Registry tagging is a method used in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to assign a value to a machine. This value is picked up by the telemetry of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The process involves setting the tag value in the DeviceTagging key (HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Advanced Threat Protection\DeviceTagging).

Pros and Cons of Registry Tagging

Pros

1. Embeddable: The tag can be embedded into the onboarding script, making it easy to implement during the initial setup.

Cons

1. Fixed Tag: Once set, the tag is fixed and cannot be changed through the portal. It can only be modified by altering the registry.
2. Single Tag Limitation: Only one tag can be specified in the registry, limiting the flexibility of this method.

Challenges Regarding Registry Tagging

There are a couple of challenges we need to consider when discussing registry tagging:

1. Tampering with the Registry Key: If the registry key is modified after enrollment, the tagging will get updated in the Defender Console in about 24 hours
2. Modifying the Registry Key: Changing the registry key value, will result in a regrouping of that device if there are custom view or grouping based tag (such as RBAC permission)

These challenges highlight some of the complexities and considerations when using registry tagging with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Understanding these aspects can help in effectively managing and securing your devices.

For more information, please visit the Microsoft documentation at :https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/machine-tags?view=o365-worldwide

I am thrilled to have you all reading my blog. As the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Team (MDE team) continue to make significant strides in the development of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE), and as the users gear up for some exciting releases, I want to ensure you have easy access to all the updates and developments surrounding MDE. To make this journey even smoother, Microsoft has provided multiple channels that will keep you informed every step of the way.

Here are the top three options we recommend for tracking the progress of all MDE developments:

1. M365 Security Customer Connection Program: (by MSFT approval only): The M365 Security Customer Connection Program is an exclusive platform designed to provide you with first-hand information on features currently in Private Preview. By joining this program at aka.ms/JoinCCP, you will not only gain access to valuable insights but also have the unique opportunity to participate in and provide feedback for these exclusive features. It’s your chance to be a part of shaping the future of MDE!
2. MDE Blog in the Community Hub: The Community Hub hosts the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Blog, where we share all major announcements, including when features reach the Public Preview stage. To stay updated, I recommend subscribing to the RSS feed for the MDE Blog. By doing so, you’ll receive instant notifications in your Outlook or preferred RSS reader. This way, you’ll never miss an important update, ensuring you’re always ahead of the curve. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Blog – Microsoft Community Hub
3. “What’s New in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint” RSS feed on Microsoft Learn: For a comprehensive view of everything that is currently in preview or generally available (GA) in the latest MDE release, I suggest subscribing to the “What’s New Microsoft Defender for Endpoint” RSS feed on Microsoft Learn.  What’s new in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Microsoft Learn This feed serves as a one-stop-shop for all the information you need, making it easy to explore the latest advancements and enhancements within MDE.

With these three powerful channels at your disposal, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation and fully equipped to maximize the potential of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Embrace the opportunities to shape the future of MDE by staying engaged and informed through our carefully curated platforms.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey, and we look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you soon!

Stay secure, stay protected, and stay connected.

In today’s digital landscape, data security and privacy have become paramount concerns for organizations worldwide. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, it is essential to implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information. Microsoft Defender for Identity offers a comprehensive solution that not only collects and analyzes valuable data but also ensures the highest level of security and privacy for organizations. In this blog post, we will explore the data storage, encryption, and privacy practices employed by Microsoft Defender for Identity.

The data generated and collected by Microsoft Defender for Identity is stored in Microsoft-managed data centers located in various regions worldwide. These data centers are strategically designed to meet stringent security, privacy, and compliance standards. Microsoft Defender for Identity data centers adhere to globally recognized certifications, including ISO 27001, SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3, as well as regulatory requirements such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Currently, data centers for Defender for Identity are deployed in Europe, UK, North America/Central America/Caribbean, Australia East, and Asia, ensuring proximity to your respective Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) instances.

Microsoft Defender for Identity employs robust encryption techniques to safeguard data both during transit and at rest. Data in transit is protected using encryption algorithms such as AES-256 and SSL/TLS to secure network communication. This ensures that any information transmitted between your configured servers, such as domain controllers and member servers, and the Defender for Identity service remains secure and confidential. Additionally, data at rest is also encrypted, adding an extra layer of protection to sensitive information stored in the service’s dedicated database.

Defender for Identity collects and stores specific information from your configured servers for administration, tracking, and reporting purposes. This includes network traffic to and from domain controllers, such as Kerberos authentication, NTLM authentication, and DNS queries. Security logs, such as Windows security events, are also collected to provide comprehensive insights into potential threats. Moreover, Defender for Identity captures Active Directory information, including the structure, subnets, and sites, enabling accurate threat detection and analysis. Additionally, entity information like names, email addresses, and phone numbers may be collected to enhance the identification and response to security incidents.

It is crucial to note that any directory information that can be accessed by a non-privileged user in the Active Directory has the potential to be transmitted to Microsoft Defender for Identity. To ensure compliance with privacy regulations, Microsoft provides a detailed list of potential personal information available in Active Directory. This information is outlined in the “Personal-Information property set” article, which helps organizations understand the types of data that might be collected during the Defender for Identity service’s operation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on publicly available sources and represents a general overview of the security and privacy practices employed by Microsoft Defender for Identity. Organizations are advised to review the official documentation and consult with their IT professionals for detailed guidance on implementing and configuring Defender for Identity according to their specific requirements and compliance needs.