Description #

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a security platform designed to detect and respond to threats in real-time, providing a comprehensive defense against malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other forms of cyberattacks. The platform includes a range of features to help protect your organization, such as:

• Advanced threat protection: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint uses machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect and respond to threats in real-time. It also includes an extensive threat intelligence network to help identify and mitigate new and emerging threats.

• Endpoint detection and response (EDR): Microsoft Defender for Endpoint includes EDR capabilities that allow you to investigate and respond to threats on individual devices. You can use the EDR feature to track the actions of a threat and take remediation actions to stop the threat.

• Vulnerability assessment: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint includes a vulnerability assessment feature that helps you identify and address security vulnerabilities on your organization's devices.

• Compliance and regulatory standards: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint helps your organization meet compliance and regulatory standards by providing security controls and reporting capabilities.

• Centralized management: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is managed through a central console in the Azure portal, allowing you to monitor and manage the security of your organization's devices from a single location.

IT Partner responsibilities #

The implementation of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint involves several responsibilities:

1. Set up Microsoft endpoint security plans.
2. Set up a security center workspace.
3. Enable Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
4. Install the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint client or assistance with deployment for devices, depending on a Client’s situation.
5. Configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint policies.
6. Provide Post-implementation break-fix support for one (1) month.

Prerequisites #

To implement Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, you will need to meet the following prerequisites:

1. Buy and assign Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P1 or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2 (a separate license or as a part of another license).
2. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is designed to protect devices running Windows, 10/11 iOS/iPad and Android so you will need to have at least one device running this operating system to use the service.
3. Have a Microsoft 365 tenant. A tenant represents your organization in Microsoft 365 and is required to use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. If you don't have a tenant yet, you should create one.
4. Have administrative privileges on your organization's devices to install the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint client and configure the service.
5. It is also important to have a thorough understanding of your organization's security needs and requirements before implementing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. This will help you customize the service to meet the specific needs of your organization and ensure that it is properly configured and effective in protecting your devices and data.

Plan #

The plan may vary depending on your needs:

1. Kickoff meeting.
2. Plan and review project schedule.
3. Collect existing device information.
4. Configure the required Microsoft Defender services.
5. Deploy test device.
6. Perform production deployment monitoring and possible problem-solving.
7. Provide the use case documentation.

Success criteria #

1. Implementation plan is developed and approved.
2. Client's Microsoft 365 tenant and Azure services are configured.
3. Security center workspace is created.
4. Defender agent to end-user devices is deployed.
5. Policy is configured and applied.
6. One month of post-implementation consulting and support is enabled.