection events and blocks as part of the usual [alert investigation scenarios](../microsoft-defender-atp/investigate-alerts.md). You can [enable exploit protection](enable-exploit-protection.md) on an individual machine, and then use [Group Policy](import-export-exploit-protection-emet-xml.md) to distribute the XML file to multiple devices at once. When a mitigation is encountered on the machine, a notification will be displayed from the Action Center. You can [customize the notification](customize-attack-surface-reduction.md#customize-the-notification) with your company details and contact information. You can also enable the rules individually to customize what techniques the feature monitors. You can also use [audit mode](evaluate-exploit-protection.md) to evaluate how exploit protection would impact your organization if it were enabled. Many of the features in the [Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET)](https://technet.microsoft.com/security/jj653751) have been included in Exploit protection, and you can convert and import existing EMET configuration profiles into Exploit protection. See [Comparison between Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit and Windows Defender Exploit Guard](emet-exploit-protection-exploit-guard.md) for more information on how Exploit protection supersedes EMET and what the benefits are when considering moving to exploit protection on Windows 10. >[!IMPORTANT] >If you are currently using EMET you should be aware that [EMET reached end of life on July 31, 2018](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/srd/2016/11/03/beyond-emet/). You should consider replacing EMET with exploit protection in Windows 10. You can [convert an existing EMET configuration file into exploit protection](import-export-exploit-protection-emet-xml.md#convert-an-emet-configuration-file-to-an-exploit-protection-configuration-file) to make the migration easier and keep your existing settings. >[!WARNING] >Some security mitigation technologies may have compatibility issues with some applications. You should test exploit protection in all target use scenarios by using [audit mode](audit-windows-defender-exploit-guard.md) before deploying the configuration across a production environment or the rest of your network. ## Review exploit protection events in Windows Event Viewer You can review the Windows event log to see events that are created when exploit protection blocks (or audits) an app: Provider/source | Event ID | Description -|:-:|- Security-Mitigations | 1 | ACG audit Security-Mitigations | 2 | ACG enforce Security-Mitigations | 3 | Do not allow child processes audit Security-Mitigations | 4 | Do not allow child processes block Security-Mitigations | 5 | Block low integrity images audit Security-Mitigations | 6 | Block low integrity images block Security-Mitigations | 7 | Block remote images audit Security-Mitigations | 8 | Block remote images block Security-Mitigations | 9 | Disable win32k system calls audit Security-Mitigations | 10 | Disable win32k system calls block Security-Mitigations | 11 | Code integrity guard audit Security-Mitigations | 12 | Code integrity guard block Security-Mitigations | 13 | EAF audit Security-Mitigations | 14 | EAF enforce Security-Mitigations | 15 | EAF+ audit Security-Mitigations | 16 | EAF+ enforce Security-Mitigations | 17 | IAF audit Security-Mitigations | 18 | IAF enforce Security-Mitigations | 19 | ROP StackPivot audit Security-Mitigations | 20 | ROP StackPivot enforce Security-Mitigations | 21 | ROP CallerCheck audit Security-Mitigations | 22 | ROP CallerCheck enforce Security-Mitigations | 23 | ROP SimExec audit Security-Mitigations | 24 | ROP SimExec enforce WER-Diagnostics | 5 | CFG Block Win32K | 260 | Untrusted Font ## Comparison between Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit and Windows Defender Exploit Guard >[!IMPORTANT] >If you are currently using EMET, you should be aware that [EMET reached end of life on July 31, 2018](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/srd/2016/11/03/beyond-emet/). You should consider replacing EMET with exploit protection in Microsoft Defender ATP. > >You can [convert an existing EMET configuration file into exploit protection](import-export-exploit-protection-emet-xml.md#convert-an-emet-configuration-file-to-an-exploit-protection-configuration-file) to make the migration easier and keep your existing settings. This section compares exploit protection in Microsoft Defender ATP with the Enhance Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) for reference. The table in this section illustrates the differences between EMET and Windows Defender Exploit Guard.   | Windows Defender Exploit Guard | EMET -|:-:|:-: Windows versions | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
All versions of Windows 10 starting with version 1709 | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Windows 8.1; Windows 8; Windows 7
Cannot be installed on Windows 10, version 1709 and later Installation requirements | [Windows Security in Windows 10](../windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md)
(no additional installation required)
Windows Defender Exploit Guard is built into Windows - it doesn't require a separate tool or package for management, configuration, or deployment. | Available only as an additional download and must be installed onto a management device User interface | Modern interface integrated with the [Windows Security app](../windows-defender-security-center/windows-defender-security-center.md) | Older, complex interface that requires considerable ramp-up training Supportability | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Dedicated submission-based support channel](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/filesubmission)[[1](#fn1)]
[Part of the Windows 10 support lifecycle](https://support.microsoft.com/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet) | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)]
Ends after July 31, 2018 Updates | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Ongoing updates and development of new features, released twice yearly as part of the [Windows 10 semi-annual update channel](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/windowsitpro/2017/07/27/waas-simplified-and-aligned/) | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)]
No planned updates or development Exploit protection | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
All EMET mitigations plus new, specific mitigations ([see table](#mitigation-comparison))
[Can convert and import existing EMET configurations](import-export-exploit-protection-emet-xml.md) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Limited set of mitigations Attack surface reduction[[2](#fn2)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Helps block known infection vectors](attack-surface-reduction-exploit-guard.md)
[Can configure individual rules](enable-attack-surface-reduction.md) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Limited ruleset configuration only for modules (no processes) Network protection[[2](#fn2)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Helps block malicious network connections](network-protection-exploit-guard.md) | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)]
Not available Controlled folder access[[2](#fn2)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Helps protect important folders](controlled-folders-exploit-guard.md)
[Configurable for apps and folders](customize-controlled-folders-exploit-guard.md) | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)]
Not available Configuration with GUI (user interface) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Use Windows Security app to customize and manage configurations](customize-exploit-protection.md) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Requires installation and use of EMET tool Configuration with Group Policy | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Use Group Policy to deploy and manage configurations](import-export-exploit-protection-emet-xml.md#manage-or-deploy-a-configuration) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Available Configuration with shell tools | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Use PowerShell to customize and manage configurations](customize-exploit-protection.md#powershell-reference) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Requires use of EMET tool (EMET_CONF) System Center Configuration Manager | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Use Configuration Manager to customize, deploy, and manage configurations](https://docs.microsoft.com/sccm/protect/deploy-use/create-deploy-exploit-guard-policy) | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)]
Not available Microsoft Intune | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Use Intune to customize, deploy, and manage configurations](https://docs.microsoft.com/intune/whats-new#window-defender-exploit-guard-is-a-new-set-of-intrusion-prevention-capabilities-for-windows-10----1063615---) | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)]
Not available Reporting | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
With [Windows event logs](event-views-exploit-guard.md) and [full audit mode reporting](audit-windows-defender-exploit-guard.md)
[Full integration with Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection](../microsoft-defender-atp/secure-score-dashboard.md) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Limited Windows event log monitoring Audit mode | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
[Full audit mode with Windows event reporting](audit-windows-defender-exploit-guard.md) | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)]
Limited to EAF, EAF+, and anti-ROP mitigations ([1](#ref1)) Requires an enterprise subscription with Azure Active Directory or a [Software Assurance ID](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/software-assurance-default.aspx). ([2](#ref2-1)) Additional requirements may apply (such as use of Windows Defender Antivirus). See [Windows Defender Exploit Guard requirements](windows-defender-exploit-guard.md#requirements) for more details. Customizable mitigation options that are configured with [exploit protection](exploit-protection-exploit-guard.md) do not require Windows Defender Antivirus. ## Mitigation comparison The mitigations available in EMET are included in Windows Defender Exploit Guard, under the [exploit protection feature](exploit-protection-exploit-guard.md). The table in this section indicates the availability and support of native mitigations between EMET and exploit protection. Mitigation | Available in Windows Defender Exploit Guard | Available in EMET -|:-:|:-: Arbitrary code guard (ACG) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
As "Memory Protection Check" Block remote images | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
As "Load Library Check" Block untrusted fonts | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Data Execution Prevention (DEP) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Export address filtering (EAF) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Force randomization for images (Mandatory ASLR) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] NullPage Security Mitigation | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)]
Included natively in Windows 10
See [Mitigate threats by using Windows 10 security features](../overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md#understanding-windows-10-in-relation-to-the-enhanced-mitigation-experience-toolkit) for more information | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Randomize memory allocations (Bottom-Up ASLR) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Simulate execution (SimExec) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Validate API invocation (CallerCheck) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Validate exception chains (SEHOP) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Validate stack integrity (StackPivot) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Certificate trust (configurable certificate pinning) | Windows 10 provides enterprise certificate pinning | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Heap spray allocation | Ineffective against newer browser-based exploits; newer mitigations provide better protection
See [Mitigate threats by using Windows 10 security features](../overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md#understanding-windows-10-in-relation-to-the-enhanced-mitigation-experience-toolkit) for more information | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] Block low integrity images | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] Code integrity guard | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] Disable extension points | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] Disable Win32k system calls | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] Do not allow child processes | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] Import address filtering (IAF) | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] Validate handle usage | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] Validate heap integrity | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] Validate image dependency integrity | [!include[Check mark yes](images/svg/check-yes.svg)] | [!include[Check mark no](images/svg/check-no.svg)] >[!NOTE] >The Advanced ROP mitigations that are available in EMET are superseded by ACG in Windows 10, which other EMET advanced settings are enabled by default in Windows Defender Exploit Guard as part of enabling the anti-ROP mitigations for a process. > >See the [Mitigation threats by using Windows 10 security features](../overview-of-threat-mitigations-in-windows-10.md#understanding-windows-10-in-relation-to-the-enhanced-mitigation-experience-toolkit) for more information on how Windows 10 employs existing EMET technology. ## Related topics - [Protect devices from exploits](exploit-protection-exploit-guard.md) - [Evaluate exploit protection](evaluate-exploit-protection.md) - [Enable exploit protection](enable-exploit-protection.md) - [Configure and audit exploit protection mitigations](customize-exploit-protection.md) - [Import, export, and deploy exploit protection configurations](import-export-exploit-protection-emet-xml.md) - [Troubleshoot exploit protection](troubleshoot-exploit-protection-mitigations.md)