Try this first
- 1On Windows: open Windows Security (Start > 'Windows Security'). The 'Virus & threat protection' tab must be green. Yellow or red means act now.
- 2For central view: Defender for Endpoint console (Microsoft 365 Defender > Endpoints > Device inventory). Per laptop you see health and scan history.
- 3Two different AV products on one laptop is a classic issue, they see each other as virus. Remove the old one (often a Norton or McAfee trial).
- 4Check 'Definitions' date. Older than 7 days is suspect, means updates are not flowing.
- 5Run a fake test: download the EICAR test file (eicar.org/download-anti-malware-testfile). Working AV alerts immediately. No alert = not working.
When to bring us in
Defender disabled on multiple laptops with no clear reason? That is suspect, can indicate self-protecting malware. Call us for investigation.
See also
- I think I clicked a phishing linkNo shame, happens to everyone. The next fifteen minutes matter.
- A colleague's account is acting strangelySending mail in their name, rules hiding folders, unusual sign-ins. Suspicious.
- Lost the MFA app: new phone, no backup codesClassic problem after a phone upgrade. You are not the first to be locked out.
None of the above fits?
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Or skip the DIY entirely
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