Supercharge Your Cybersecurity With Microsoft Essential 8 Security Controls

Businesses are subject to malicious cyberattacks now more than ever, and hence, a robust cybersecurity solution is a necessity today. Microsoft Security Essentials steps up as a powerhouse of features that help in safeguarding your devices against a wide range of digital risks.

The concept of the “Essential 8 Security Controls” was developed by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), precisely for this. It is a set of fundamental security measures designed to mitigate cyber risks and enhance the overall security posture of organisations and individuals. While Microsoft Security Essentials provides antivirus protection, the Essential Eight security framework goes a step further by addressing key areas of vulnerability. Let us now unravel the intricacies of Microsoft Security Essentials and explore how it aligns with the Essential Eight security controls and how it helps bolster businesses’ digital protection.

What is the Essential Eight Framework in Cybersecurity? 

How Does Microsoft 365 Align with the Essential Eight Framework? 

Microsoft 365 suite of tools align seamlessly with the Essential Eight strategies to automate processes, identify security gaps, and streamline operations. the efficient monitoring and management of security measures, reducing Microsoft 365’s integration capabilities accelerate efficient monitoring and management of cyber-security measures and reduce the complexity of implementation.

• Microsoft Intune simplifies the deployment of application patches and operating systems, ensuring timely updates across devices. 

• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) helps enforce MFA through strict conditional access policies, enhancing account security. 

• Features like Privileged Identity Management (PIM) and Endpoint Privilege Management that are available in Microsoft Business Premium and E5 plans provide advanced control over administrative access to data. 

Let us go through each of these principles step-by-step now.

What are the Essential Eight Security Controls?

 Application Whitelisting 

Application whitelisting allows only approved software to be deployed on systems. Now, unauthorised programs can be blocked by creating a clear list of trusted applications, thus keeping malware infections at bay. Application whitelisting can be implemented by: 

• Identifying trusted and necessary business applications: this could be the typical routine applications and those used by specific teams. 
• Microsoft AppLocker and Symantec Endpoint Protection are some tools that can be used. 
• Monitor regularly for unauthorised programs by reviewing logs and alerts for attempts to run unauthorised applications. 

Patching Applications 

Patching fixes security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit, which is why developers regularly release patches to address these flaws. This can be implemented by:  

• Enabling automatic and timely updates for all applications ensures timely patching by users, thereby reducing the burden on IT resources.  

• Focus on applying updates for serious vulnerabilities first, and then assess the risks associated with each and resolve them immediately.  

• Test updates in a controlled environment first to ensure operations are not disrupted and identify potential issues proactively. 

Microsoft Office Macro Settings 

Macro settings are essential for security, and by controlling macro execution, one can prevent malicious code from running on systems. Here is how it can be done: 

• Set macros to be turned off unless enabled explicitly by the user, preventing unauthorised macros from running automatically. 

• Allow macros only for documents from trusted sources by setting up a list of trusted publishers or locations. 

• Create alerts to notify users of potentially harmful macros. This helps users make informed decisions about enabling macros. 

• Teams can also use group policies to control macro settings across the business, ensuring consistent security measures. 

 User Application Hardening 

User application hardening involves making applications more secure by disabling or limiting features that can be exploited. Turn off unnecessary plugins and restrict features in commonly used applications like web browsers and PDF readers. This can be done by 

• Turning off plugins like Java and Flash, which attackers usually target.  

• Limit features unnecessary for daily tasks, such as disabling scripting in PDF readers when not needed. 

• Regular updates help leverage benefits from security patches. Note that restricting administrator rights for users can further protect against unauthorised changes and enhance security. 

Restricting Administrative Privileges

This principle ensures users only have the permissions necessary for their role, lowering risks of unauthorised access from compromised accounts.  

• Regularly review user privileges to ensure they align with roles and do away with permissions that are not needed. 

• Implementing RBAC to manage permissions simplifies the process of assigning and managing permissions. 

• Track actions by administrators to spot suspicious behaviour and use logging and alerting tools to detect unauthorised activities. Implement MFA for all administrative accounts to enhance security and prevent unauthorised access. 

Patching Operating Systems 

Regular updates of operating systems are essential to defending against known vulnerabilities and protecting critical data. Here is how it can be done: 

• Enable automatic patch updates for the operating system to reduce the risk of missing important updates. 

• Focus on high-risk critical vulnerabilities first, assess the impact of each vulnerability, and address the riskiest ones right away. 

• Ensure updates are successfully installed and regularly check update logs and reports to confirm installation. Tools like SCCM (System Centre Configuration Manager) automate OS patching and ensure there are consistent updates across large networks. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

MFA adds extra security by enforcing more than one verification step for user access, thus bringing down the risk of unauthorised access, especially for critical systems. 

• Determine systems that hold sensitive information or functions that require MFA, such as email, VPNs, and administrative accounts. 

• Use tools like Google Authenticator or Duo Security to manage MFA. 

• Educate users on the importance of MFA and provide clear setup instructions, and this will help facilitate adoption. 

 Daily Backups 

Daily backups protect against data loss from cyber-attacks, hardware failures, or human error and ensure that critical data can be recovered in no time. Check the following steps: 

• Use tools to perform backups automatically to ensure consistency. 

• Store backups in a safe off-site location to protect against damage or theft by using cloud-based solutions. 

• Periodically test the data and how it can be restored from backups. 

Safeguarding Your Digital Frontier with Kloudify: 

While Microsoft Security Essentials provides a solid foundation by offering real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, remember that a single solution cannot comprehensively address the multitude of cyber threats. Kloudify is a cutting-edge cybersecurity services provider that specialises in providing comprehensive protection against various digital threats.

Kloudify is a Microsoft-certified partner and an expert at implementing security solutions, helping businesses harness the power of advanced threat detection, proactive monitoring, and real-time response. Kloudify’s state-of-the-art technology enhances your defence mechanisms and provides an additional layer of security that complements your existing setup. Talk to us now.