Providing insights into Windows 10 deployment & management, security & compliance, and productivity.
Microsoft Ignite 2018
There were more than 100 sessions focused on Windows at Microsoft Ignite 2018, and everything from a first look at Desktop Analytics and the Microsoft Managed Desktop to deep dives on Windows Autopilot, Windows servicing, Delivery Optimization, and credential protection, and so much more. Here is a list of the activities that took place for you to review and learn about. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-IT-Pro-Blog/A-guide-to-Windows-at-Microsoft-Ignite-2018/ba-p/260409
The Microsoft Ignite 2018 Book of News is your guide to ALL the announcements that Microsoft made on Sept. 24, with summaries of the news and links to more information.
Announcing Windows Virtual Desktop, the best virtualized Windows and Office experience delivered on Azure. Windows Virtual Desktop is the only cloud-based service that delivers a multi-user Windows 10 experience, optimized for Office 365 ProPlus, and includes free Windows 7 Extended Security Updates. With Windows Virtual Desktop, you can deploy and scale Windows and Office on Azure in minutes, with built-in security and compliance. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2018/09/24/microsoft-365-adds-modern-desktop-on-azure
Free e-book from Microsoft on making the shift to a modern desktop with Microsoft 365. It summarizes top considerations for deploying new PCs or getting PCs back to a business ready state, starting with some of the key things that may have changed since your last major desktop deployment. Followed by a pragmatic step-by-step approach to making the shift. https://info.microsoft.com/ww-landing-M365MD-making-the-shift-to-the-modern-desktop-eBook.html
Announcing the Microsoft Managed Desktop (MMD), a new initial offering that brings together Microsoft 365 Enterprise, device as a service, and cloud-based device management by Microsoft. MMD enables customers to maximize their IT organizations’ focus on their business while Microsoft manages their modern desktops. We believe that MMD will be an option that allows organizations to fundamentally shift how they think about and manage their IT. Through MMD, customers will be able to move toward a secure, always up-to-date environment with device management by Microsoft. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2018/09/17/collaborating-with-customers-and-partners-to-deliver-a-modern-desktop-microsoft-managed-desktop
Join Microsoft CVP Brad Anderson to discover the benefits of a modern desktop, major changes and considerations versus previous deployments and best practices to ensure a smooth transition to Windows 10 and Office 365 ProPlus. This will guide you through the recommended steps for your shift to Windows 10 and Office 365 ProPlus, detailing how to leverage your existing tools and processes while adopting modern management technology and approaches along the way. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/IT-Resources-Training-Blog/How-to-shift-to-a-modern-desktop/ba-p/259907
A modern desktop offers end users the most productive, most secure computing experience—it also saves IT time and money, so you can focus on driving business results. To help you make the shift to a modern desktop, we’re pleased to announce the following important changes. (a) Cloud-based analytics tools to make modern desktop deployment even easier. (b) A program to ensure app compatibility for upgrades and updates of Windows and Office. (c) Servicing and support changes to give you additional deployment flexibility. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2018/09/06/helping-customers-shift-to-a-modern-desktop
Forrester found that Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) is finally a viable alternative to managing PCs and mobile devices separately. Download the free report which holds a comprehensive overview of the current UEM space—along with vendor recommendations, best practices, and caveats. https://resources.office.com/ww-landing-M365PD-Forrester-UEM-Finally-Arrives-WhitePaper.html
Reduced Windows 10 package size downloads for x64 systems! The new feature updates, released as Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) files through WSUS, provide you with the option to download the x64 file as a separate package. By separating the files by system type, the download file becomes approximately 2.6 GB for the x64 package, saving you approximately 2.2 GB of download size immediately. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-IT-Pro-Blog/Reduced-Windows-10-package-size-downloads-for-x64-systems/ba-p/262386
Major updates to documentation on Windows Hello for Business! https://aka.ms/whfb
Cyber thieves are catching on that we are watching them, so they are trying something different. A new malware campaign puts that to the test by targeting home users and small businesses in specific US cities. This was a focused, highly localized attack that aimed to steal sensitive info from just under 200 targets. Macro-laced documents masqueraded as statements from legitimate businesses. The documents are then distributed via email to target victims in cities where the businesses are located. With Windows Defender AVs next gen defense, however, the size of the attack doesn’t really matter. https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/09/06/small-businesses-targeted-by-highly-localized-ursnif-campaign
Video: In software supply chain attacks, attackers infect legitimate apps to distribute malware. Attackers target software developers and suppliers, seeking access to source codes, build processes, or update mechanisms. They hunt for unsecure network protocols, unprotected server infrastructures, and unsafe coding practices. Protect yourself, your customers, and your partners by strengthening your defenses against software supply chain attacks. Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection’s security technologies are built into Windows 10 and create a unified endpoint security platform to defend against supply chain attacks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXm2XNSavwo
Watch our how-to video and have fun using a digital pen in Microsoft Office on your Surface. Edit your writing naturally, create standout presentations, and learn to design and use features like Ink Editor, Ink-to-Text, Remix 3D, Math Assist, and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U85n5sltzZw
In other news related to Windows 10…
New blog series that responds to common questions Microsoft receives from customers about the deployment of Microsoft 365 security solutions. In this series, you’ll find context, answers, and guidance for deployment and driving adoption within your organization. https://cloudblogs.microsoft.com/microsoftsecure/2018/09/04/protecting-user-identities
For the last 20 years, the Microsoft Security Response Center has been an integral part of Microsoft’s commitment to customer security. This set of short video clips gives customers a glance into the commitment we put into our daily work and suggests ways they can incorporate similar principles into their work. Security is a joint effort and together we can make a difference. https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2018/09/07/inside-msrc-sharing-our-story-customer-tips
Microsoft Cloud App Security and Windows Defender ATP – better together! Microsoft Cloud App Security now uniquely integrates with Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) to enhance the Discovery of Shadow IT in your organization and extend it beyond your corporate network. Our CASB can now leverage the traffic information collected by the Windows Defender ATP, no matter which network users are accessing cloud apps from. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Enterprise-Mobility-Security/Microsoft-Cloud-App-Security-and-Windows-Defender-ATP-better/ba-p/263265
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