SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY ENHANCES SECURITY POSTURE AND RESPONSE CAPABILITIES WITH SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF MICROSOFT DEFENDER FOR ENDPOINT.

Snapshot

Client – Sheffield Hallam University
Industry – Higher Education
Product – Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Partner – Phoenix Software

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study
United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

CUSTOMER INTRODUCTION​

Sheffield Hallam University is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse universities, with a community of more than 30,000 students, 4,000 staff and more than 280,000 alumni around the world. At the core of their operations lies the Digital Technology Services department, serving as the technological heartbeat for both staff and students. This dynamic team comprises IT professionals dedicated to delivering a range of university-wide services, including:

  • Direct IT desktop support for staff
  • IT Infrastructure supporting all IT services across the university, including datacenters, wired and wireless network services and business continuity
  • Implementation of policies and arrangements for system and data security
  • Provision for and support of key university information systems applications
  • Presentational and projection facilities, film and lecture theatre provision and support, media editing suites and bespoke media services
  • Purchasing IT equipment, software and services across the university
  • IT provision for learning and teaching, including open access spaces for all university students. The University invests £5 million per year in their IT facilities to ensure full support for students
  • They operate over 3,600 student PCs in learning centres, teaching rooms, catering outlets and other locations around the University, each with the latest versions of over 250 applications

RESULTS

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

Deployment of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint across their end-user device environment on 13,000 workstations consisting of a mix of Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, and Linux devices

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

Successful transition from existing anti-virus solution to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

Implemented Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

Configuration of Automated Investigation and Response (AIR) capabilities

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

Completion of knowledge transfer sessions to upskill Sheffield Hallam University Digital Technology Services staff on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint operations and administration

THE GOAL

Insentra was introduced to Sheffield Hallam University through their partnership with Phoenix Software Limited. Initially engaged to provide a one-day planning session focused on enhancing the university’s Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities, Insentra subsequently produced a Statement of Work to design, configure, and implement Microsoft Defender for Endpoint across their diverse range of end-user devices. This allowed the university to transition from their existing anti-virus solution and provide the Digital Technology Services staff with the necessary tools and skills to maintain Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

The Digital Technology Services identified the following critical success factors for transitioning to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

  • Replacing their current endpoint protection solution with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Minimising service disruption to end-users during the onboarding process
  • Ensuring end-user devices are protected from cyber-attacks
  • Providing the Digital Technology Services staff with a good understanding of the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint product
  • Conducting knowledge transfer sessions to upskill Sheffield Hallam University Digital Technology Services staff
  • Ensuring a smooth transition from project implementation into business-as-usual (BAU) service
United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study
United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

Really good support throughout the project, very professional and always available when needed.

Cath Garvin – Infrastructure Manager

THE SOLUTION

Using Insentra’s proven project methodology for delivering transformation projects, Insentra’s consultants worked closely with the Digital Technology Services Team to understand their current device estate and capture business and technical requirements. Through a series of technical workshops and collaborative efforts, these requirements were composed into an agreed Solution Design document, outlining the configuration requirements for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

 Insentra continued to work collaboratively with the Digital Technology Services team to detail and build the controls and integrations for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint based on the Solution Design. A phased and structured approach was adopted, including validation testing of the solution to ensure it met business needs before being rolled out to the wider end-user device estate in agreed production waves. Throughout the implementation and onboarding process, Insentra provided additional support, advice and guidance to the Digital Technology Services Team through regular check-in and support meetings, using a Microsoft Teams site set up for efficient collaboration between technical teams.

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

An outstanding engagement with a professional team who provided excellent support and guidance throughout the whole project.

Matt Griffiths – Project Manager

THE RESULTS

Transitioning from their existing Anti-Virus solution to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint allowed Sheffield Hallam University to enhance the security posture of their end-user devices. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, as a holistic endpoint security solution, offers more comprehensive protection against endpoint threats compared to traditional anti-virus software. It utilises preventative measures to decrease the risk of a cyberattack.

The core features include:

  1. Threat and Vulnerability Management
  2. Decreases Attack Surfaces
  3. Endpoint Detection and Response
  4. Automated Investigation and Remediation
  5. Microsoft Secure Score for Devices

The partnership between Insentra and Sheffield Hallam University Digital Technology Services played a vital role in achieving a successful implementation and onboarding process. This collaboration fostered strong relationships, enabling early detection and resolution of issues throughout the onboarding phase. Additionally, it facilitated knowledge transfer and upskilling within the University’s Digital Technology Services Operations and Administration teams.

The implementation of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, facilitated by Insentra through structured workshops, effectively addressed both business and technical requirements. This implementation enhanced device protection, significantly reducing the vulnerability of the university’s end-user devices to cyberattacks.

CONCLUSION

With Microsoft Defender for Endpoint now fully Integrated across their end-user devices and the Digital Technology Services staff upskilled, Sheffield Hallam University can take advantage of the enhanced features Microsoft Defender for Endpoint brings to protect end-user devices.

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

A very successful deployment: Insentra gave us the support and confidence to deploy to very tight deadlines at pace and resolved every issue encountered, quickly and professionally.

Michael Gilmour – Security Analyst

ABOUT INSENTRA

WE DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Insentra is a collaborative IT Services partner delivering specialised Professional and Managed Services. Our Partner-centric model provides you direct access to industry expertise.

We believe great business relationships start with trust. We are 100% channel focused meaning we only transact and deliver services exclusively with our Partners.

Our dedication to you is based on our vision to be the number one channel services company on the planet. We do this by being the best version of ourselves, creating an outstanding environment for our team, loving the work we do and amazing each other and our partners in every way.

We are and always will remain a Partner obsessed company.

ABOUT PHOENIX

With over 30 years of experience, our specialist knowledge and understanding of transformational software licensing and digital infrastructure solutions is second to none, driving our dedication to supporting organisations like yours with full concept, design, and deployment.

We believe that the values and integrity of our company is critical, which is why we’ve been recertified as a Great Place to Work TM in 2023. Committed to achieving high employee wellbeing, we are demonstrating high levels of employee engagement and success.

Learn how you can partner with Insentra

DOWNLOAD THE CASE STUDY

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

Thanks for downloading the case study!

We’ve sent a copy to your inbox. Remember to mark hello@insentragroup.com as a “safe sender”, and to check any junk or spam folders so you receive your copy. 

In the meantime, we thought you might find these resources useful 

If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it.

We’re a certified amazing place to work, with an incredible team and fascinating projects – and we’re ready for you to join us! Go through our simple application process. Once you’re done, we will be in touch shortly!

Who is Insentra?

Imagine a business which exists to help IT Partners & Vendors grow and thrive.

Insentra is a 100% channel business. This means we provide a range of Advisory, Professional and Managed IT services exclusively for and through our Partners.

Our #PartnerObsessed business model achieves powerful results for our Partners and their Clients with our crew’s deep expertise and specialised knowledge.

We love what we do and are driven by a relentless determination to deliver exceptional service excellence.

United Kingdom | Sheffield Hallam University Case Study

Insentra ISO 27001:2013 Certification

SYDNEY, WEDNESDAY 20TH APRIL 2022 – We are proud to announce that Insentra has achieved the  ISO 27001 Certification.