Microsoft Defender for Endpoint : Network Protection in MDE | Attack Surface Reduction | ASR Rules

[@AjeetSingh-hh1bq]

excellent ...Thanks

[@DaysofIresh]

clear explanations, thanks for your all efforts.

[@ganimohammed7863]

Mashallah .,..you had done a good work

[@rishitashukla2309]

very nicely explained. It would be very helpful if you will provide the notes also.

[@AbdullahOllivierreIT]

### Summary of the Video: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Network Protection
**Overview of Network Protection:**
- Network Protection (NP) in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) shields devices from internet-based threats as part of the **Attack Surface Reduction (ASR)** features.
- It leverages **Microsoft Defender SmartScreen** to block harmful domains and URLs, extending its protection beyond web browsers to other applications.
---
### **Core Features of Network Protection:**
1. **Web Threat Protection:** Prevents access to malicious websites.
2. **Custom Indicators:** Allows admins to define specific IPs, URLs, or domains to block or allow.
3. **Web Content Filtering:** Blocks access to websites based on categories like gambling, peer-to-peer sharing, or adult content.
**Modes of Operation:**
- **Audit Mode:** Logs events without blocking access.
- **Block Mode:** Actively blocks harmful websites and applications.
---
### **How It Works:**
1. **URL Reputation Scenarios:**
- **Good Reputation:** Access is allowed.
- **Unknown/Uncertain Reputation:** Access is blocked with an option for the user to unblock temporarily.
- **Malicious Reputation:** Access is fully blocked with no unblock option.
2. **Command and Control (C2) Protection:**
- Detects and blocks C2 infrastructure used in ransomware or malware attacks.
---
### **Configuration Methods:**
1. **Microsoft Defender Portal:**
- Add custom indicators (URLs, domains, or IPs) for blocking or auditing.
- Configure web content filtering and threat indicators.
2. **Microsoft Intune:**
- Use **Security Baselines** or **Configuration Profiles** to enable Network Protection for specific user/device groups.
- Configuration includes options for audit mode, block mode, and custom alerts.
3. **Group Policy:**
- Navigate through Windows Components > Microsoft Defender to enable or configure NP.
4. **PowerShell Commands:**
- Enable NP: `Set-MPPreference -EnableNetworkProtection Enabled`
- Set to Audit Mode: Replace "Enabled" with "AuditMode."
5. **Registry Editor:**
- Check or set the NP status under relevant Windows Defender registry paths.
6. **Configuration Manager:**
- Configure Network Protection through the endpoint protection settings.
---
### **Testing Network Protection:**
- Use Microsoft’s test domain ([smart screen test ratings](www.smartscreentest2.net)) to verify functionality. Enabled NP blocks access to the test page.
---
### **Use Cases and Benefits:**
- Prevent phishing scams, malware downloads, and data breaches.
- Control access to unsanctioned apps or websites.
- Enhance organizational security by detecting and mitigating advanced threats.
---
### **Steps to Enable Network Protection:**
1. Access **Intune Admin Center** or the relevant management tool.
2. Configure policies to include NP in **block mode** for full functionality.
3. Test using a fake domain to verify the setup.
4. Monitor and adjust settings based on organizational needs.
---
The video concludes with a request for feedback and suggestions for future topics. Viewers are encouraged to explore the features for better endpoint security and share their learning experience.

[@AbdullahOllivierreIT]

Method 2 (using Intune) is an alternative to methods 3 (Group Policy), 4 (PowerShell Commands), 5 (Registry Editor), and 6 (Configuration Manager) because all these methods allow you to enable and configure Network Protection (NP) in different ways.
However, method 1 (Microsoft Defender Portal) is focused on managing custom indicators (like adding specific IPs, URLs, or domains for blocking/auditing) and configuring web content filtering, which are different functionalities. These cannot be fully replaced by Intune or the other methods mentioned.
Thus:
Intune (Method 2): Alternative to methods 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Microsoft Defender Portal (Method 1): Complementary to other methods, not replaced by Intune.

[@PoornaTeja-lx7wx]

Mam will u please provide any notes I will buy it 🙏

[@srinivasulureddy1508]

Exapin the app combility

[@seshasai9086]

maam plz provide notes