For years, Microsoft considered it important in its systems that older versions of Server Message Block are also supported by newer editions to ensure smooth communication between older and newer devices. But safeguarding compatibility has since been linked with an increased security risk. That’s because SMB 1.0 has a number of vulnerabilities compared to the subsequent protocols, which make the computer susceptible to DoS attacks, for example.
Especially in networks, the risk of an attack based on the SMB protocol is high. All SMB versions are usually activated for compatibility reasons – for instance, since this is required by connected printers or other network devices. Even if the old protocol version is practically no longer used, it remains an easy target for attackers who can switch communication down to SMB 1.0 and attack the target system without major obstacles. That’s why with Windows 10, Microsoft decided to no longer actively support the first version and to automatically deactivate it when it’s not used.