How to Configure and Deploy Microsoft Defender for Endpoint using Intune

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of configuring and deploying Microsoft Defender for Endpoint using Microsoft Intune. With the increasing need for robust endpoint security in organizations, this setup is essential for protecting devices and data. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of how to leverage Intune to manage Defender for Endpoint effectively.

Step 1: Prepare Your Environment

Before you start the configuration, ensure that your environment meets the prerequisites:

• Microsoft Intune Subscription: Confirm that you have a valid subscription to Microsoft Intune.
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Subscription: You will need a subscription for Defender for Endpoint.
• Supported Devices: Make sure your devices (Windows, macOS, etc.) are supported by Defender for Endpoint.

Step 2: Access Microsoft Endpoint Manager

To begin the configuration:

1. Go to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center.
2. Sign in with your administrator credentials.
3. Navigate to Devices > Enroll devices to ensure devices are enrolled in Intune.

Step 3: Configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Now that you have access to the Endpoint Manager, follow these steps:

1. In the admin center, select Endpoint security.
2. Click on Antivirus to configure the Defender settings.
3. Create a new policy:
   • Choose Windows 10 and later as the platform.
   • Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus as the profile type.
4. Configure the settings according to your organization's security requirements, such as:
   • Real-time protection
   • Cloud-delivered protection
   • Automatic sample submission

Step 4: Deploy the Policy

After configuring the settings, deploy the policy to your target devices:

1. In the policy configuration page, click Assignments.
2. Choose the user or device groups to which you want to deploy the policy.
3. Review your settings and click Create to finalize the deployment.

Step 5: Monitor the Deployment

Once the policy is deployed, monitor its status:

1. Go to Devices > Monitor > Device status in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager.
2. Check for any errors or compliance issues.
3. You can also view reports to analyze the effectiveness of the deployed policy.

Step 6: Integrate with Security Center

For enhanced security management:

1. Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Security Center.
2. Go to Settings > Integration.
3. Ensure that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is integrated with your Intune setup for centralized management.

Conclusion

You have now configured and deployed Microsoft Defender for Endpoint using Intune. Key takeaways include ensuring proper environment preparation, configuring antivirus policies, and monitoring deployment success. For further enhancement of your security posture, consider exploring advanced features in Defender for Endpoint and integrating with other Microsoft security tools. This setup will significantly improve your organization's endpoint security management.