Late last week, Microsoft announced that Mobile Network Protection for Android and iOS devices would be integrated into the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) cloud-based security platform. As announced, this feature will help companies find weak spots in their mobile data networks.
Microsoft said the new MDE service will be disabled by default, claiming that when users enable it, it will notify IT security administrators about various Wi-Fi threats and fake certificates. It is also able to detect unwanted hardware, such as Hak5 Wi-Fi Pineapple device, which is often used by cybercriminals to steal data transmitted over the target network.
In addition, Mobile Network Protection will send a notification if it detects a suspicious or unsecured network or if it finds a new open Wi-Fi network.
Securing your network
To use the new feature, Android users need to grant MDE location permission to track networks and send alert notifications. For iOS devices, this will require join permissions.
In addition, administrators can configure the tool on their Android and iOS devices through the Microsoft Endpoint Manager Admin Center.
Mobile network protection was first announced in June, when the company described such networks as “an increasingly complex and unique avenue” for nefarious activities if left unattended.
“To address this, Microsoft offers Defender for Endpoint Mobile Network Protection, which helps organizations identify, assess, and remediate endpoint vulnerabilities through robust threat intelligence,” the company said.
Microsoft has been hard at work creating endpoint and malware protection solutions. In addition to frequent MDE updates, the company recently announced plans for a new Intune Premium Suite next year. This Endpoint Management plan is expected to include Microsoft Tunnel for Mobile Application Management, Remote Assistance and Endpoint Permission Management, as well as other advanced endpoint analytics offerings.
By: Beeping Computer (opens in a new tab)
