Endpoint Hardening Checklist for Microsoft 365 Environments

Endpoints are consistently the initial point of compromise in cyberattacks. For organizations using Microsoft 365 and Intune, a structured endpoint hardening program dramatically reduces the attack surface.

This checklist covers essential hardening measures:

• Deploy Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with attack surface reduction (ASR) rules enabled
• Enforce device compliance policies through Intune (encryption, OS version, antivirus status)
• Configure application control to prevent execution of unauthorized software
• Enable controlled folder access to protect against ransomware
• Implement local administrator password solution (LAPS) to eliminate shared local admin credentials
• Apply security baselines from Microsoft for Windows, Edge, and Microsoft 365 Apps
• Disable legacy protocols (SMBv1, LLMNR, NetBIOS) that attackers exploit for lateral movement
• Require device health attestation for conditional access policies
• Deploy automated patch management with compliance reporting
• Monitor endpoint telemetry through Microsoft Sentinel or equivalent SIEM

Realm Defense helps organizations implement and maintain endpoint security programs that align with CIS benchmarks and Microsoft best practices.