NexPRACTICAL READING GUIDE
Which Microsoft Defender guide do you need?
Start with the task you need to complete. These articles cover different decisions, so you can go straight to the one that fits your work.
If you are deploying protection, begin with the endpoint or server guide. If protection is already in place, the management and operations articles help you review policy ownership, coverage, and response. Each article retains its publication date and references.
Deploy protection to user devices
Start here for a Windows endpoint rollout through Intune. The guide covers pilot rings, antivirus coexistence, ASR rules, policy conflicts, and the evidence needed before expanding deployment.
Deploying Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Configuration, Validation, and Mistakes to Avoid ↗
Protect Azure and hybrid servers
Use this guide when the decision concerns server protection. Work through Plan 1 versus Plan 2, connection methods, onboarding, and validation of sensor health and coverage.
How to Deploy Microsoft Defender for Servers: Plan Selection, Onboarding, and Validation ↗
Decide which tool manages the server
Read this before assigning server security policies across multiple management tools. It separates supported Intune security settings from Azure Arc governance and update operations.
Managing Windows Server Security with Intune, Defender, and Azure Arc ↗
Review cloud posture and coverage
Use this article to structure a broader Defender for Cloud review. Focus on the recommendations, ownership, and operational work behind a posture score.
Check which CSPM capabilities you have
Read this when reviewing cloud security posture management coverage. It helps frame the difference between available capabilities and the controls the team has actually configured.
Defender for Cloud CSPM: understand the coverage you actually have ↗
Understand the Defender and Sentinel operating model
Use this dated article when reviewing the integrated security operations experience. Check current eligibility and documentation before making changes to an existing SOC.