WINDOWS DEFENDER SettingsModifier:Win32/HostsFileHijack HOSTS WARNING
Since the end of July 2020, Windows 10 users have had alerts from Windows Defender =detecting modified HOSTS files as a ‘SettingsModifier:Win32/HostsFileHijack’ threat.
This is likely due to the having a Windows Telemetry blocker installed. The most obvious is people who run the program SPYBOT ANTI-BEACON Spybot Search and Destroy or similar adware blockers. Basically, Anti-Beacon alters the Hosts file to prevent all Microsoft tracking telemetry connections. Here is an example
So when This happens and Microsoft attmept to inject their on tracking data they report that your HOSTS file has been tampered with. Tbf to Microsoft this could be malicious so you should always check it anyway it is located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc But if it is as above then its clear the MS are just reporting your alteration.
If you choose RESTORE from the dropdown ACTIONS box on the warning it will return this Hosts file to the file before they detected it as shown here. Also re run Spybot search & Destroy or Anti-Beacon again to ensure that they have written the Hosts file correctly. If the above applies to you then it is unlikely you have anything to worry about.
However as of Mid 2020, [DON’T USE ANTI-BEACON, IT’S PAYWARE, USE SHUTUP10 INSTEAD] http://bit.ly/win10shutup
Hope this helps!