Microsoft Launches Native Sysmon Monitoring for Windows 11
Microsoft has introduced native Sysmon monitoring capabilities for Windows 11, enhancing system security and event tracking. This rollout primarily targets users enrolled in the Windows Insider program.
Overview of Sysmon in Windows 11
Sysmon, an abbreviation for System Monitor, is a free tool developed by Microsoft as part of the Sysinternals suite. It functions as a Windows system service and device driver, designed to detect and log suspicious activities to the Windows Event Log.
Features of Sysmon
- Tracks basic events, including process creation and termination.
- Configurable for advanced monitoring, such as:
- Executable file creation
- Process tampering
- Windows clipboard changes
- Backup for deleted files
While Sysmon is extensively used for diagnosing Windows issues and conducting threat detection, it has historically required manual installation on each device, complicating deployment in larger IT settings.
How to Enable Sysmon in Windows 11
Microsoft’s integration allows users to enable Sysmon natively, although it remains disabled by default. To activate this feature, users must first uninstall any previously installed Sysmon from the Sysinternals website.
The activation process involves navigating to:
- Settings > System > Optional features > More Windows features
- Check the Sysmon option
Alternatively, users can execute a command in PowerShell or Command Prompt for activation.
Availability
The new Sysmon features are rolling out to Windows Insiders using Preview Build 26220.7752 (KB5074177) and Preview Build 26300.7733 (KB5074178) in the Beta and Dev channels, respectively.
Conclusion
This native Sysmon monitoring could significantly streamline threat detection processes for users, offering ease of access and integration with existing security applications. As Microsoft continues to enhance its Windows offerings, users can look forward to more developments in IT infrastructure management.
