Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) must enable Allow or block file.

Malicious code protection mechanisms include, but are not limited to, antivirus and malware detection software. To minimize potential negative impact to the organization that can be caused by malicious code, it is imperative that malicious code is identified and eradicated.

This setting ensures Windows Defender Antivirus is turned on and the cloud-based protection feature is enabled to use the allow or block file feature.

Access the MDE portal as a user with at least an MDE Administrator or equivalent role:

1. In the navigation pane, select Settings >> Endpoints >> Advanced features (under General). 2. Verify the slide bar for "Allow or block file" is set to "On".

If the slide bar for "Allow or block file" is not set to "On", this is a finding.

Access the MDE portal as a user with at least an MDE Administrator or equivalent role:

1. In the navigation pane, select Settings >> Endpoints >> Advanced features (under General). 2. Set the slide bar for "Allow or block file" to "On".