DISA rolls out new endpoint security tool, moves closer to unified endpoint vision

By Michelle L. Goddard-Kim / Chief of Staff Office

The Defense Information Systems Agency will launch the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint capability as part of the agency’s unified endpoint strategy this month. MDE is the latest step in DISA’s strategy to manage services through a unified platform as part of an integrated set of solutions. The goal is a holistic view of endpoint security and operations for the agency. 

An endpoint is any physical device that connects to a network system such as mobile phones, laptop computers, printers and servers. DISA’s upgrade to MDE modernizes endpoint security for these devices and boosts the agency’s cybersecurity position. MDE is a cloud-based security solution with anti-virus and malware protection features that manage vulnerabilities and detect and respond to threats on the endpoint.   

“This helps us get one step closer to the next generation endpoint management model for the agency and for the department. It is beneficial to move towards a unified endpoint strategy to remove redundant solutions and to create a foundation based on Zero Trust principles,” said Tinisha McMillan, Operations and Infrastructure Center’s Endpoint and Customer Service Directorate executive.

Hundreds of agency volunteers recently participated in a two-month MDE pilot to test implementation and the user experience. Fourth Estate Network Optimization is working to make this migration transparent to the user community without interrupting daily mission execution.

“This change is targeted to increase the performance of endpoints, which is one of the benefits of managing services under one vendor umbrella. We are focused on upgrading the holistic user experience,” said Bart Aimone, Endpoint and Customer Service Directorate technical director. 

The goal is to activate this security solution for all agencies on DODNet, which is a common information technology network built for use among the 14 defense agencies that do not fall under U.S. military departments. 

Aimone’s team will initially deploy to all DISA endpoints, followed by the Defense Technical Information Center, Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency and other agencies scheduled to migrate to DODNet n the future.

Visit DISA.mil for more DISA news and capabilities updates.