byovd protection

BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) protection is a security measure that prevents attackers from exploiting legitimate but vulnerable kernel drivers to gain elevated system access. Microsoft has announced that starting with the April 2026 Windows security update, default trust for legacy cross-signed kernel drivers will be removed, closing a common BYOVD attack vector. Additionally, the Windows 11 KB5060999 cumulative update includes an expanded blocklist for vulnerable drivers, further hardening the operating system against such threats. These changes aim to force the driver ecosystem toward certification through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program, reducing the risk of BYOVD attacks on modern and enterprise systems.