Bitdefender Total Security Firewall Alert Mode is automatically switched off by any fullscreen app

Hello, I have the same problem and it annoys me a lot.

There is also a problem with games as well as any full-screen program.
I haven't had a problem in years and it's been bugging me the last few weeks.

If this is not corrected by the end of the subscription, I will switch to a different security.
Milan

I'm having a hard time understanding how this isn't resolved yet - this isn't a minor issue…

Same problem here, mistakenly kinda duplicated your post above.

A serious security threat.

Except ive noted even if your config is password protected it will sjut it off, bypassing passwd protection, while, if you go to re-enable it, it will request password.

Got the same problem, installed and uninstalled several times with no avail, using a freeware Firewall program which works like a Gem. Hope Bitdefender gets it resolved soon.

Hallo

auch ich habe dieses Problem. Meine Versionsnummer ist 27.0.30.140.

Bei allen Spielen wird der Alarmmodus von selbst deaktiviert, trotz Passwortschutz. Wenn ich ihn wieder aktivierenn will MUß ich das Passwort eingeben. Ich weiß wurde schon oft gepostet, aber je mehr sich mit diesem Problem melden wird es villeicht schneller eine Lösung geben.Habe noch 300 Tage Abonnement. Wird es bis dahin nicht gelöst werde ich leider wechseln.

I have the same issue on two different Windows 10 PCs, this is a deal breaker since It allows some apps to do automatic updates and bypass the firewall blocks. The firewall should be considered faulty.

With all due respect "The primary purpose of Alert Mode is to generate alerts about network
traffic that matches specific rules or criteria, without actually
blocking or dropping that traffic. You can select Allow or Block."

Is a serious security flaw, how Am I to be sure a 3rd party software does not install something malicious and attempt an outbound communication? How is the PASSWORD protection being overridden?

This is a serious issue. Not an Oh well don't worry.

It seems like you're experiencing an issue with Bitdefender Total Security's Firewall Alert Mode being automatically switched off when using fullscreen applications. This behavior may be due to the firewall settings or the interaction between Bitdefender and the fullscreen applications.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and address the issue:

1. Check Firewall Settings: Verify that Bitdefender Total Security's firewall settings are configured correctly. Ensure that Firewall Alert Mode is enabled and that there are no specific rules or settings that may be causing it to be automatically switched off when using fullscreen applications.
2. Application Rules: Check if there are any specific firewall rules or application settings within Bitdefender Total Security that may be affecting fullscreen applications. You can review the list of application rules and make adjustments as needed to allow fullscreen applications to function properly.
3. Fullscreen Detection: Some security software may have features that automatically adjust settings based on the application's fullscreen status. Check if Bitdefender Total Security has such a feature and disable it if necessary to prevent the firewall alert mode from being switched off.
4. Update Bitdefender: Ensure that you're using the latest version of Bitdefender Total Security. Updates may include bug fixes and improvements that address issues related to firewall settings and application compatibility.
5. Check Application Compatibility: It's possible that the issue is related to compatibility between Bitdefender Total Security and specific fullscreen applications. Check if there are any known compatibility issues reported by Bitdefender or the developers of the fullscreen applications you're using.
6. Contact Bitdefender Support: If you're unable to resolve the issue on your own, consider reaching out to Bitdefender's support team for assistance. They may be able to provide further guidance or troubleshoot the issue with you directly.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue with Bitdefender Total Security's Firewall Alert Mode being automatically switched off when using fullscreen applications. If the issue persists, contacting Bitdefender support would be the next best step to get personalized assistance.

Hello @Matei Eduard-Petrisor,

The fix is still in the pipeline and I'm trying to get an update on the release date. I will come back as soon as I have news. I also pointed out on another thread that we should expect the fix to be deployed with the next product update scheduled for this month:

Since the issue is already known and the development teams are working on the fix, the only advantage I see if everyone contacts the Support teams is that they will be informed individually when the fix is released. Otherwise, more requests on this topic doesn't necessarily mean a faster resolution to the problem, the resolution timeframe will be the same since the situation is already treated with high priority by the developers.

We already have multiple threads opened on this topic in the community and that doesn't help, since the complaints are now scattered across the forum because the search function is not used properly sometimes.
I kindly request all members, especially the fresh registered ones, to use the forum search function by inserting keywords such as "Alert Mode", before opening a new discussion on this matter, and the page will display all relevant discussions and this way we avoid multiple threads that we have to constantly return to repeat the same information. We may also skip discussions and certain users will not receive the relevant updates if this happens.

I appeal to patience and understanding on this one, they will fix it soon.

Thank you,

Alex

thanks for clarifying.

Hi @dmarchelak and thanks for joining us here.

I know it must be frustrating, but let's give the developers some credit and little bit more time to sort this out.
I can tell you that the fix is almost ready and will be deployed as soon as possible.

Again, I reiterate the fact that the behavior of this function when apps are being used in full screen is NOT a security breach, according to meaning of the term and what it implies.

A 'security breach' is any incident that results in unauthorized access to computer data, applications, networks or devices. It results in information being accessed without authorization. Typically, it occurs when an intruder is able to bypass security mechanisms. Has anyone encountered such a breach because of the firewall? If yes, then please do tell us more.

Like I said, the firewall is still operational even when the alert mode isn't working as expected. It keeps track of connection attempts and decides which to allow and which to block. It uses a set of rules to filter data transmitted to and from your system. It's basically on autopilot. The fact it allows to control the connections manually is a bonus.

Regards

I actually work in cybersecurity. Again with all due respect.

Please stop belittling your loyal users.

It is not simply a BONUS feature, it was a feature i based my purchase of the security solution on, and is an integral part of any firewall worth it's weight.

Someone on your DEV team should be getting payed overtime, and in contact with MS to iron this issue out.

Please do not dare label it as a BONUS.

Any file which currently has firewall access can now via code injection etc contact a new malicious or not IP address and install software without our knowledge or make program changes , or deposit a 3rd party file / RAT / Backdoor / Trojan or EXFILTRATE ( EXFIL ) important data.

How can the ALERT feature self disable when it is password protected? Where is this password stored? Encrypted? Hashed?

Again please stop making this seem like a minor issue. When it is of the utmost importance and as you had previously stated are working around the clock to fix it. It was not a BONUS was not labeled as a BONUS and if it was a BONUS remove the BONUS from my SUB price because I and 15 other users ( not posting here ) are about to change software.

I do not like people being disengenous to thier community, or to those with lesser knowledge on security best practice standards / OWASP etc.

kind regards,

The update with the fix is already in the wild but the delivery is delayed for some of us.
Hope it gets pushed faster.
Using block as default until I get the new patch.

updated mine a few seconds ago but full-screening a youtube video still disables alert mode, even when it's password protected.

If something as simple as full-screening something can bypass a password and disable a security feature, it worries me how easily a person with malicious intention might be able to exploit this software.

It leads me to believe that this software isn't as secure as it's making out to be. This is I believe what's called a zero-day vulnerability. Maybe @Negligence could confirm?

Yes, the issue was fixed in the latest build version 27.0.35.146.

I'm still stuck on 27.0.30.140… why would Bitdefender roll this out gradually and not include everyone on this forum whose been raising the issue?

Can you ask them to roll it out to all of us please, I'd like to be able to resume normal activity on my computer, including getting back to work securely.

Thanks.

All Bitdefender updates are rolled out gradually for several reasons. This approach helps mitigate the risk of widespread issues affecting all users simultaneously. By rolling out the updates gradually, developers can monitor for any unexpected bugs or compatibility issues before expanding the update to a larger audience. Despite rigorous testing, there's always a possibility that unforeseen issues may arise once an update is deployed to a large user base at once.

A large scale-update may also put a strain on servers and networks, thus a gradual release can better manage server load and ensure a smooth distribution process. By controlling the pace of the rollout, developers can monitor metrics such as installation success rates, user engagement, and crash reports to gauge the update's performance and make adjustments if needed. This of course is not something new and the rollout practice is widely used not only by antivirus vendors, but by other software providers as well.

I know patience is running thin on this topic, but the update will soon arrive for everyone.

Same here.

Today it seems the desktop updated after the tray update. No reboot requested but ALERT mode remains enabled.

Here, on my portable, well even though I do the tray update my client will still not update to new version.