MC1163763 – Microsoft Secure Score: New recommendations for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Product:

Defender, Defender for Endpoint, Defender XDR

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Feature update, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
New Microsoft Secure Score recommendations for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint will roll out mid-October 2025, adding protections like blocking web shell creation, impersonated tools, and Safe Mode rebooting. Admins should review and implement these to enhance security posture. No compliance issues identified.

Details:
We're introducing new Microsoft Secure Score recommendations for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) to help organizations strengthen their security posture. These recommendations are designed to proactively block common attack techniques and improve endpoint protection.
When this will happen:
Rollout will begin in mid-October 2025 and is expected to complete by the end of the month.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-10-02

updated:
2025-10-02

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Blocking web shell creation
If the change is implemented without preparation, it may lead to disruptions in legitimate server operations, causing downtime or accessibility issues for users.
   - roles: System Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-xdr/microsoft-secure-score?view=o365-worldwide

Blocking impersonated tools
Unprepared implementation could result in the inability to use necessary tools for system management, leading to inefficiencies and frustration among IT staff and users.
   - roles: System Administrators, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-xdr/microsoft-secure-score?view=o365-worldwide

Configutation Options**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine your organization’s security as a fortress. Just like a fortress needs strong walls and vigilant guards to protect against invaders, your digital systems need robust security measures to defend against cyber threats. Microsoft Secure Score is like a security checklist for your fortress, helping you identify and implement the best defenses.

In mid-October 2025, Microsoft is enhancing this checklist with new recommendations for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Think of these recommendations as adding new layers of protection to your fortress. For example, blocking web shell creation is like sealing off secret tunnels that attackers might use to sneak in. Preventing the use of copied or impersonated system tools is akin to ensuring that only trusted guards have access to your fortress’s armory. Lastly, blocking Safe Mode rebooting is like making sure that even if someone tries to bypass your defenses, they can't easily reset the fortress's security systems.

For those managing these defenses, it’s important to review and implement these new recommendations. This is similar to a fortress commander updating the defense strategy based on new intelligence about potential threats. By doing so, you ensure that your organization’s security posture remains strong and resilient against evolving threats.

Communicating these changes to your security and endpoint management teams is crucial, much like a commander briefing the guards about new security protocols. This ensures everyone is on the same page and prepared to respond effectively.

There are no compliance issues identified with these changes, so you can focus on strengthening your defenses without worrying about regulatory hurdles. As always, it’s wise to review these updates in the context of your organization’s specific needs and circumstances.