Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection Client Overview for Windows

Owned by Jon Cunningham (Deactivated)
Last updated: Aug 07, 2024 by Aeoleon Bryant
3 min read

Summary

The Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection (SCEP) is the recommended antivirus and malware protection application for university-owned computers. It supports both Managed and Non-Managed clients, allowing for flexible configuration options. This overview provides a detailed look at the SCEP client for Windows, which includes four main tabs: Home, Update, History, and Settings. Depending on the client type (Managed or Non-Managed), certain settings may be restricted or fully customizable.

Detailed Overview

Home Tab

The Home tab offers options to initiate various types of scans to protect your system:

  • Quick Scan: Checks areas most likely to be affected by malicious software, including viruses, spyware, and unwanted programs.

  • Full Scan: Thoroughly scans all files on the hard disk and running programs, which may take more than an hour depending on the system.

  • Custom Scan: Allows you to select specific locations and files to scan.

The Home tab also displays the following information:

  • Real-time Protection Status: Indicates whether real-time protection is on or off.

  • Virus and Spyware Definitions Status: Confirms if the definitions are up-to-date.

Update Tab

The Update tab provides options to manually update virus and spyware definitions and displays the following details:

  • Definitions Created On: The date and time when the definitions were created.

  • Definitions Last Updated: The date and time of the last update.

  • Virus Definitions Version: Displays the current version number.

  • Spyware Definition Version: Displays the current version number.

History Tab

The History tab allows you to review items detected by the system, categorized into:

  • Quarantined Items: Files identified as malicious software, viruses, or spyware.

  • Allowed Items: Files you have designated as acceptable.

  • All Detected Items: A comprehensive list of all items detected on your computer.

  • View Details: Click this option to access more information about quarantined and allowed items.

Settings Tab

The Settings tab allows configuration of various protection settings. Key options include:

  • Scheduled Scan: Schedule scans at specific times.

    • Scan Type: Choose between Quick, Full, or Custom scans.

    • When: Select the day for the scan.

    • Around: Specify the time for the scan.

    • Daily Quick Scan Time Around: Set a time for daily quick scans.

    • Check for Latest Definitions: Update definitions before a scheduled scan.

    • Run When PC is Idle: Scans will only run if the computer is on and not in use.

    • Limit CPU Usage: Set a limit on CPU usage during scans.

  • Default Actions: Define actions for detected threats based on alert levels:

    • Severe, High, Medium, Low: Configure actions to Remove, Quarantine, or Allow based on the threat level.

  • Real-Time Protection: Enable or disable real-time protection with additional options:

    • Scan Downloads

    • Monitor File and Program Activity

    • Enable Behavior Monitoring

    • Enable Network Inspection System

  • Exclusions: Customize file and location exclusions:

    • Excluded Files and Locations: Specify files and directories to exclude from scans.

    • Excluded File Types: Designate specific file types to exclude.

    • Excluded Processes: Define processes to exclude from scanning.

  • Advanced Settings:

    • Scan Archive Files: Include archive files in scans.

    • Scan Removable Drives: Include USB and external drives in scans.

    • Create a System Restore Point: Automatically create a restore point before taking action on detected threats.

    • Allow Full History Access: Permit all users to view complete history results (not recommended).

  • Microsoft Active Protection Service (MAPS): Configure information sharing with Microsoft:

    • Basic Membership: Recommended default setting for Managed clients.

Conclusion

The Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection client for Windows provides comprehensive security features and customization options for university-owned computers. With its range of scanning capabilities, real-time protection, and detailed reporting, SCEP ensures your system is well-protected against malware and other threats.

Contact Information

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, please contact the Technical Service Desk by submitting a ticket at help.fscj.edu.