Driek Desmet

Driek Desmet focuses on Microsoft security, governance and compliance within enterprise environments. His work centres on identity security, Microsoft 365 protection, risk management and regulatory alignment such as NIS2. Through independent analysis and field experience, he explores how organisations can design secure and compliant Microsoft cloud architectures across Entra, Purview, Defender and Intune.

Joined: 01/08/2024
Articles: 60

Intune & Endpoint

Replacing MDT with Autopilot Device Preparation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Discover how Autopilot Device Preparation can streamline Windows device deployment in modern, cloud-driven IT environments. This guide explains a step-by-step process—from setting up security groups and configuring Intune policies to utilising Delivery Optimisation for improved network efficiency. While Autopilot simplifies deployment with zero-touch provisioning, it currently lacks key features such as removing OEM bloatware, custom Windows imaging, and clean OS reimaging for every new device. Explore how these limitations can be addressed, and consider complementary solutions like the PowerShell Deployment Solution (PSD), to fully meet your organisational needs.

Driek Desmet
15/02/2025

Microsoft Security

Mastering Microsoft Sentinel: 25 KQL Queries for Powerful Threat Detection

Unlock the power of Microsoft Sentinel with this comprehensive guide featuring 25 essential KQL queries for potent threat detection. In this post, you'll discover expertly crafted queries designed to identify a range of adversary tactics—from password spraying and suspicious PowerShell executions to unusual login patterns and obfuscated scripts. Whether you're looking to refine your current security operations or embark on a new journey with Sentinel, this guide offers practical insights, customisation tips, and real-world scenarios to help you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Driek Desmet
02/02/2025

Microsoft Security

Maximising Security and Performance with Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Intel TDT

In an era where sophisticated cyber threats and performance demands converge, Microsoft Defender Antivirus (MDAV) rises to the challenge with advanced hardware acceleration. By integrating Intel Threat Detection Technology (TDT), MDAV enhances endpoint protection while maintaining efficiency. Features like Accelerated Memory Scanning and Cryptojacking Detection offload resource-intensive tasks to the GPU, ensuring robust security without straining system resources.

Explore how to optimise these cutting-edge features using Microsoft Intune, from enabling Intel TDT and File Hash Computation to deploying best practices for consistent performance and protection. This guide is your roadmap to leveraging hardware-accelerated cybersecurity in a futuristic, secure IT environment.

Driek Desmet
25/01/2025

Entra & Identity

How to Receive Admin Notifications in Microsoft Entra Without a Mailbox

In this blog post, we explore how to receive admin email notifications in Microsoft Entra without assigning mailbox licenses to admin accounts. By leveraging plus addressing in Exchange Online, organisations can route notifications to existing mailboxes, maintaining security and reducing licensing costs. Plus addressing allows admins to create unique email aliases by appending a "+" and a tag to their existing email address, ensuring critical alerts are received without exposing privileged accounts to additional risks. We walk through the setup process, share a real-world use case from Contoso, and demonstrate how this solution can streamline your admin workflow.

Driek Desmet
18/01/2025

Purview & Compliance

Key Updates to OneDrive Retention Policies: What You Need to Know

Microsoft is updating OneDrive retention policies starting 27 January 2025, offering organisations more flexibility while addressing compliance needs and storage concerns. Learn what’s changing, why, and how to prepare

Driek Desmet
12/01/2025

Microsoft Updates & Insights

Microsoft Tech Insights: Weekly Update #01.2025

Microsoft has made significant strides this week, from expanding its AI ecosystem with models beyond OpenAI for 365 Copilot to a massive $80 billion investment in AI data centers. Wedbush also predicts a 25% tech growth in 2025 led by Microsoft and Nvidia, signaling a transformative era for AI in our industry.

Driek Desmet
07/01/2025

Entra & Identity

Automate Your Onboarding and Offboarding in 15 Minutes with Entra Identity Governance

Onboarding and offboarding employees manually can lead to errors, delays, and compliance risks. With Microsoft Entra Identity Governance, you can automate these processes in just 15 minutes—no scripting required. Discover how to streamline user lifecycle management, enhance security, and maintain compliance with Entra’s powerful workflows and customisable extensions. Perfect for organisations looking to save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.

Driek Desmet
05/01/2025

Intune & Endpoint

Get Ready: Microsoft Will Automatically Switch to the New Outlook for Windows in 2025!

Microsoft is rolling out the New Outlook for Windows, with automatic transitions starting in January 2025 for Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium users, and April 2026 for Enterprise users. Organisations can manage this migration using Microsoft Intune, leveraging detection and remediation scripts to control when and how users switch. Get ahead of the change by planning, testing, and communicating updates to your teams to ensure a smooth transition.

Driek Desmet
17/12/2024

Entra & Identity, Microsoft Security, NIS2 & Governance, Purview & Compliance

Strengthening Cloud Governance and Resilience with Microsoft

Effective cloud governance is critical in today’s digital landscape. Organisations must tackle risks, ensure compliance, and design resilient architectures to meet directives like NIS2. This guide outlines six essential steps to achieve robust cloud governance using Microsoft tools like Azure Service Health, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and Azure Backup. From mitigating concentration risks to preparing exit strategies, learn how to enhance your governance framework and protect your operations.

Driek Desmet
14/12/2024

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