Most business owners know the basics of cybersecurity. However, if you haven’t been paying attention, you may have missed that many threats today are worse than ever before.
In the blink of an eye, your business can be vulnerable to threats that expose all of the data you’ve worked so hard to protect.
Are you in the market for a new defense strategy? If so, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint could be the best choice you can make for your enterprise network.
Learn more about endpoint detection and response and how Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can protect you below.
What Is Endpoint Detection and Response?
Endpoint detection and response is a specific type of cybersecurity solution. It allows for immediate and simultaneous monitoring at all times. It also permits endpoint data collection with a rules-based response and analysis option.
You can use this to employ automation that helps security teams to find and retaliate against threats.
The main reasons that you may want to have an endpoint detection and response system include:
- Analyze data to find patterns in security threats
- Monitor and collect data that may signal a future or current threat
- Remove or halt threats before notifying security
- Research threats with forensic or analysis equipment to find suspicious activities
Endpoint protection makes your system stronger overall. It will give you better security than antivirus programs alone.
In today’s cybersecurity world, you need to stay up to date with the latest technology and security solutions.
Luckily, IT support providers, like Bridgehead I.T., are available to help make these transitions easier. We can provide a secure technology infrastructure across all devices that will help your business thrive.
Microsoft Defender and Endpoint Detection and Response
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, also known as Microsoft Defender ATP or Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection, helps you have full control over your system’s security.
It will help you assess your network’s current state, identify issues, and take action to improve upon weaknesses.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint uses different types of technology to protect your enterprise business network. These can be used alone or in combination and are built into the Windows 10 operating system and Microsoft cloud services.
Endpoint Behavioral Sensors
They will obtain and process different signals that come from the operating system. They also come embedded in Windows as you get them, so you don’t need to do any extra work for this step.
They will then send this data to your private cloud for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. You can access this information there and review the information collected as needed.
Threat Intelligence
Threat intelligence is what Microsoft Defender uses to determine what tools attackers use.
It also can identify the techniques or processes used and, when threats arise, it will generate an alert for the user. This will look at the collected data from the sensors to find the right information.
Cloud Security Analysis
Business cloud products, such as Microsoft Office 365, are given more security with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The data collected and analyzed helps protect your cloud.
The signals that Microsoft Optics provides and the online assets used will be translated into useful information. This information is useful in responding to advanced cloud threats.
What Specific Threats Does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Protect From?
The main software threats to be aware of are malware, viruses, and spyware.
Malware comes from malicious applications or files that will cause damage or harm to devices. It can also give people access to your system, including resources or passwords, without your permission. For individuals or businesses, malware is hazardous.
Viruses are spread by attaching their code to other files that are already on the device. These programs will no longer work once the virus has spread.
Spyware will collect your data (by spying on you) and send it to remote servers. Spyware can be hard to spot, and they may monitor different things, such as your web activity or emails.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can detect all three of these with ease.
When an issue is detected, you will receive a notification in your Windows notifications box. You can also view the threat on a list in your Windows Security app in Protection History.
As soon as a problem is identified, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint will block it and pause its use automatically. Problems are reported to the anti-malware and antivirus engines to protect other devices and their users.
When Should You Get Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for Your Business Network?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a great addition to your security needs at any time. Because of the shift to the need for endpoint security instead of edge security alone, your enterprise network may be less secure than you think.
With endpoint security, your protection will travel across many devices. Many businesses have employees working from home or outside of the office.
These employees need the same protection as employees that are in the building would have.
If your business has recently experienced a data breach, it isn’t too late to protect yourself from future threats. You can choose to add more security whenever it is needed.
Even with the best firewalls in the world, there are new threats constantly emerging, and your business needs to be ready to face them head-on.
What’s the Difference Between Antivirus and Endpoint Protection?
Antivirus software is only able to block a threat as it tries to attack your devices. Endpoint protection can detect a threat before it starts to attack, making your security stronger.
Both of these types of security together will make your business and your data much less vulnerable.
While antivirus software has been around for a long time (and is still very useful), it is no longer enough to protect your devices and users by itself.
Cybercrime and cybersecurity solutions are stronger now than they have ever been. To protect your business, you have to be aware of the potential threats that are out there.
Why Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Valuable?
One of the biggest reasons that Microsoft Defender is a useful security solution is that it will help you determine where you have weak spots. It also gives you the information you need to eliminate those weak spots and prevent future threats.
You can also use this to prioritize different areas and focus on the issues that leave your business network most vulnerable.
Another benefit is that you can use the attack surface reduction option to decrease access to harmful URLs or domains.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is up to date and aware of emerging threats that may not be common in the workplace. This means that it will look for issues that exist that you may not even know are potential issues.
This is an automatic process, so all of the benefits of Microsoft Defender will happen without manual control. You get to set the settings to your business network needs and customize them based on your preferences.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is supported on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile systems. This means that it can be used on your devices even if you don’t have Microsoft Windows installed.
Using This With Other Microsoft Solutions
If you use other Microsoft software or solutions, like Skype for Business, or Intune, they will integrate seamlessly.
There are additional benefits to using these components together.
For instance, if you choose to use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, your protection levels will increase. Some advantages to consider include:
- Increased performance levels
- File blocking
- File recovery via OneDrive
- All-in-one technical support
- Additional data for analysis
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint works best with other Microsoft products. However, you don’t have to use these products if you prefer something else.
It does work with other antivirus programs, and you will still be able to coordinate some services depending on the setup you choose.
Are You Interested in Better Network Security?
There is no time like the present to start protecting your enterprise network. After all, you never know when a threat is going to arise.
Using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, you will have some of the best endpoint detection and response capabilities on hand.
There are many threats out in cyberspace and an increased number of employees working from home. Increasing your network security as soon as possible is crucial and necessary.
Do you want to learn about other problems remote workers are facing? If so, check out our article to learn more and find out what you can do to support your remote employees.
“Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, also known as Microsoft Defender ATP or Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection, helps you have full control over your system’s security.”
Contact us to learn more about how Bridgehead I.T. can help you align your I.T. with your business objectives.
