how to exclude a folder from windows defender

how to exclude a folder from windows defender

How to Exclude a Folder from Windows Defender

Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program in Windows 10 that helps protect your computer from malware, viruses, and other security threats. Although it’s a powerful tool, there might be instances where you need to exclude a specific folder from being scanned by Windows Defender. This could be because the folder contains files or applications that are flagged as false positives, or simply because you want to improve system performance by reducing the scanning workload. In this article, we will guide you through the process of excluding a folder from Windows Defender.

1. Understanding Folder Exclusion:
Windows Defender scans all the files and folders on your computer to ensure their safety. However, there might be certain folders that you want to exclude from being scanned. By excluding a folder, you are essentially telling Windows Defender to skip scanning that particular folder and its contents. This can be useful in a variety of situations, such as when you have a folder with trusted files that are regularly updated, or when you want to prevent false positives from being detected and quarantined.

2. Launching Windows Defender:
To exclude a folder from Windows Defender, you first need to launch the Windows Defender Security Center. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Windows Defender Security Center.” Click on the top result to open the application.

3. Accessing Virus & Threat Protection Settings:
Once the Windows Defender Security Center is open, click on the “Virus & threat protection” option in the left-hand menu. This will take you to the Virus & threat protection settings.

4. Opening Exclusions Settings:
In the Virus & threat protection settings, scroll down until you find the “Exclusions” section. Click on the “Manage settings” link under the “Exclusions” heading. This will open the exclusions settings where you can add folders to be excluded from Windows Defender.

5. Adding a Folder Exclusion:
In the exclusions settings, click on the “Add or remove exclusions” link. This will display a list of exclusions that are currently in place. To add a new folder exclusion, click on the “Add an exclusion” button.

6. Choosing the Exclusion Type:
When you click on “Add an exclusion,” a drop-down menu will appear with different exclusion types. Choose “Folder” from the list to exclude an entire folder from Windows Defender.

7. Selecting the Folder:
After choosing the folder exclusion type, a file explorer window will open. Navigate to the folder that you want to exclude from Windows Defender and select it. Click on the “Exclude this folder” button to confirm the exclusion.

8. Confirming the Exclusion:
Once you have selected the folder and clicked on the “Exclude this folder” button, the folder exclusion will be added to Windows Defender. You will see the folder listed under the exclusions in the Windows Defender Security Center.

9. Modifying or Removing Exclusions:
If you need to modify or remove a folder exclusion at any point, you can do so by going back to the exclusions settings in the Windows Defender Security Center. Click on the “Add or remove exclusions” link and then click on the exclusion you want to modify or remove. From there, you can either edit the folder path or click on the “Remove” button to delete the exclusion.

10. Testing the Exclusion:
After excluding a folder from Windows Defender, it’s a good idea to test whether the exclusion is working as intended. You can do this by running a manual scan with Windows Defender and checking if the excluded folder is skipped during the scan. If the folder is skipped, it means that the exclusion is working correctly.

In conclusion, excluding a folder from Windows Defender can be a useful way to manage the scanning behavior of your antivirus program. Whether you want to exclude a folder due to false positives or to improve system performance, the process is straightforward and can be done through the Windows Defender Security Center. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily exclude any folder from Windows Defender and tailor the antivirus program to your specific needs.

american express report phishing

Phishing is a type of cybercrime that has been on the rise in recent years, and one of the most common targets of this malicious activity is American Express. As one of the largest and most popular credit card companies in the world, American Express has become a prime target for fraudsters and scammers looking to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting customers. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of phishing and how American Express is working to combat this growing threat.

Phishing is a form of online fraud that involves the use of fake emails, websites, or other digital platforms to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as credit card numbers, login credentials, or personal data. These fraudulent communications often appear to be from a legitimate source, such as American Express, and are designed to lure victims into providing their personal information by creating a sense of urgency or fear.

American Express has been a victim of phishing attacks for many years, with scammers using various tactics to trick customers into divulging their personal and financial information. Some of the most common methods used by fraudsters include sending fake emails claiming to be from American Express, creating fake websites that mimic the company’s official site, and even making phone calls pretending to be American Express representatives.

One of the most effective ways to protect against phishing is to educate customers about the signs of a phishing attack and how to spot a fraudulent communication. American Express has been proactive in this regard, regularly providing tips and resources to its customers on how to identify and protect against phishing attempts. The company also has a dedicated webpage on its official site that provides information on the latest phishing scams and how to report them.

In addition to educating customers, American Express has also implemented various security measures to protect against phishing attacks. For example, the company has implemented email authentication systems, such as Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), to verify the authenticity of emails sent from American Express. These systems help identify and block fake emails that are not sent from the company’s official servers.

Moreover, American Express has also introduced two-factor authentication (2FA) for its customers, which adds an extra layer of security to their online accounts. With 2FA, customers are required to enter a unique code sent to their mobile phones before accessing their account, making it harder for scammers to gain unauthorized access.

Despite these efforts, phishing attacks targeting American Express customers continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. In response, the company has also invested in advanced technologies and partnerships to stay ahead of these threats. For instance, American Express has partnered with threat intelligence companies to monitor and identify potential threats in real-time, allowing them to take swift action to prevent fraudulent activities.

In addition to technological solutions, American Express has also enlisted the help of its customers in fighting against phishing. The company has a dedicated team that monitors social media platforms and other online channels to identify any phishing attempts targeting its customers. Customers are also encouraged to report any suspicious emails or calls to American Express through its official website or customer service hotline.

Apart from educating customers and implementing security measures, American Express has also taken legal action against phishing scammers. In 2018, the company filed a lawsuit against a group of individuals who had launched a phishing campaign targeting American Express customers. This action resulted in the shutdown of the fraudulent websites and the arrest of the scammers.

In conclusion, phishing is a serious threat that has been plaguing American Express and its customers for many years. However, the company has been proactive in its approach to combat this growing threat by implementing various security measures, partnering with technology companies, and educating customers on how to protect themselves. By staying vigilant and following the recommended security practices, customers can help American Express in its efforts to keep their personal and financial information safe from phishing attacks.

how to stop inappropriate ads

In today’s digital world, advertisements are everywhere we look. From social media platforms to streaming services, it seems like there’s no escape from the constant bombardment of ads. While some ads may be harmless, others can be inappropriate, offensive, or even harmful. This raises the question, how can we stop inappropriate ads from invading our screens and potentially influencing our thoughts and behaviors?

First and foremost, it is important to understand what constitutes an inappropriate ad. Inappropriate ads can range from sexually suggestive content to discriminatory messages to misleading claims. These ads can be harmful to certain groups of people, such as children, or can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and attitudes. They can also promote unhealthy or unsafe behaviors, such as smoking or excessive drinking. Recognizing these types of ads is crucial in taking steps to stop them from being displayed.

One way to stop inappropriate ads is through ad blockers. Ad blockers are software or browser extensions that prevent ads from being displayed on websites or apps. They work by filtering out certain types of content, including ads, and only allowing the desired content to be displayed. Ad blockers have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many users citing a more pleasant browsing experience and increased privacy as reasons for using them. However, ad blockers also have their drawbacks. They can sometimes block non-intrusive ads that support free content and can negatively impact the revenue of websites and content creators.

Another way to stop inappropriate ads is through stricter advertising regulations. Advertisers are subject to various laws and regulations that aim to protect consumers from false or deceptive advertising. These regulations are enforced by government agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States, and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the United Kingdom. These organizations monitor and investigate complaints about ads and have the authority to take action against advertisers who violate their regulations. However, with the rapidly changing landscape of digital advertising, it can be challenging for these agencies to keep up with new forms of inappropriate ads.

Moreover, technology companies and social media platforms have a responsibility to regulate the ads that appear on their platforms. With the vast amount of user data they possess, they have the power to target ads to specific demographics, making it easier for inappropriate ads to reach their intended audience. Recently, there have been numerous instances where social media platforms have come under fire for allowing ads with harmful or misleading content to be displayed. To combat this issue, these companies must have strict policies in place for reviewing and approving ads before they are displayed to their users.

In addition to stricter regulations, there is also a growing movement towards ethical advertising. This involves promoting socially responsible and inclusive advertising that respects the diversity of its audience. In recent years, there have been numerous successful campaigns that have challenged traditional advertising norms and promoted positive messages. For example, the “Like a Girl” campaign by Always aimed to empower young girls and challenge gender stereotypes. By supporting and promoting ethical advertising, we can encourage companies to create more responsible and appropriate ads.

Another way to stop inappropriate ads is through consumer action. Consumers have the power to influence the types of ads that are displayed to them. By actively reporting or blocking inappropriate ads, we can send a message to advertisers that we do not want to see these types of ads. It is also essential for consumers to educate themselves and their families about responsible advertising practices and how to recognize and avoid inappropriate ads. By being mindful of the content we consume, we can take a stand against offensive and harmful ads.

Moreover, parents and guardians play a crucial role in stopping inappropriate ads from reaching children. With the rise of digital media, children are increasingly exposed to ads, and it is essential for parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activities. This includes setting parental controls and educating children about responsible online behavior and how to identify and report inappropriate ads. Additionally, parents can also contact companies directly to voice their concerns about inappropriate ads aimed at children.

As individuals, we can also choose to support companies that have responsible and ethical advertising practices. By purchasing products or services from these companies, we are sending a message that we value and support socially responsible advertising. Furthermore, we can also support organizations and campaigns that advocate for responsible advertising and hold companies accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, stopping inappropriate ads requires a collective effort from various stakeholders. Stricter regulations, responsible advertising practices, and consumer action are all crucial in preventing these types of ads from being displayed. As consumers, we must also be mindful of the content we consume and the messages we are exposed to. By standing together and taking a stand against inappropriate ads, we can create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for everyone.