What is Microsoft Defender Application Guard?

Answer.

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• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/application-security/application-isolation/microsoft-defender-application-guard/md-app-guard-overview
• https://accdox.com/cjtfm

Microsoft Defender Application Guard (I'll use MDAG for short) is a Windows security feature that uses virtualization to isolate untrusted websites and applications, minimizing the risk of malware and hacker attacks. This technology is particularly useful for organizations and users who frequently work with Internet content from untrusted sources, creating an isolated environment for the Microsoft Edge web browser, thereby protecting the system from potential risks associated with Internet browsing and file downloads. In the following sections, we'll look at how MDAG works, what benefits and drawbacks it offers for consumers and businesses, and how it can be deployed in enterprise networks to enhance security.

Minimum System Requirements

To use Microsoft Defender Application Guard, your computer must meet the following requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise (version 1803 or later) or Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise
• Processor: Virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)
• RAM: Minimum 8GB (16GB recommended for better performance)
• Disk space: At least 5GB free space
• Hyper-V: Virtualization support enabled in BIOS/UEFI

How to enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard

For Windows 10/11 Pro and Enterprise:

1. Open "Windows Features"
   • Press Win + S, search for "Windows Features" and select "Turn Windows features on or off."
2. Enable "Microsoft Defender Application Guard"
   • Scroll down, check "Microsoft Defender Application Guard" and click "OK."
   • If the system asks to restart, restart the computer.
3. Configure via Windows Security
   • Open Windows Security (Win + S -> "Windows Security").
   • Go to App & browser control > Isolated browsing > Turn on Microsoft Defender Application Guard.
4. Or the most easily accessible way, activation from the old and familiar "Control Panel":
   • Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off
   • Scroll down, check "Microsoft Defender Application Guard" and click "OK."
   • If the system asks to restart, restart the computer.

Through Group Policy (for administrators):

1. Press Win+R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
2. Go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Microsoft Defender Application Guard
3. Enable "Turn on Microsoft Defender Application Guard" and apply the settings.

How to open Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three dots (Menu) in the upper right corner.
3. Select New Application Guard window.
4. A new window will open with an isolated environment protected by Application Guard.

Benefits of using Microsoft Defender Application Guard

• Isolates potentially dangerous sites - Web pages opened in Edge can be isolated in a secure virtual environment.
• Protects against malware and attacks - Even if malware executes in the protected browser, it will not affect the underlying operating system.
• Windows Defender Integration - Works with Windows Defender Antivirus and SmartScreen for added security.
• Automatic Session Reset - All data in the isolated environment is deleted after closing.

Protection when using public networks

Microsoft Defender Application Guard provides protection even when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, but has some limitations:

How does MDAG protect on a public network?

• Isolates web content - If you open web pages through Edge with Application Guard turned on, they will be in an isolated virtual environment. This means that even if the site contains malicious code, it won't be able to reach your real system or network.
• Protection against network attacks - Application Guard prevents malware from communicating with your system or other devices on the network.
• Automatic Session Reset - After closing the window, all session data is cleared, preventing malicious files from being stored.

What are the restrictions?

• Doesn't fully protect against Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks - If you connect to an insecure public Wi-Fi network, a malicious actor can intercept your Internet traffic, especially if you visit unencrypted HTTP sites.
• Doesn't protect against keyloggers and malware on the underlying system - If you already have malware on your device, Application Guard - a won't remove it.
• Does not protect other apps - Application Guard - a works primarily with Microsoft Edge and does not cover other browsers or software.

What should you do if you are still on a public network?

1. Use a VPN - It encrypts your connection so that even if someone intercepts the traffic, it will be unreadable.
2. Use only HTTPS sites - Check if the site has "https://" in the address bar.
3. Do not enter sensitive information - Avoid logging into bank accounts or other critical services.
4. Use a mobile network if possible - Mobile networks are generally more secure than public Wi-Fi.

Disadvantages and limitations of MDAG

• High system requirements - Does not work on devices without virtualization support or with little RAM.
• Limited functionality in isolated environments - Some extensions, features and plugins may not work.
• Microsoft Edge only - Application Guard - and only works with Microsoft Edge and cannot be used with other browsers like Chrome or Firefox.

Conclusion

Microsoft Defender Application Guard is a powerful tool for improving security, especially for users and organizations that work with untrusted web resources. Despite some limitations, its ability to isolate threats in a secure virtual environment makes it a valuable addition to any cybersecurity strategy. If your computer supports the requirements, enabling this feature can significantly reduce the risk of attacks.

MDAG only protects you device by isolating potentially dangerous websites and preventing system infection, but it doesn't completely hide your activities from the network administrator!