Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise endpoint security platform designed to help network administrators stop, investigate, detect, and respond to advanced threats. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is built into the Windows operating system and utilises cloud services and machine learning to protect devices and data in real time.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint does, its benefits and its various licensing options.
What does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint do?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint offers a range of features designed to seal endpoints, such as desktops, laptops mobile devices and servers. This tool provides real-time monitoring, automated response actions and other key functionalities such as:
- Threat monitoring
- Attack surface reduction
- Automated investigation
- Threat intelligence
- Endpoint detection
Threat Monitoring
Identify and assess endpoint weaknesses to strengthen your security procedures.
Attack Surface Reduction
Helps minimise the potential attack vectors by managing the security settings of applications and operating systems.
Automated Investigation
Uses advanced machine learning to respond to detect threats automatically.
Threat Intelligence
Utilises Microsoft’s threat intelligence to respond to the latest threats.
Endpoint Detection
Monitoring and behavioural analysis to identify attacks, with automated investigations to reduce the need for human intervention.
Benefits of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Advanced Threat Intelligence
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint uses the vast threat intelligence from Microsoft’s security network, which includes insights from billions of signals from Microsoft’s global network. This intelligence helps identify threats faster, including newly emerging threats such as zero-day exploits and APTs.
Endpoint Behavioural Sensors
Defender for Endpoint has behavioural sensors that collect and process behavioural signals from the operating system. These sensors use machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect suspicious activities, like anomalous process executions or unusual network connections.
Automated Investigation and Remediation
The standout feature of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, this feature has the ability to investigate alerts and take remediation actions when required. This automation lowers the burden on the security teams by removing repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on more complex ones.
Common Use Cases of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
For smaller/medium-sized company security: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint offers smaller and medium-sized businesses an affordable option so they can protect their online presence without the need for an extensive IT team.
Enterprise Threat Management: Larger enterprises often face difficult challenges due to the sheer volume of devices in their network. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint centralised management dashboard allows enterprises to control security policies across thousands of endpoints, making for a consistent security posture.
Securing Hybrid Work Environments: As remote and hybrid working increases amongst various industries, organisations must protect devices that are not always hooked up to the company’s internal network. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint helps secure remote devices by providing monitoring and real-time protection regardless of the user’s location.
Incident Response and Investigation: Organisations with dedicated security operations teams can benefit from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s incident response features. With real-time threat alerts, investigations, and detailed forensic data, security teams can quickly identify and respond to security incidents.
Defender for Endpoint Licence Options
Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 (P1)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P1 offers essential endpoint security features. It includes next-generation protection like antimalware and antivirus, attack surface reduction, and basic EDR capabilities. P1 is designed for organisations that need fundamental endpoint protection without the need for advanced features such as automated investigation.
Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 (P2)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2 includes all the features of P1, alongside more advanced tools like automated investigation and remediation, advanced threat intelligence and access to Microsoft Threat Experts.
Defender for Endpoint P2 is perfect for companies and organisations that need secure endpoint protection and security management.
How CWSI Can Help With Defender for Endpoint
CWSI specialises in providing secure cyber services, including the implementation and management of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Our team of experts can help you integrate Microsoft Defender for Endpoint into your organisation’s existing security framework.
For more information on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, contact us today, and our experts will be there to assist you and your organisation.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint FAQs
What is the difference between Defender Antivirus and Defender for Endpoint?
Defender Antivirus is a built-in antimalware component of the Windows operating system, providing basic protection against common threats. In contrast, Defender for Endpoint is a fully-fledged endpoint security platform with advanced threat detection, automated investigation, EDR, and vulnerability management.
How do I turn on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
In order to enable Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, you need to have the appropriate licenses (P1 or P2) and follow the according set-up process. From there, administrators can onboard devices, set up security policies, and monitor endpoints.
Do I need antivirus software if I have Defender for Endpoint?
No, you do not need additional antivirus software if you have Defender for Endpoint. Having Microsoft Defender for Endpoint’s advanced capabilities increases your security beyond traditional antivirus solutions by offering threat intelligence, behavioural analysis, and automated response features.
