Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection Client Overview for Windows

Microsoft System Center Endpoint Protection Client Overview for Windows

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.