What you need to know
- Various recent Windows system admin reports indicated that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint was accusing Google Chrome updates of being "suspicious."
- Microsoft Defender got ruffled when the Chrome updates came via Google Update.
- Microsoft clarified the flags were fake news and that there isn't anything suspicious about the Chrome updates.
If you recently encountered an awkward situation wherein Microsoft Defender for Endpoint called out Google Update's Chrome updates for looking sketchy, know that it was a false positive and you shouldn't lose sleep over anything. Chrome isn't compromised, it was just Defender acting up a little.
As cited in a variety of reports rounded up by BleepingComputer, Windows system admins were encountering a situation wherein Defender for Endpoint was dinging Chrome updates.
Shortly thereafter, Microsoft clarified what was up. In a statement to BleepingComputer, a spokesperson said, "we determined these are false positive results and we have updated the logic for this alert to resolve the issue some customers may have experienced."
In other words, all's well that ends well. If you were affected by this and wondering if Google was attempting to ruin your life, the answer is officially "no" from Microsoft.
Speaking of Defender and false positives, in recent news, it was discovered that while Microsoft Defender is typically pretty capable when it comes to avoiding accidental red flags, it struggles offline compared to just about every other major antivirus solution. According to tests run by AV-Comparatives, the best antivirus software such as Bitdefender, AVG, Total Defense, and more all did laps around Microsoft's product when it came to offline detection capabilities, meaning for those without the steadiest of internet connections, it may be worth checking out alternatives to the Redmond default in order to maximize your security.
