Microsoft Defender for Server onbaording Best Practices

Hi nurhossainesl,

Onboarding Microsoft Defender for Servers (formerly known as Windows Defender Antivirus) and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) in your environment is a crucial step in enhancing your server security. Here are the recommended steps to onboard MDC, MDE, and Azure Sentinel in your scenario:

1. Preparation:

• Ensure your Windows servers are up to date.
• Confirm you have the right licenses for Microsoft Defender.

2. Active Directory:

• Since your servers are in a workgroup, manage them individually.

3. Microsoft Defender for Servers (MDC):

• Uninstall any existing antivirus.
• Install Microsoft Defender for Servers.
• Configure its settings via Group Policy or PowerShell.

4. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE):

• Set up a group for your servers.
• Manually install the MDE agent on each server.
• Servers will report to Microsoft Defender Security Center.

5. Azure Sentinel Integration:

• Set up Azure Sentinel in your Azure subscription.
• Configure data connectors to collect security data.
• Create custom detection rules and workbooks.
• Integrate it with MDE for enhanced threat intelligence.

6. Ongoing Management:

• Regularly monitor security alerts in Microsoft Defender Security Center and Azure Sentinel.
• Update security policies based on threats.
• Keep servers patched.