Safeguarding your organization from advanced threats is more critical than ever. With cyberattacks on the rise, companies must adopt robust security measures that can adapt to evolving risks. Microsoft Intune, a part of Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility + Security suite, offers a powerful solution for managing endpoint security through comprehensive antivirus policy settings. By leveraging Microsoft Defender Antivirus profiles for Windows 10 and later, organizations can create a fortified security framework that enhances protection against malware and other threats.
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Endpoint security policies in Microsoft Intune
The evolution of Microsoft Defender Antivirus settings, particularly since the transition from profiles created before April 5, 2022, underscores the need for modernized security protocols. While older profiles are still editable and usable, new profiles utilize an improved settings format found in the Settings Catalog. This change allows organizations to customize their endpoint security strategies effectively.
For administrators managing security settings via Intune, understanding these configurations is essential. Key settings within the Defender Antivirus profile include:
Cloud protection
- Turn on Cloud-Delivered Protection: This feature allows devices to send information about detected threats to Microsoft for analysis, enhancing the threat detection capabilities of the antivirus. By default, this setting is enabled, ensuring continuous improvement in malware defense.
- Cloud Protection Level: Administrators can specify the aggressiveness of Defender Antivirus in blocking suspicious files. Options range from default blocking to “Zero tolerance,” which blocks all unknown executables, thus optimizing protection at varying levels.
Exclusion settings
Managing exclusions is vital for minimizing false positives while ensuring effective scans. The following exclusion settings can be configured:
- Defender Processes to Exclude: Specify files opened by certain processes to be ignored during scans, allowing critical applications to function without interruption.
- File Extensions and Paths to Exclude: Administrators can define specific file types and directories to ignore, reducing unnecessary alerts and focusing on real threats.
Real-time protection
Real-time protection settings are crucial for proactive security. Key configurations include:
- Turn on Real-Time Protection: This enforces constant monitoring of file activity, ensuring that threats are detected and addressed as they arise.
- Enable On-Access Protection: This feature provides continuous virus protection rather than relying solely on scheduled scans, enhancing the security posture of devices.
Scanning capabilities
The scanning settings determine how and when Microsoft Defender conducts scans:
- Scan All Downloaded Files and Attachments: This ensures that any potentially harmful files are inspected before they can cause damage.
- Scan Network Files and Emails: These settings enable protection against threats that may infiltrate via network shares or email attachments, which are common attack vectors.
Remediation strategies
Managing detected threats is a critical component of endpoint security. Important settings include:
- Actions for Detected Threats: Administrators can specify how Defender should respond to different threat levels, such as quarantine, removal, or allowing user-defined actions.
- Retention of Quarantined Malware: The system can retain quarantined items for a specified number of days before automatic removal, allowing administrators to review threats before they are deleted.
Conclusion
By harnessing the capabilities of Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Defender Antivirus, organizations can implement advanced threat protection strategies that align with their unique security needs. The flexibility in configuring various settings ensures that businesses can adapt to changing threats while maintaining operational efficiency. With AVASOFT’s expertise in endpoint security solutions, organizations can strengthen their defenses against cyber threats, ensuring a more secure digital environment. By prioritizing robust security measures, businesses can focus on growth and innovation without the looming concern of cybersecurity risks.
