Security Uplift Proposal
How we transformed the security posture of a professional services firm using Microsoft Intune and Defender.
The Challenge
Our client, a London-based financial services firm, had a Microsoft Secure Score sitting below 50% — leaving significant exposure across their managed endpoint estate. With a mixed Windows and macOS environment, gaps in Defender coverage, and no active Attack Surface Reduction policies in place, they needed a structured uplift delivered with minimal business disruption.
Defender for Endpoint — Core & macOS
Updated core Defender components and resolved sensor data collection and impaired communications issues on macOS, restoring full endpoint visibility.
macOS Firewall & Antivirus Hardening
Enabled the macOS firewall across all devices and activated Microsoft Defender Antivirus real-time protection, significantly strengthening the macOS endpoint posture.
Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) Rules
Blocked Office applications from spawning child processes and injecting code. Prevented execution of obfuscated scripts, Safe Mode reboots, and abuse of vulnerable signed drivers.
Platform Hardening Controls
Enforced controls to block Office code injection and obfuscated script execution across all managed endpoints, reducing attack surface against malware and exploit-based threats.
Secure Score Progress
Secure Score increased from 49.91% to 70.46% — a 41.17% relative improvement — driven by deploying Microsoft Defender protections, Attack Surface Reduction rules, macOS firewall and antivirus hardening, and platform controls across all managed endpoints. The engagement was delivered with no disruption to day-to-day operations, and the client's environment is now measurably more resilient against modern endpoint threats.
Ready to improve your Secure Score?
We deliver structured security uplift programmes for businesses across London and the UK. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
