What Does This Message Mean?

For a few days now when I log onto my Windows 11 desktop PC I receive the message shown in the attached image. As can be seen in the image I can click 'Cancel' and this is what I do.

Although the message is apparently about Defender I don't know what it means. Defender is working fine. It lets me run scans and it updates its database daily.

Can someone please explain what this message means? I cannot enter a PIN because I don't have one. Unless it wants the PIN I use to login to Windows. If that's the case, why? I've obviously already used it to access my Windows account.

 

I do not know whcih cartoon you are referring to.

I realise I did not attach the image I meant to attach. It has not been a good week.

I now attach the image of the message I get.

 

Where about does the message show? If in the notification area then it might be from an infected website which you visited. If it is the centre of the screen then the popup might be genuine.
If you click on the ‘use method to listed here’ does it offer you the option to enter your password?

 

It does appear in the centre of the screen.

I haven't tried that but I will. If it offers me the possibility of entering my password I'm reluctant to do so because until your reply I hadn't considered it might be malware.

 

I’d run a malware scan to be safe. As it’s in the centre of the screen it’s more reassuring, had it been in the notification area then I’d be sure it was fake.
When you sign in to the PC are you asked for a password or PIN? Check your account sign in methods to see if the option to use more secure sign in is enabled - this removes the password in favour of PIN/Fingerprint/facial ID.

 

It has not happened since my last post.

I use a PIN to sign into the account.

 

Hopefully it’s sorted itself out.

 

It seems to have and I've run malware scans* and they all reported no problems.

*Malwarebytes^, Microsoft Defender and SUPERAntiSpyware.

^I did the Deep Scan option.

 

Did you also choose to scan for root kits with Malwarebytes?
I expect your PC is clean now.

 

Yes, I did.

 

Great to hear.