Patrick Domingues

Learn how to configure Microsoft 365 Endpoint Protection for robust security. Safeguard your endpoints with ease and protect against threats.

Introduction

Microsoft 365 Endpoint Protection is a vital component of your organization’s security strategy. It helps protect your devices from various threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Setting up Microsoft 365 Endpoint Protection is essential to ensure the safety and security of your endpoints. Follow these step-by-step instructions to configure it effectively:

Step 1: Access Microsoft 365 Security Center

1. Log in to your Microsoft 365 Security Center using your admin credentials.
2. Navigate to the Endpoint security section.

Step 2: Configure Antivirus Protection

1. Click on Antivirus in the Endpoint security section.
2. Enable the antivirus protection feature by toggling the switch to “On.”
3. Choose the level of protection you desire based on the recommended settings.
4. Customize additional settings, such as real-time scanning and automatic remediation, as per your organization’s requirements.

Step 3: Set Up Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

1. In the Endpoint security section, click on Endpoint detection and response.
2. Enable EDR by toggling the switch to “On.”
3. Configure advanced settings, such as incident response automation and threat analytics, according to your organization’s needs.

Step 4: Enable Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) Rules

1. Under the Endpoint security section, select Attack surface reduction.
2. Enable ASR rules by toggling the switch to “On.”
3. Review the default ASR rules and customize them based on your organization’s risk profile.
4. Consider enabling additional rules to enhance your protection against emerging threats.

Step 5: Implement Cloud-Based Protection

1. Click on Cloud-based protection in the Endpoint security section.
2. Enable cloud-based protection by toggling the switch to “On.”
3. Adjust the settings to specify the level of cloud-based protection you require.
4. Ensure that the option to send samples automatically to Microsoft for analysis is enabled.

Step 6: Configure Firewall and Network Protection

1. Under the Endpoint security section, select Firewall and network protection.
2. Enable firewall and network protection by toggling the switch to “On.”
3. Customize firewall settings, including inbound and outbound rules, to secure your network traffic.

Step 7: Review and Fine-Tune Policies

1. Navigate to the Security policies section in the Microsoft 365 Security Center.
2. Review the default policies provided by Microsoft and modify them based on your organization’s security requirements.
3. Create additional policies as needed to address specific needs or user groups within your organization.

Step 8: Test and Monitor

1. Regularly test the effectiveness of your Microsoft 365 Endpoint Protection by running simulated attacks or vulnerability assessments.
2. Continuously monitor security alerts and reports in the Microsoft 365 Security Center to stay informed about potential threats and vulnerabilities.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively set up Microsoft 365 Endpoint Protection and enhance the security of your organization’s endpoints. Remember to regularly update and review your security configurations to adapt to evolving threats and protect your valuable assets.

I hope this article was helpful!  You can find more here: Microsoft 365 Articles