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Anti-malware change on QMUL Laptops & Desktops

As part of the ongoing work to improve information security, ITS is deploying “Microsoft Defender for Endpoint”

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The HE sector is increasingly under threat of a cyber-attack by malicious actors, both independent and nation-state-sponsored. A recent and relevant example is Manchester University, which was subject to significant business disruptions due to a cyber incident.

As part of the ongoing work to improve information security, ITS is deploying  “Microsoft Defender for Endpoint”, replacing the current anti-malware functionality on your QM-managed Windows device. QM-managed Mac O/S and Linux devices will be captured in the next roll-out stage. ITS is not rolling out “Microsoft Defender for Endpoint” for self-managed devices at this stage.

The initial rollout of Defender for Endpoint is being conducted in stages. Deployment to ITS has already been completed successfully, and the next step will be a university-wide deployment to all staff and PGR students with IT-managed devices.

The Microsoft Defender for Endpoint will be deployed to your workstation in the background over the coming weeks and may prompt you for a restart. If you experience any unusual behaviour, please don't hesitate to contact the IT service desk for help. Your day-to-day activities are the same.

What are the benefits of “Microsoft Defender for Endpoint”?

  • Detects vulnerabilities in software on systems and recommends remediations,
  • Provides anti-malware protections, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Attack Surface Reduction (ASR), and web-based protections,
  • Helps defend against common threats such as Ransomware, Phishing and malicious websites

Over time, the use of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, in conjunction with the suite of security tools we are now providing, will significantly improve the ability of Information Security to proactively respond to threats to the university’s critical academic and business data. For more information, please get in touch with your Faculty Relationship Manager (FRM) or the Head of Information Security, Tim Passe.

 

 

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