Plan and implement Windows Threat Protection features on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts, including Windows Defender Application Control

Windows Threat Protection is a crucial aspect of securing your Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts. By implementing the right features, such as Windows Defender Application Control, you can add an extra layer of protection to your virtual desktop environment. In this article, we will explore how to plan and implement Windows Threat Protection features on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts, specifically focusing on Windows Defender Application Control.

Windows Defender Application Control

Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) is a security feature available in Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows Server versions that helps protect against malicious code and unauthorized applications. It allows you to control the types of applications that can run on your session hosts, preventing the execution of unauthorized or potentially harmful software.

Implementation Steps

To implement Windows Defender Application Control on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts, follow these steps:

1. Assess compatibility: Before enabling WDAC, it is essential to check application compatibility. Use the Windows Defender Application Control compatibility toolkit, provided by Microsoft, to assess the compatibility of your applications. This toolkit analyzes the installed applications and generates a report detailing any compatibility issues.
2. Create code integrity policies: Code integrity policies define which applications are allowed to run on the session hosts. You can define rules based on file attributes, file path, publisher, or package family name. To create a code integrity policy, you can use tools like Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) and Intune. These policies are stored as XML files and can be deployed to session hosts using Intune or Group Policy.
3. Implement code integrity policies on session hosts: To implement code integrity policies on Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts, you can use multiple deployment methods such as Intune, Group Policy, or the AppLocker CSP. Deploying through Intune ensures seamless policy enforcement on various session hosts, which can be handy for larger deployments. If you’re using Group Policy, create a GPO and link it to the Azure Virtual Desktop session host organizational unit (OU).
4. Monitor and maintain policies: Regularly monitor and update code integrity policies to ensure ongoing security. You can use tools like Windows Defender Application Control baseline management, PowerShell cmdlets, or Group Policy to manage and modify code integrity policies across multiple session hosts.
5. Test and evaluate: After implementing code integrity policies, it is crucial to test and evaluate their impact on session host behavior and application compatibility. Perform thorough testing to ensure that authorized applications can run without any issues while unauthorized or potentially harmful applications are blocked.
6. Enable auditing: Enabling auditing allows you to track events and activities related to Windows Defender Application Control. By auditing policy rules and events, you can identify any policy violations or attempts to run unauthorized applications.

By planning and implementing Windows Threat Protection features, including Windows Defender Application Control, on your Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts, you can ensure a secure virtual desktop environment. Protecting against malicious code and unauthorized applications minimizes the risk of security breaches and enhances overall system integrity.

Implementing Windows Defender Application Control might seem complex, but by following the steps mentioned above and leveraging the provided Microsoft documentation, you can strengthen the security posture of your Azure Virtual Desktop deployment. Remember to regularly review and update your code integrity policies to adapt to evolving security requirements and new software installations.