Configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint advanced features
5 minutes
5 Questions
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint advanced features provide enhanced security capabilities that Security Operations Analysts must configure to maximize threat protection. These features are accessed through the Microsoft 365 Defender portal under Settings > Endpoints > Advanced features.
Key advance…Microsoft Defender for Endpoint advanced features provide enhanced security capabilities that Security Operations Analysts must configure to maximize threat protection. These features are accessed through the Microsoft 365 Defender portal under Settings > Endpoints > Advanced features.
Key advanced features include:
**Automated Investigation** - Enables automatic investigation of alerts, reducing manual analyst workload. When enabled, the system automatically examines suspicious activities and takes remediation actions based on configured automation levels.
**Live Response** - Allows analysts to remotely connect to devices for real-time investigation and response. This feature enables running scripts, collecting forensic data, and performing remediation tasks on compromised endpoints.
**Web Content Filtering** - Controls access to websites based on content categories. Analysts configure policies to block malicious or inappropriate web content across the organization.
**Device Discovery** - Identifies unmanaged devices on the network that could represent security blind spots. This helps ensure comprehensive endpoint protection coverage.
**Preview Features** - Enables early access to new capabilities before general availability, allowing organizations to test upcoming functionality.
**Custom Network Indicators** - Permits creation of indicators for IPs, URLs, and domains to allow or block specific network connections based on organizational threat intelligence.
**Tamper Protection** - Prevents unauthorized modifications to security settings, ensuring malicious actors cannot disable endpoint protection.
**Show User Details** - Integrates with Azure Active Directory to display user information in alerts and incidents for better context during investigations.
**Microsoft Intune Integration** - Enables conditional access and device compliance enforcement when combined with Intune policies.
To configure these features, analysts navigate to the appropriate settings page, toggle features on or off, and save changes. Some features require additional licensing or prerequisites. Proper configuration ensures optimal threat detection, investigation efficiency, and response capabilities while maintaining organizational security posture across all managed endpoints.
Configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Advanced Features
Why It Is Important
Configuring advanced features in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is critical for Security Operations Analysts because these settings enhance threat detection, investigation capabilities, and overall security posture. Proper configuration ensures that your organization leverages the full potential of the platform, enabling automated responses, deeper integration with other Microsoft security tools, and comprehensive protection against sophisticated attacks.
What Are Advanced Features?
Advanced features in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint are additional capabilities that extend beyond basic endpoint protection. These include:
• Automated Investigation and Remediation - Enables automatic investigation of alerts and remediation of threats • Live Response - Allows real-time remote connection to devices for investigation • Web Content Filtering - Controls access to websites based on content categories • Device Discovery - Identifies unmanaged devices on the network • Endpoint Attack Notifications - Microsoft-managed threat hunting service • Custom Network Indicators - Create allow/block indicators for IPs, URLs, and domains • Tamper Protection - Prevents unauthorized changes to security settings • Show User Details - Displays user information from Azure AD • Skype for Business Integration - Enables communication features during investigations • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps Integration - Extends visibility to cloud applications • Microsoft Intune Connection - Enables conditional access and compliance policies
How It Works
Advanced features are configured in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal under Settings > Endpoints > Advanced features. Each feature has a toggle switch to enable or turn off the capability. When enabled, these features integrate with the broader Microsoft security ecosystem and enhance the data collection, analysis, and response capabilities of the platform.
For example, enabling Automated Investigation allows the system to automatically analyze alerts, determine if a threat is genuine, and take remediation actions such as quarantining files or isolating devices. The Live Response feature requires enabling both the main toggle and specifying whether unsigned scripts can be executed.
Key Configuration Locations
• Microsoft 365 Defender portal: security.microsoft.com • Navigate to: Settings > Endpoints > Advanced features • Role requirements: Security Administrator or Global Administrator
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Advanced Features
1. Know the Portal Location - Remember that advanced features are configured in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal under Settings > Endpoints > Advanced features, not in Azure portal or Intune admin center.
2. Understand Feature Dependencies - Some features require other features to be enabled first. For instance, Live Response for servers requires the main Live Response feature to be enabled.
3. Memorize Key Features - Focus on understanding what each feature does: Automated Investigation handles automatic threat response, Live Response enables remote investigation, and Device Discovery finds unmanaged endpoints.
4. Role-Based Access - Questions may ask about required permissions. Security Administrator or Global Administrator roles are typically needed to modify these settings.
5. Integration Questions - Be prepared for questions about how Defender for Endpoint integrates with other services like Microsoft Intune, Azure AD, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps through these advanced features.
6. Scenario-Based Questions - When given a scenario requiring automated threat response, think of Automated Investigation. For scenarios needing real-time device access, think of Live Response.
7. Default States - Know that not all advanced features are enabled by default. Organizations must configure them based on their security requirements.
8. Licensing Requirements - Some advanced features require specific licensing tiers. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 includes all advanced features.