Advanced Configuration for Real-Time Threat Detection

Purpose

The objective is to create a robust security environment that proactively identifies and mitigates threats such as zero-day attacks, malware, and phishing campaigns by leveraging the advanced tools and capabilities of Microsoft 365 Defender.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access the Microsoft 365 Defender Portal.

• URL: Microsoft 365 Defender Portal
• Permissions Required:
  • Global Administrator or Security Administrator role.

2. Configure Threat Policies

Step 2.1: Navigate to Threat Policies

1. In the Microsoft 365 Defender Portal, go to:
   Email & Collaboration > Policies & Rules > Threat Policies.
2. Review the available policies under Anti-Malware, Safe Links, and Safe Attachments.

Step 2.2: Anti-Malware Policies

1. Select Anti-Malware Policies and edit or create a new custom policy.
2. Configure the following settings:
   • Zero-Hour Auto Purge (ZAP):
     • Enable ZAP to remove malicious emails retroactively if detected after delivery.
     • Ensure ZAP is applied to all email recipients, including shared mailboxes.
   • Real-Time Scanning for Attachments and Links:
     • Enable scanning for both incoming and outgoing emails to detect threats proactively.

Step 2.3: Enable Safe Links

1. Navigate to Safe Links under Threat Policies.
2. Create or edit a Safe Links policy:
   • Ensure URLs in emails are scanned in real-time before users access them.
   • Block malicious links and display warnings for suspicious links.
   • Customize the policy to include users, groups, or domains requiring higher security levels.

Step 2.4: Enable Safe Attachments

1. Go to Safe Attachments under Threat Policies.
2. Configure the following:
   • Use Dynamic Delivery to allow email delivery while attachments are scanned in a secure sandbox.
   • Block or quarantine emails with detected malicious attachments.

Step 2.5: Anti-Phishing Policies

1. In Threat Policies, select Anti-Phishing.
2. Configure anti-phishing settings:
   • Enable protection against spoofing.
   • Use machine learning models to analyze and detect impersonation attempts.
   • Set up policies for VIP users (e.g., executives) to ensure enhanced protection.

3. Monitor Threat Activity

Step 3.1: Threat Protection Status Reports

1. Go to Reports > Threat Protection Status.
2. Review the following:
   • Overview of detected threats (e.g., malware, phishing attempts, or suspicious attachments).
   • Detailed insights into ZAP actions, including emails removed post-delivery.
   • Trends and patterns in threat detection.

Step 3.2: Real-Time Alerts

1. Configure alerts for critical threat activities:
   • Go to Email & Collaboration > Policies & Rules > Alert Policies.
   • Enable notifications for high-severity events, such as zero-day malware detection or phishing campaigns targeting multiple users.

Step 3.3: Advanced Threat Analytics

1. Use Threat Explorer (under Email & Collaboration) to:
   • Investigate specific emails, users, or threats.
   • Track the source of suspicious activities and malicious content.
2. Leverage the Campaigns view to analyze organized phishing or malware campaigns.

4. Advanced Recommendations

1. Integrate with Microsoft Sentinel (Optional):
   • Enhance monitoring by integrating Microsoft 365 Defender with Microsoft Sentinel for advanced threat analytics and automation.
2. Regularly Update Policies:
   • Conduct quarterly reviews of threat protection policies to align with evolving threats.
3. Enable Attack Simulation Training:
   • Use Attack Simulation Training in Microsoft Defender to test user resilience to phishing and other email-based threats.
4. Leverage Automation:
   • Enable automated response actions for critical alerts to minimize response time.

Conclusion

By enabling and configuring advanced threat protection features in the Microsoft 365 Defender Portal, you can significantly enhance your organization’s resilience against zero-day attacks, phishing attempts, and other email-based threats. Regular monitoring, coupled with proactive policy updates, ensures continuous protection in an evolving threat landscape.

For consulting and securing the environment to a premium level, email us at [email protected]