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Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Security

Forrest Stroud
Last Updated May 24, 2021 7:43 am

Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Security refers to an enterprise-grade line of security products offered by Microsoft in its security software product line. In 2012, Microsoft released the final version of Forefront Endpoint Security as “Microsoft System Center 2012 Endpoint Protection.”

With Microsoft System Center 2012, enterprise users can manage their PCs and servers to set configuration and security policies, ensure software remains updated and patched with the latest fixes for security vulnerabilities, provide access to applications to users, and monitor system status.

The Demise of Standalone Security for Enterprise from Microsoft

In the time since the System Center 2012 release, though, the Forefront Endpoint Security line has largely been discontinued, with Microsoft focusing more on adding anti-malware and enhanced security protection into individual products such as Windows Server 2012, Exchange Server 2013, SharePoint and Lync Server.

While Microsoft no longer offers a standalone security suite for enterprise use, Microsoft continues to sell consumer products like Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender for individual and small office use.