Microsoft Defender Antivirus STIG Implementation (Ver 2, Rel 7)

21 items · Security · Medium difficulty · 2 hours

Implement the Microsoft Defender Antivirus STIG step-by-step.

• Obtain official STIG from IASE

  Download the STIG package from the IASE site (iase.disa.mil).

• Download STIG resources
• Download SCAP 1.3 content (SCAP benchmark)

  Use the SCAP benchmark for automated compliance scans.

• Download Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and resources

  Get GPO files and supporting resource bundles for AD deployment.

• Download Intune policies and SCC automated content

  Grab Intune policy packages and SCC/SCCM content for automation.

• Verify SHA checksums for downloaded files

  Compare file SHAs with DISA-provided checksums before import.

• Import GPOs into Active Directory

  Import only validated GPO files for controlled deployment.

• Test imported GPOs in a lab OU

  Validate settings apply correctly without breaking endpoints.

• Link GPOs to target OUs

  Apply policies to representative organizational units first.

• Deploy Intune policies to managed endpoints

  Use staged rollouts for large environments to limit impact.

• Enable real-time and cloud-delivered protection

  Turn on both to increase detection and protection coverage.

• Enable Tamper Protection

  Prevent unauthorized changes to Defender settings.

• Configure signature update source and schedule

  Set Windows Update, WSUS, or other approved update sources and frequency.

• Configure automatic and scheduled scans

  Schedule daily quick scans and weekly full scans as needed.

• Configure approved exclusions per policy

  Only add exclusions that are formally approved by security policy.

• Enable detailed event logging and forward to SIEM

  Ensure events are collected and forwarded to central logging.

• Run SCAP/XCCDF compliance scan and remediate findings

  Execute compliance scans and address deviations promptly.

• Record and document policy versions, SHAs, and changes

  Log version numbers, SHAs, dates, and approvers for audits.

• Schedule regular resource and policy update reviews

  Set reminders to check DISA updates and new STIG revisions.

• Verify SCC/SCCM integration and automated content updates

  Confirm automated content pulls and deployments function correctly.

• Contact STIG point of contact for questions

  Email the DISA POC at [email protected] for clarifications.

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