Windows Defender SmartScreen is a cloud-based anti-malware and phishing protection feature that is part of the Windows operating system (OS). It is designed to help protect users from fraudulent websites, malicious downloads, and viruses by employing advanced techniques such as machine learning and heuristics.
When enabled, Windows Defender SmartScreen works in the background to provide an extra layer of security, without any user interaction required. It is designed to detect and block dangerous content or activities, such as downloading malware and phishing attacks.
When a user attempts to download or access a file or website, Windows Defender SmartScreen evaluates the URL, or source of the file and compares it to a Microsoft database of unsafe sites and files. If the URL or file matches a malicious profile stored in the database, Windows Defender SmartScreen will alert the user and block the activity, redirecting them to a safe page.
Additionally, Windows Defender SmartScreen will warn users if they are about to download something that is digitally signed with an unrecognized signature, or if an application has been downloaded by a small number of users. This helps protect against malicious applications that have only recently been released, and may not be included in the Microsoft database yet.
Windows Defender SmartScreen also incorporates browser extension protection, which checks for malicious extensions that could be automatically installed on a user’s browser, either through visiting a malicious website or through downloading a file bundled with the malicious extension.
Windows Defender SmartScreen is available on all versions of Windows 8 and above. It is enabled by default, but can be disabled by accessing the Settings app or by using the Security and Maintenance Control Panel.
Overall, Windows Defender SmartScreen is an effective cloud-based security solution that provides an extra layer of protection for users. By combining advanced technologies like machine learning, heuristics and browser extension protection, it can detect and block malicious activity before it can cause any harm.