Microsoft has launched a new service that allows Windows users to report potentially vulnerable and malicious drivers to the company.
The new service is called the Driver Feedback Program, and it’s part of Microsoft’s larger Driver Feedback Initiative. The program was announced earlier this year and was initially supposed to launch in March. Now, however, it’s available for anyone running Windows 10 version 1803 or later.
The idea behind the initiative is simple: If you’re having trouble with a driver on your system, you can tell Microsoft about it so they can investigate. If they find something wrong, they’ll fix it—and if you’ve been affected by an attack that uses a dodgy driver as a vector.
For example, they might even notify you that there’s something wrong with your computer and offer assistance in getting rid of whatever malware may have infected it.
Microsoft says that it’ll offer suggestions for fixing problems with drivers provided by hardware manufacturers if possible. But if those suggestions don’t work out for some reason — for instance, because you’re using third-party hardware — then you can try using Microsoft’s replacement driver instead (though this isn’t guaranteed to work either).
Why did Microsoft launch the new website?
Due to the growing trend in which cybercriminals use “third-party driver creators” to distribute malware. These third-party driver creators either intentionally or unintentionally include malicious code in the drivers they create.
Microsoft says it has taken steps to combat this trend by implementing a new framework that enables users to directly report vulnerable and malicious drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions of Microsoft Vulnerable And Malicious Driver Reporting Center
What is a vulnerable or malicious driver?
A vulnerable or malicious driver is software that causes your computer to behave in unexpected ways, such as locking up, crashing, or behaving in a way that could put your data at risk. Vulnerable or malicious drivers can be used by malware to gain access to your device’s hardware and cause harm.
How do you know if your device has a vulnerable or malicious driver?
You can check for known vulnerabilities by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Defender > Open the App & Browser Control Settings page and then select Update from this device. You should see a list of any known issues and recommendations on how to resolve them.
What are some examples of vulnerable or malicious drivers?
Examples include counterfeit WLAN adapters, graphics card drivers that have been modified by malware, or USB devices that have been altered without authorization. Any time a device appears on your network that you weren’t expecting, it could be a sign of a problem.
Conclusion
Microsoft launched a vulnerable and malicious driver reporting center with the intent of helping researchers discover new vulnerabilities in Microsoft drivers. The company aims to broaden its abilities to learn about vulnerabilities to deliver more comprehensive security updates, which will keep customers safe.
Users are encouraged to join their peers who have already registered for the new service and submit reports if they find any security issues of concern.
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