Merge branch 'main' into WI474425-mda-usernames-must-contain-alphanumeric-characters

Author: padmagit77

ATPDocs/whats-new.md

@@ -25,7 +25,14 @@ For updates about versions and features released six months ago or earlier, see
 
 ## August 2025
 
-**Suspected Brute Force attack (Kerberos, NTLM):** Improved detection logic now includes scenarios where accounts were locked during the attacks. As a result, the number of triggered alerts might increase.
+### Sensor version 2.246
+
+This version includes bug fixes and stability improvements for the Microsoft Defender for Identity sensor.
+
+### Detection update: Suspected Brute Force attack (Kerberos, NTLM)
+
+Improved detection logic to include scenarios where accounts were locked during attacks. As a result, the number of triggered alerts might increase.
+
 
 ## July 2025
 

CloudAppSecurityDocs/proxy-intro-aad.md

@@ -6,9 +6,8 @@ ms.topic: concept-article
 ---
 # Conditional Access app control in Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
 
-In today's workplace, it's not enough to know what happened in your cloud environment after the fact. You need to stop breaches and leaks in real time. You also need to prevent employees from intentionally or accidentally putting your data and organization at risk.
-
-You want to support users in your organization while they use the best cloud apps available and bring their own devices to work. However, you also need tools to protect your organization from data leaks and theft in real time. Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps integrates with any identity provider (IdP) to deliver this protection with [access](access-policy-aad.md) and [session](session-policy-aad.md) policies.
+In today’s workplace, it’s not enough to understand what happened in your cloud environment after the fact, you need to stop breaches and data leaks as they happen. That includes preventing employees from intentionally or accidentally putting your data and organization at risk.
+Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps helps you strike the right balance: enabling productivity with the best cloud apps while protecting your data in real time. It delivers deep visibility and control over **browser-based sessions** through integration with any identity provider (IdP), using powerful [access](access-policy-aad.md) and [session](session-policy-aad.md) policies.
 
 For example:
 
@@ -26,6 +25,8 @@ Microsoft Edge users benefit from [direct, in-browser protection](in-browser-pro
 
 Users of other browsers are redirected via reverse proxy to Defender for Cloud Apps. Those browsers display an `*.mcas.ms` suffix in the link's URL. For example, if the app URL is `myapp.com`, the app URL is updated to `myapp.com.mcas.ms`.
 
+To prevent bypassing this protection, admins should configure access policies to block native client access and allow only browser-based sessions.
+
 This article describes Conditional Access app control in Defender for Cloud Apps through [Microsoft Entra Conditional Access](/entra/identity/conditional-access/overview) policies.
 
 ## Activities in Conditional Access app control

defender-endpoint/TOC.yml

@@ -803,6 +803,8 @@
         href: microsoft-defender-endpoint-antivirus-performance-mode.md
       - name: Compatibility with other security products
         href: microsoft-defender-antivirus-compatibility.md
+      - name: Defender for Endpoint passive mode
+        href: microsoft-defender-passive-mode.md
       - name: Microsoft Defender Antivirus and third-party antivirus solutions without
           Defender for Endpoint
         href: defender-antivirus-compatibility-without-mde.md

defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction-rules-reference.md

@@ -583,6 +583,9 @@ Dependencies: Microsoft Defender Antivirus
 
 ### Block rebooting machine in Safe Mode
 
+> [!NOTE]
+> This feature isn't supported in Threat and Vulnerability Management, so the Attack Surface Reduction rule report will show as "Not applicable" for Windows and Windows Servers.
+
 This rule prevents the execution of commands to restart machines in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that only loads the essential files and drivers needed for Windows to run. However, in Safe Mode, many security products are either disabled or operate in a limited capacity, which allows attackers to further launch tampering commands, or execute and encrypt all files on the machine. This rule blocks such attacks by preventing processes from restarting machines in Safe Mode.
 
 Intune Name: ` Block rebooting machine in Safe Mode`
@@ -621,6 +624,9 @@ Dependencies: Microsoft Defender Antivirus
 
 ### Block use of copied or impersonated system tools
 
+> [!NOTE]
+> This feature isn't supported in Threat and Vulnerability Management, so the Attack Surface Reduction rule report will show as "Not applicable" for Windows and Windows Servers.
+
 This rule blocks the use of executable files that are identified as copies of Windows system tools. These files are either duplicates or impostors of the original system tools. Some malicious programs might try to copy or impersonate Windows system tools to avoid detection or gain privileges. Allowing such executable files can lead to potential attacks. This rule prevents propagation and execution of such duplicates and impostors of the system tools on Windows machines. 
 
 Intune Name: `Block use of copied or impersonated system tools`
@@ -652,7 +658,7 @@ GUID: `a8f5898e-1dc8-49a9-9878-85004b8a61e6`
 Dependencies: Microsoft Defender Antivirus
 
 > [!NOTE]
-> When managing ASR rules using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint security settings management, the setting for **Block Webshell creation for Servers** must be configured as `Not Configured` in Group Policy or other local settings. If this rule is set to any other value (such as `Enabled` or `Disabled`), it could cause conflicts and prevent the policy from applying correctly through security settings management.
+> When managing ASR rules using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint security settings management, the setting for **Block Webshell creation for Servers** must be configured as `Not Configured` in Group Policy or other local settings. If this rule is set to any other value (such as `Enabled` or `Disabled`), it could cause conflicts and prevent the policy from applying correctly through security settings management. This feature isn't supported in Threat and Vulnerability Management, so the Attack Surface Reduction rule report will show as "Not applicable" for Exchange servers.
 
 ### Block Win32 API calls from Office macros
 

defender-endpoint/configure-endpoints-vdi.md

@@ -103,6 +103,10 @@ The following steps guide you through onboarding VDI devices and highlight steps
    | Single entry for each device | 1. Select the **PowerShell Scripts** tab, then select **Add** (Windows Explorer opens directly in the path where you copied the onboarding script earlier). <br/>2. Navigate to onboarding PowerShell script `Onboard-NonPersistentMachine.ps1`. There's no need to specify the other file, as it's triggered automatically. |
    | Multiple entries for each device | 1. Select the **Scripts** tab, then select **Add** (Windows Explorer opens directly in the path where you copied the onboarding script earlier). <br/>2. Navigate to the onboarding bash script `WindowsDefenderATPOnboardingScript.cmd`. |
 
+   > [!NOTE]
+   > When using the 'Single entry for each device' onboarding method for non-persistent VDI environments, ensure that the Onboard-NonPersistentMachine.ps1 script is executed only after the virtual machine has received its final hostname and completed its final reboot.<br>
+   > For example, if your VDI provisioning process includes multiple reboots or configuration stages after the VM is cloned from a master image, delay the script execution until the last reboot is complete and final machine name is assigned.<br> Running the script too early may result in duplicate device entries or inconsistent onboarding to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
+
 5. Test your solution by following these steps:
 
    1. Create a pool with one device.

defender-endpoint/indicator-file.md

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ ms.service: defender-endpoint
 ms.author: deniseb
 author: denisebmsft
 ms.localizationpriority: medium
-ms.date: 06/06/2025
+ms.date: 07/30/2025
 manager: deniseb
 audience: ITPro
 ms.collection: 
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ Understand the following prerequisites before you create indicators for files:
 
 ## Create an indicator for files from the settings page
 
-1. In the navigation pane, select **Settings** \> **Endpoints** \> **Indicators** (under **Rules**).
+1. In the navigation pane, select **System** \> **Settings** \> **Endpoints** \> **Indicators** (under **Rules**).
 
 2. Select the **File hashes** tab.
 

defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-core-service-overview.md

@@ -33,37 +33,50 @@ To enhance your endpoint security experience, Microsoft is releasing the Microso
    - Mid April 2024 to Enterprise customers running Windows clients.
    - Beginning of July 2024 to U.S. Government customers running Windows clients.
 
-   - Mid January 2025 to Enterprise customers running Windows Server.
+      The Microsoft Defender Core service for Windows Server is releasing with [Microsoft Defender Antivirus platform version 4.18.25050.5.](/defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-antivirus-updates)
 
-3. If you're using the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint **streamlined** device connectivity experience, you don't need to add any other URLs.
+   - Mid July 2025 to Enterprise customers running Windows Server 2019 or later.
+      
+   - Mid September 2025 to Enterprise customers running the [unified Microsoft Defender for Endpoint client](/defender-endpoint/update-agent-mma-windows) for Windows Server 2012 R2 or Windows Server 2016.
+      
+1. If you're using the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint **streamlined** device connectivity experience, you don't need to add any other URLs.
 
-4. If you're using the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint **standard** device connectivity experience:
+1. If you're using the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint **standard** device connectivity experience:
 
    Enterprise customers should allow the following URLs:
 
    - `*.endpoint.security.microsoft.com`
+      
    - `ecs.office.com/config/v1/MicrosoftWindowsDefenderClient`
+      
    - `*.events.data.microsoft.com`
 
    If you don't want to use the wildcards for `*.events.data.microsoft.com`, you can use:
 
    - `us-mobile.events.data.microsoft.com/OneCollector/1.0`   
    - `eu-mobile.events.data.microsoft.com/OneCollector/1.0`
+      
    - `uk-mobile.events.data.microsoft.com/OneCollector/1.0`
+      
    - `au-mobile.events.data.microsoft.com/OneCollector/1.0`
+      
    - `mobile.events.data.microsoft.com/OneCollector/1.0`
-   
+      
    Enterprise U.S. Government customers should allow the following URLs:
 
    - `*.events.data.microsoft.com`
+      
    - `*.endpoint.security.microsoft.us (GCC-H & DoD)`
+      
    - `*.gccmod.ecs.office.com (GCC-M)`
+      
    - `*.config.ecs.gov.teams.microsoft.us (GCC-H)`
+      
    - `*.config.ecs.dod.teams.microsoft.us (DoD)`
 
-5. If you're using [Application Control for Windows](/windows/security/application-security/application-control/windows-defender-application-control/wdac), or you're running non-Microsoft antivirus or endpoint detection and response software, make sure to add the processes mentioned earlier to your allowlist. 
+1. If you're using [Application Control for Windows](/windows/security/application-security/application-control/windows-defender-application-control/wdac), or you're running non-Microsoft antivirus or endpoint detection and response software, make sure to add the processes mentioned earlier to your allowlist. 
 
-6. Consumers don't need to take any actions to prepare.
+1. Consumers don't need to take any actions to prepare.
 
 ## Microsoft Defender Antivirus processes and services
 
@@ -191,7 +204,8 @@ On the script page of the Run Script wizard, choose your script from the list (M
 #### Use the Registry to update the policies for Microsoft Defender Core service.
 
 1. Select **Start**, and then open Regedit.exe as an administrator.
-2. Go to `HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Features`
+1. Go to `HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Features`
+
 3. Set the values:
 
    `DisableCoreService1DSTelemetry` (dword) 0 (hex)  

defender-endpoint/microsoft-defender-passive-mode.md

@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+---
+title: Defender for Endpoint with Defender Antivirus in passive mode
+ms.topic: conceptual
+description: Understand how Defender Antivirus in passive mode works and when to use it.
+ms.service: defender-endpoint
+author: KesemSharabi
+ms.author: kesharab
+ms.localizationpriority: high
+audience: ITPro
+ms.collection: 
+- m365-security
+- tier1
+- mde-ngp
+ms.subservice: ngp
+search.appverid: met150
+ms.date: 03/26/2025
+---
+
+# Defender Antivirus in passive mode
+
+[!INCLUDE [side-by-side-scenarios](includes/side-by-side-scenarios.md)]
+
+Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect your devices from evolving threats. One of its key features enables Microsoft Defender Antivirus to coexist with non-Microsoft antimalware solutions while still providing valuable endpoint detection and response capabilities.
+
+Some of the key benefits of Defender Antivirus in passive mode are:
+
+* **EDR Block mode** - Post-breach protection by detecting and remediating threats missed by the active antimalware solution
+
+* **Data Loss Prevention (DLP)** - Endpoint DLP functionalities operate normally, ensuring sensitive data is safeguarded.
+
+* **Security intelligence updates** - Microsoft Defender Antivirus continues to receive updates to stay aware of the latest threats.
+
+* **Data Loss Prevention (DLP)** - Endpoint DLP functionalities operate normally, ensuring sensitive data is safeguarded.
+
+For more information, see [How Microsoft Defender Antivirus affects Defender for Endpoint functionality](microsoft-defender-antivirus-compatibility.md#how-microsoft-defender-antivirus-affects-defender-for-endpoint-functionality).
+
+>[!NOTE]
+>Passive mode disables Microsoft Defender Antivirus scheduled scans unless specific configurations are applied.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+* Operating system
+    * Windows 10 or newer
+    * Windows Server 2012 R2 or newer
+
+* The device must be onboarded to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
+
+* Microsoft Defender Antivirus has to be installed and enabled
+
+## Configure passive mode
+
+On Windows 10 or newer, Defender Antivirus automatically enters passive mode when a non-Microsoft antimalware solution is installed and registered.
+
+For Windows Server operating systems, follow the instructions in this section to configure passive mode for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
+
+### Set the registry key
+
+To avoid conflicts between Microsoft Defender Antivirus and a third-party antivirus solution, if you're using Windows Server, set the following registry key before onboarding the device to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:
+
+* **Path** - HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Advanced Threat Protection
+
+* **Name** - ForceDefenderPassiveMode
+
+* **Type** - REG_DWORD
+
+* **Value** - 1
+
+### Enable EDR in block mode
+
+When Microsoft Defender Antivirus is in passive mode, EDR in block mode can provide post-breach protection by detecting and remediating threats. Ensure this feature is enabled in Defender for Endpoint.
+
+### Avoid service modifications
+
+Don't disable, stop, or modify associated services such as `wscsvc`, `WinDefend`, or `MsMpEng`. Stopping these services can cause instability and make your device vulnerable to threats.
+
+### Exclude Defender binaries in third-party antivirus
+
+To prevent performance issues or conflicts, add Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Defender for Endpoint binaries to the exclusion list of your third-party antivirus solution.
+
+## Verify that passive mode is enabled
+
+This section describes how to confirm whether Microsoft Defender Antivirus is in passive mode.
+
+### Windows PowerShell
+
+Run the following PowerShell cmdlet:
+
+```powershell
+Get-MpComputerStatus | select AMRunningMode
+```
+
+The `AMRunningMode` value indicates the current Defender Antivirus state:
+
+* **Normal** - Active mode
+
+* **Passive** - Passive mode
+
+* **EDR Block Mode** - EDR is operating in block mode
+
+### Windows security app
+
+Follow these steps to verify that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is in passive mode (Windows 10 and later only).
+
+1. Open the Windows Security app.
+
+2. Select **Virus & threat protection**.
+
+3. Under **Who’s protecting me?**, select **Manage providers**.
+
+4. On the *Security providers* page, verify the antivirus provider and state.
+
+## Additional resources
+
+[Microsoft Defender Antivirus compatibility with other security products](microsoft-defender-antivirus-compatibility.md)

defender-endpoint/overview-attack-surface-reduction.md

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ ms.collection:
 - m365-security
 - tier2
 - mde-asr
-ms.date: 06/04/2024
+ms.date: 07/30/2025
 search.appverid: met150
 ---
 
@@ -38,8 +38,6 @@ search.appverid: met150
 
 Attack surfaces are all the places where your organization is vulnerable to cyberthreats and attacks. Defender for Endpoint includes several capabilities to help reduce your attack surfaces. Watch the following video to learn more about attack surface reduction.
 
-> [!VIDEO https://learn-video.azurefd.net/vod/player?id=06675c1f-cd4d-4c79-96f5-f695aee327e5]
-
 ## Configure attack surface reduction capabilities
 
 To configure attack surface reduction in your environment, follow these steps:

defender-office-365/TOC.yml

@@ -253,6 +253,8 @@
              href: tenant-allow-block-list-urls-configure.md
            - name: Allow or block IPv6 addresses using the Tenant Allow/Block List
              href: tenant-allow-block-list-ip-addresses-configure.md
+           - name: Block domains in Microsoft Teams using the Tenant Allow/Block List
+             href: tenant-allow-block-list-teams-domains-configure.md
          - name: Admin submissions
            href: submissions-admin.md
          - name: Create block sender lists