How do I create a policy in Apex Central?

Creating a policy in Apex Central involves defining security settings and applying them to specific endpoints or groups, which is a core aspect of effective policy management and targeting. For those new to policy creation, Apex Central often provides an intuitive window or a quick guide to walk you through the initial setup.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to create a policy in Apex Central:

How to Create a Policy in Apex Central

To effectively manage your organization's security posture, policies in Apex Central allow you to enforce consistent configurations across your managed endpoints.

Step 1: Access Policy Management

First, you need to navigate to the policy management section within your Apex Central console.

1. Log in to Apex Central: Use your administrative credentials to access the Apex Central web console.
2. Navigate to Policies: In the main menu, look for and click on Policies or a similar section that leads to policy management. This is where you'll find options to view, modify, and create new policies.

Step 2: Initiate Policy Creation

Once in the policy management area, you'll start the process of defining a new policy.

1. Click "Create New Policy": Locate the button or option, usually labeled "Create New Policy" or "Add Policy."
2. Choose Product/Service: Apex Central integrates with various Trend Micro products (e.g., Apex One, Worry-Free Business Security Services, Vision One). You will typically be prompted to select the specific product or service for which you want to create the policy. The settings available will vary based on this selection.
3. First-Time User Guidance: If this is your first time creating policies, you might encounter a guided window or a quick guide that simplifies the initial steps, making the process straightforward.

Step 3: Configure Policy Settings

This is the most crucial step where you define the rules and security configurations for your policy.

1. General Information:
   • Policy Name: Provide a clear and descriptive name for your policy (e.g., "High Security Workstations," "Default Office Policy").
   • Description: Add an optional description to explain the policy's purpose or scope.
2. Define Security Settings: Configure the various security features relevant to the selected product. These might include:
   • Anti-Malware: Set scan methods, real-time scan exclusions, scheduled scans, and actions for detected threats.
   • Web Reputation: Configure website access policies, block malicious URLs, and define allowed/blocked categories.
   • Firewall: Manage network traffic rules, port access, and application control.
   • Device Control: Regulate the use of external devices like USB drives, CD/DVD drives, and Bluetooth devices.
   • Application Control: Specify which applications are allowed or blocked from running on endpoints.
   • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): If applicable, configure rules to prevent sensitive data from leaving your network.
   • Vulnerability Protection: Apply virtual patching and intrusion prevention rules.
3. Exceptions and Exclusions: Define any specific files, folders, processes, or URLs that should be excluded from certain security scans or rules. This is important to prevent conflicts with legitimate applications.

Step 4: Target Endpoints and Groups

Effective policy targeting ensures that the right policies are applied to the right devices, preventing misconfigurations and enhancing security.

1. Select Target Endpoints/Groups: After configuring the settings, you will specify which endpoints or groups of endpoints this policy will apply to.
   • You can select specific individual endpoints.
   • You can choose organizational groups (e.g., "Sales Department," "Server Farm").
   • You might be able to target by Active Directory OUs or other defined hierarchies.
2. Review Targeting: Double-check your selections to ensure the policy's scope is correct. Applying a policy too broadly or too narrowly can have unintended consequences.

Step 5: Review and Deploy

Before the policy takes effect, a final review is recommended.

1. Review Policy Summary: Apex Central will typically provide a summary of all configurations before you save. Review this carefully to catch any errors.
2. Save and Deploy:
   • Click "Save" or "Create" to finalize the policy.
   • The system will then prompt you to deploy the policy. Deployment pushes the configured settings to the targeted endpoints.
   • Deployment can often be immediate or scheduled for a later time.

Practical Insights for Policy Creation

• Start Simple: Begin with basic policies and gradually add more complex rules.
• Test Policies: For critical or new policies, consider applying them to a small test group of endpoints first before broad deployment.
• Document Policies: Maintain clear documentation for each policy, including its purpose, targeted groups, and key settings.
• Regular Review: Periodically review and update your policies to align with evolving security threats and organizational needs.
• Leverage Hierarchy: Utilize Apex Central's group hierarchy to manage policies efficiently, applying global policies at higher levels and more specific policies to sub-groups.

By following these steps, you can effectively create and manage security policies within Apex Central, ensuring robust protection for your managed endpoints.