Forefront Endpoint Protection Takes on Malware

Forefront Endpoint Protection (FEP) 2010, Microsoft’s antimalware software for protecting the Windows OS and file system, was released in Dec. 2010. This follow-on to Forefront Client Security uses a new antimalware engine, improves detection of previously unknown threats, and includes Windows firewall management features. However, the central management server requires Configuration Manager for distribution of signatures. Customers who do not have or are unwilling to install the necessary infrastructure may prefer to distribute the client manually, allowing the client to get updates directly from Microsoft and forgoing the centralized management features.

Improved Scanning Engine, Heuristics

Forefront security products protect Windows PCs, servers, and the network edge servers from viruses, spyware, and other malware. Despite the Forefront branding, there are different technologies used for levels of protection. Forefront Endpoint Protection uses a single, Microsoft-developed antimalware scanning engine to protect the OS and file system on Windows clients and servers.