Microsoft’s Windows is the most widely used computer operating system globally, commanding a 68.15% share of the desktop, tablet, and console OS market as of February 2024[1]. With its widespread usage comes an increased risk of security threats. Malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access are just a few of the evolving dangers necessitating robust security measures to protect Windows devices from potential breaches.
In response to these threats, mobile device management (MDM) solutions have become essential for enhancing Windows 10 security. By automating and enforcing security policies, MDM minimizes the risk and impact of these threats, providing comprehensive protection for Windows devices.
In this blog, we will explore how Scalefusion MDM offers robust security features for Windows OS devices to maintain a secure digital environment.
Scalefusion MDM Security Features for Windows Devices
Scalefusion MDM offers Windows MDM Policy and robust security features for Windows 10 devices.
1. BitLocker Encryption
BitLocker is Microsoft’s built-in full-disk encryption feature, designed to protect data by providing encryption for hard disk volumes. It integrates with Windows OS and addresses the threats of data theft or exposure from lost, stolen, or inappropriately decommissioned computers.
BitLocker encryption ensures data stored on a Windows device is inaccessible to unauthorized users, especially if the device gets stolen or lost. Moreover, IT admins can enforce and automate BitLocker encryption for Entra ID-joined devices. Scalefusion offers the following BitLocker encryption settings:
a. Bitlocker Base Settings:
- Encryption Method: Choose an encryption algorithm for the various disk drives (operating system drives, fixed data drives, removable data drives).
- Settings for Entra ID-joined Devices: These settings apply only to Entra ID-joined devices. Choose whether to allow warnings for other disk encryption methods or standard user encryption on Windows devices.
b. Startup Authentication for System Drives
Configure additional authentication mechanisms such as allowing BitLocker for computers without a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), selecting an authentication method for PCs with a TPM, and setting a minimum length for startup PIN.
c. Recovery Options for System Drives
Enable the configuration of recovery options for system drives, which include allowing certificate-based data recovery agents, configuring OS recovery keys, syncing BitLocker recovery information to Entra ID, selecting information to sync to Entra ID Domain Services, disabling BitLocker until recovery information is synced, hiding recovery options from the BitLocker setup wizard, and configuring the pre-boot recovery message and URL.
d. Write Access for Drives
Configure if users are allowed to write data or create files on fixed drives and removable media without BitLocker encryption.
2. Windows Defender
Microsoft’s Windows Defender, now known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, provides real-time protection of Windows devices against software threats like viruses, malware, and spyware across email, apps, the cloud, and the web.
Windows Defender allows organizations to configure and deploy a range of Microsoft Defender Antivirus policies on managed devices, including automated scans, real-time monitoring, exclusions, signature updates, and folder access to certain advanced policies like cloud protection and script scanning, thereby protecting the systems from malware threats.
2. Windows Hello for Business
Windows Hello for Business replaces passwords with robust two-factor authentication to address the challenges of remembering passwords and their vulnerability to identity theft.
IT admins can configure Windows Hello settings and apply them to manage Windows 10 devices. For Entra ID-joined devices managed by Scalefusion, administrators can enforce an additional level of security through user-gesture sign-in instead of a password. A user gesture can be a PIN, biometric authentication, or an external device such as a fingerprint reader.
3. OS Updates and Patch Management
Regular OS updates and patch management are vital for Windows security, addressing vulnerabilities and strengthening defenses against threats. Scalefusion allows businesses to automate and manage these updates, ensuring devices remain current with the latest security enhancements. This includes:
- Automated Updates: Schedule and deploy OS updates to ensure timely application and reduce IT workloads.
- Patch Management: Apply patches to operating systems, third-party applications, and firmware for protection against vulnerabilities.
- Selective Patching: Enforce selective patching policies to defer specific patches due to compatibility issues, ensuring security is not compromised while maintaining system stability.
4. Password Policy
Define a password policy that can be applied to devices, forcing users to create a password that complies with organizational policies. Configure minimum password length, complexity, maximum password reusability, idle timeout for screen auto-lock, and maximum failed attempts for the device to factory reset or enter into BitLocker mode.
5. Conditional Email Access
Conditional Email Access (CEA) allows IT Admins to enforce that the corporate email is accessed only from devices managed by Scalefusion. IT admins can configure the following settings:
- Access policies: Configure access for new users and block email access from Outlook on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS devices. Moreover, block Outlook web access and configure email access for all users in the organization or users who are imported/added to Scalefusion.
- Grace period: Configure a grace period of 15 or 30 days during which the users are allowed to access the work email from devices not managed by Scalefusion. Choose whether to apply the grace period to existing users/devices or users accessing work email on new devices.
- Enrollment settings: Choose an enrollment configuration for BYOD users that will be used to apply policies on enrolled devices.
- Email templates and reminders: Configure email templates that will be sent to guide users to enroll their devices if their BYO device is not enrolled into Scalefusion. Additionally, choose a reminder email frequency of at least one day and a maximum of five days.
Scalefusion supports conditional email access for the following providers:
- Exchange Online
- IceWarp
- Exchange On-Premise
- Zimbra
6. Browser Configuration
Browser configuration restricts users from accessing malicious and inappropriate websites, creating a controlled and safe browsing experience. Scalefusion offers the following browser configurations:
- ProSurf Browser: Scalefusion ProSurf is a customized browser developed by Scalefusion that can be used on managed Windows devices to provide a secure and restricted browsing experience. When set in single-app or multi-app kiosk mode, it can be used like a kiosk browser.
- Allow and Block Websites: Configure access to websites based on categories, URLs, or keywords on Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, ensuring access to appropriate and work-related websites and links.
- Enforce safe browsing standards: Configure browser settings through MDM, including privacy settings, pop-up blocking, and fraud protection. This ensures a safer browsing experience and reduces exposure to web-based threats.
7. Certificate Management
Digital certificates in Windows device management provide secure authentication, encryption, and code integrity. They streamline device enrollment and management and secure remote access, enhancing overall security and compliance within the Windows ecosystem.
Certificate management helps enterprises streamline the process of deploying digital certificates to devices by automatically provisioning digital identities without end-user interaction. It allows IT admins to enable device and network authentication on managed devices.
Scalefusion allows IT admins to upload, deploy, and manage the following types of certificates:
- Identity Certificates
- Certificate Authority Certificates
- Chained Certificates
8. Network Policy
Network policy ensures devices connect only to authorized Wi-Fi networks and enforces secure connections through VPN configurations. Administrators can configure the following settings for Wi-Fi and VPN:
- Wi-Fi Configuration: Allow or restrict users from accessing the Wi-Fi connection menu inside a specific app. Moreover, enable or disable users’ connection or disconnection from Wi-Fi networks. Distribute Wi-Fi profiles to manage the networks devices can connect to, ensuring they use secure and approved connections for accessing corporate resources.
- VPN Configuration: Configure VPN profiles with predefined settings, including server addresses, protocols, and authentication methods. Select apps that will be allowed to operate on a VPN. This guarantees that connections to corporate networks are securely encrypted.
9. Peripheral Control
Peripheral control policies are essential for securing managed Windows devices and regulating how peripherals and removable media are accessed. Scalefusion allows you to configure:
- USB, external devices, and notifications: Block, allow, or set USB ports to read-only, manage desktop notifications, and block media devices and network adapters, thereby preventing unauthorized data transfers and mitigating the risk of malware and data breaches.
- Device settings app: Within the settings section on a device, enable or disable various options such as Wi-Fi, proxy, hotspot, data usage, airplane mode, etc., preventing users from accessing those settings for granular security. Secure the device completely with such granular control.
10. Custom Payload
Custom payload enables organizations to build their policy using Windows 10 and above MDM protocol and add settings that are not built in Scalefusion. Scalefusion provides the following capabilities for custom payload:
- Conflict resolution method: Choose whether security policies enforced through custom payload will override device policy and vice-versa.
- Executing custom payload: Copy or paste the payload or import a file and validate the code.
11. DLP Policies
Data loss prevention (DLP) policies for Windows are essential for safeguarding sensitive information by controlling data sharing and access. These policies restrict copying and receiving data, enforce app data encryption, and disable printing to prevent unauthorized distribution.
By implementing data security policies like DLP, organizations can ensure confidential data remains secure, reduce data loss risks, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
Leverage Scalefusion MDM for Robust Windows Security
Ensure the security of your digital assets with robust security features for Windows devices. Scalefusion Windows MDM Solution ensures security policies—from stringent password policy to automated updates and encryption enforcement—are consistently applied, reducing vulnerabilities and maintaining a secure digital environment.
To secure your Windows ecosystem, contact our experts and book a free demo today. Start your 14-day free trial now!
Reference:
1. Statista
