Hardening issue

[dutty]

Hi I have a hardening issue trying to run either of my ubuntu or windows 10 VMs (which have previously been working) on a windows 11 host.

I hadn't used virtualbox for a few weeks and during that time I used a registry script which changed my windows 11 taskbar to a windows 10 taskbar, so I believe this could have been the issue but I have since changed the task bar back to the original. I have also uninstalled and reinstalled virtualbox but with no luck.

I have attached the logs.

Thanks!

[mpack]

You have third party AV installed (Sophos) on your host. Any good reason why? It's Windows 11, third party AV is a hindrance, not a help.

[dutty]

I was recommended it by a friend, I'm just looking at old messages as to why it was useful in their opinion.
"it will block anything that has a shellcode pattern. Also they can t remove it, that's why I find it very powerful, it works like a rootkit"

Saying that I doubt he has experience with windows 11, do you recommend I uninstall and reinstate windows 11 AV?

[mpack]

Third party AV was arguably useful in Windows 7 and earlier.

Windows 8.1 is IMO when Microsoft got serious about Windows security.

Note that if you want to safeguard an OS without causing more problems than you solve, then the best way is always going to be to get the OS developers to fix the weaknesses in the OS itself instead of relying on surface hacks that smell strongly of snake oil.

Neither Win10 nor Win11 needs third party help to defend itself. In fact third party AV installed on those OS just opens the door to potential spyware. Yes, MS has been accused of spying too (though they want design insight, not your bank account password), but MS is at least a known quantity and people know how to disable their excesses.

It would not regard "it works like a rootkit" to be a positive attribute!