February 06.2026
2 Minutes Read

Why the EnCase Driver Became an EDR Killer: Cybersecurity Insights

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EnCase Driver: An Unlikely Weapon in Cyberattacks

Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm as attackers leverage an aging forensic tool's Windows kernel driver to evade detection and terminate security systems. Unbeknownst to many, the EnCase driver, developed by Guardian Software and introduced in 1998, has persisted as a means for threat actors to exploit vulnerabilities despite the driver’s signing certificate being revoked over a decade ago.

Thwarting EDR Solutions: The BYOVD Technique

In a troubling report released by Huntress, researchers highlighted how the Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) technique has become increasingly prevalent among cybercriminals. This approach involves malicious actors using trusted but outdated drivers, like EnCase’s, to gain kernel-level access, allowing them to disable endpoint detection and response (EDR) platforms quietly.

During a recent incident, an attacker gained access to a network through compromised SonicWall SSL VPN credentials, subsequently introducing the EnCase driver to shut down security processes across multiple endpoints. The driver’s age and status made it an ideal target for exploitation, as it bypasses traditional Windows Driver Signature Enforcement—an essential security feature designed to ensure driver authenticity.

The Security Gaps in Windows Driver Recognition

Despite the revocation of the EnCase driver's digital certificate, Windows does not adequately check for this during the OS loading phase, resulting in a loophole that attackers can readily exploit. While the Driver Signature Enforcement was instituted to block unsigned or modified drivers from executing, it fails to verify if older certificates are still valid, allowing attackers a unique advantage.

According to Huntress's findings, Windows doesn’t check Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) early in the boot process for efficiency reasons. This oversight opens the door for attackers to use pre-2015 drivers—like the EnCase driver—undetected.

A Future of BYOVD Challenges

The BYOVD approach represents a significant challenge for cybersecurity professionals. Even though experts understand the risks, thwarting these attacks at scale is particularly complex. If security measures are too strict, they could compromise legitimate operations, leading to system crashes or loss of functionality.

Recommendations for Improved Defense

To combat these emerging threats, Huntress has recommended several defensive measures. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote access to systems is crucial, as is thorough monitoring of network logs for suspicious activity. Furthermore, organizations should utilize Windows Defender Application Control to enforce driver block rules and enable Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity to bolster their defenses against known vulnerabilities.

As new attack vectors continue to evolve, staying abreast of such cybersecurity threats and implementing recommended defenses is vital. While the EnCase driver itself may have outlived its purpose in digital forensics, its continued misuse highlights the pressing need for updated security protocols to protect against sophisticated cyber threats.

Cybersecurity Corner

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