Windows 10: Access to Ransomware Protection blocked

I've seen multiple articles published recently that mention that Microsoft has built in ransomeware protection in Windows 10 and suggest that you can access this protection by specifying "Rasomware Protection" in the search bar. I've done this but when I press enter to access the page it says that that it's not available as my IT administrator has limited the access to the page. Since I'm the administrator of this PC and it's a stand alone PC can anyone explain why my access is being blocked?

:)

 

Which programs have tried to access protected folders blocked by Windows ransomware defender?

In short: Is it possible to list programs that Windows has denied access to a protected folder?

I recently enabled the Ransomware protection functionality in Windows Defender, adding a series of folders to the Controlled Folder Access list. Some of these folders are under Git version control (via Github Desktop), or synchronised using Syncthing (via SyncTrayzor). I've added the canonical versions of git.exe and syncthing.exe within C:/Program Files to the Allowed App list, but I now receive messages telling me that windows has blocked attempts to access files in protected folders by C:/Users/.../git.exe and C:/Users/.../syncthing.exe.

Annoyingly, the ellipsis hides most of the path to the executable file. A windows search of my user directory eventually turns up a number of copies of git.exe, and it's not immediately clear which of these was trying to edit the files. Ransomware protection's limited user interface means it takes ages to add each file individually, and this seems like a poor security choice: a smart attacker might entitle their malware git.exe to trick me into allowing access.

How can I see the full path of the blocked file (particularly after the notification prompt has disappeared from my screen)?

I can't see anything relevant in the Windows event log.

 

Malware and ransomware protection

You might also want to have a look at:

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/help
• Top 10 Ways PUPs Sneak Onto Your Computer. And How To Avoid Them.
  
• Ransomware FAQ - Windows Defender Security Intelligence
• Ransomware Avoidance
  
• How to remove ransomware the right way: A step-by-step guide
  

 

Problems with Windows Security Ransomware Protection - Solved

Welcome to Ten Forums wgiambatista.

Yes, that is the price you have to pay for Controlled Folder Access (aka ransomware protection) - sometimes you'll need to allow an app that it does not already have on its 'known/trusted' list. But your title should perhaps include the word 'Solved' as you have found out how to allow those apps that may get blocked. And once on the 'allowed' list that app will not be interrupted by ransomware protection again.

Add or Remove Allowed Apps for Controlled Folder Access in Windows 10