Forefront Endpoint Protection Takes on Malware

Forefront Endpoint Protection 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, allow the client to get updates directly from Microsoft, and forgo 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. The heritage and capabilities are as follows:

• Forefront for application servers such