13 January 2021

Products & licensing

Technology review

Modern workplace

By Stefaan Somerling, Security Expert, Realdolmen

Now that we've all been obliged to switch to working remotely in these coronavirus times, it's more important than ever to protect not just our own health, but also that of our IT working environment, as far as possible from viruses. But which security solutions are the best to achieve this? Here are some recommendations from our security expert.

Predictive and preventive action

If the above proves anything, it proves just how important it is for remote workers to deploy security solutions that are as agile and innovative as the attacks themselves. The type of security solution needed therefore also has to handle a complex task: it has to protect users from hundreds of thousands of new threats day in, day out. At the same time, it needs to learn from these threats and grow itself in order to stay a step ahead of the next wave of attacks. In other words, the solution cannot simply respond to the latest threats: ideally, it should also be able to predict and prevent malware infections.

Windows Defender is the favorite

What I and my colleagues at Realdolmen currently see is that organizations that have already migrated to Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 or higher now also use Windows Defender as their preferred antivirus solution. From small and medium-sized companies to the largest corporations, for commercial users, Windows Defender already runs on more than half of all Windows platforms today.

Windows Defender offers many benefits to Windows users and administrators. To start with, you don't need to install a separate antivirus software: it's already included as standard in Microsoft's operating system. You can also 'plug in' the software from home or integrate it into products such as Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook. Another important advantage is that Windows Defender draws on data from the Microsoft Intelligent Security Graph, probably the largest source of information about viruses and malware in the world.

Windows Defender can also be managed using common tools: instruments that most Windows administrators probably already use, such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Microsoft Intune or Microsoft Group Policy. And for those who want to add extra functionality and automation to their security management, there's also Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP).

Trend Micro remains reliable

Anyone who prefers not to go with a Microsoft solution will undoubtedly also find what they need in the wide range of solutions that Trend Micro, another reference point for IT security, offers in this market. Their product range includes both on-premises and cloud solutions. While Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free are specifically aimed at endpoint security, Trend Micro Deep Security is more suited to data centers and other environments where multiple servers are operating. Finally, Trend Micro EDR or XDR provide more in-depth or comprehensive security management.

Free Trend Micro security for homeworkers

Interestingly, Trend Micro is running a special campaign in these coronavirus times to protect homeworkers for six months free of charge with Trend Micro Maximum Security, the consumer version of Apex One. Click here for more information and to subscribe to this time-limited offer.

Wand to find out more?

Would you like to start working with Teams in your organization, but don't know where to begin? Need some help fine-tuning the security settings with Microsoft and other products? Contact our experts for more information. We'll be happy to help you get started quickly.