Remove “Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard Released A Security Update” malicious email

The “Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard Released A Security Update” scam is a malicious email that claims to be a security alert from Microsoft. The email states that a critical update for “Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard” has been released and must be installed to protect the user’s device from the latest threats. It includes fake details such as a patch number, update size, and estimated installation time to make the claim seem credible. These claims are not accurate, and the update referenced does not exist as described in the email.

 

 

The email presents recipients with a link labeled “Update now” and a manual download option for a file named “Microsoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe.” Both elements are deceptive. Clicking either link results in the download of a malicious executable rather than a genuine security update. The file provided in the scam can contain malware such as a Remote Access Trojan, cryptocurrency miner, or information stealer. A Remote Access Trojan is designed to give attackers control over a device, allowing them to perform actions as if they were physically present on the machine. Malware that mines cryptocurrency uses the device’s processing power to generate digital coins without the user’s consent. Information stealers target stored data such as passwords, financial records, and personal information.

This scam exploits trust in Microsoft’s security communication. By posing as an important update, it encourages the recipient to interact with the email and download the attached file. The threat is not limited to credential harvesting alone. Once malicious software is installed on a device, attackers can perform a range of harmful actions, including remote control of the system, theft of saved passwords or files, covert use of computer resources, or encryption of data followed by a ransom demand. The consequences of installing such files can range from loss of privacy to financial damage.

The full “Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard Released A Security Update” malicious email is below:

Subject: Microsoft security update

Important security update required

Update your security software to protect your device

Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard has released a critical security update. Install this update to keep your device protected from the latest threats.

Update: Anti-Xploit Guard Security Update KB5021234

Size: 67.5 MB

Time required: About 5 minutes

This update includes important security improvements to protect against new exploits and vulnerabilities.
Update now

Manual download option:
Download update file manually

File: Microsoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe (Security Patch KB5021234)

Microsoft Corporation

This update will install automatically in 3 days if not installed manually.

How to identify malicious emails

The “Microsoft Anti-Xploit Guard Released A Security Update” scam is delivered as an email that closely imitates a security notification from a well-known provider. The subject line frames the email as a required update, and the body text includes terms like update size, security patch number, and estimated installation time. The apparent technical detail is intended to make the email seem official. However, the sender address is not affiliated with Microsoft and typically comes from an unofficial domain. The presence of a non-Microsoft domain in the sender field is a direct sign that this email is fraudulent.

Both links included in the email lead to an executable file rather than a legitimate update. The file name “Microsoft_Anti-Xploit_Update.exe” is crafted to resemble Microsoft naming conventions, but the content is malicious. Real security updates from Microsoft are delivered through official update services built into the operating system or through authenticated channels such as the Microsoft Update system. They are not sent as executable attachments in unsolicited email.

The email warns that the update will install automatically in three days if not applied manually. This creates a false sense of urgency. Authentic security notifications from major providers do not include automatic installation deadlines presented in this way. They provide information about available updates through official update interfaces on the device itself, not through emailed deadlines.

Another clear trait is the inclusion of file download options within the email body. Legitimate security updates are distributed through built-in system services and not provided as downloadable attachments in an email. The presence of an executable attachment in a supposed security alert is a defining sign of this scam.