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Apex Central Best Practices
Guide For Malware Protection-
V2 - July2021
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 Apex Central 2019

Best Practice Guide for Malware Protection
•    Apex One™
•    Apex One™ (Mac) 

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Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The names of companies, products,
people, characters, and/or data mentioned herein are fictitious and are in no way intended to represent any real
individual, company, product, or event, unless otherwise noted. Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the
responsibility of the user.

Copyright © 2020 Trend Micro Incorporated. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted without the
express prior written consent of Trend Micro Incorporated.

 All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or
organizations.

Revision version Author Released Date

1.0.0 Mark Tongco December 17, 2018
1.0.1 Vijay Alvarez
1.0.2 Vijay Alvarez
1.0.3 Vijay Alvarez
Contributor : Ria Cabalquinto and Ebeneizer Padua
1.0.4 Mark Tongco December 14, 2020
Contributor: Renaud Lafay
1.0.5 Mark Tongco  July 29, 2021
Contributor: Susana Fernandez

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Table of Contents
 TrendMicro Apex Central Best Practice Guide for Malware Protection .................................................................. 5 
Policy Management............................................................................................................................................................. 6  
Product: Apex One Security Agent .............................................................................................................................. 6 
Configuring Scan Method............................................................................................................................................. 6  
Configuring Manual Scan Settings ............................................................................................................................... 7  
Configuring Real-time Scan Settings ........................................................................................................................... 7  
Configuring Scheduled Scan Settings .......................................................................................................................... 8  
Configuring Scan Now Settings ................................................................................................................................... 9  
 Table Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 
Enable Web Reputation .............................................................................................................................................. 11  
Internal Agents:........................................................................................................................................................ 12  
External Agents:....................................................................................................................................................... 12  
Configure Global C&C Suspicious Connection Settings....................................................................................... 12 
Enable Behavior Monitoring / Ransomware Protection Feature ........................................................................ 13 
Malware behavior blocking ....................................................................................................................................14  
Ransomware Protection.......................................................................................................................................... 15 
 Anti-Exploit Protection .......................................................................................................................................... 15  
Newly Encountered Programs .............................................................................................................................. 16  
Event Monitoring .................................................................................................................................................... 16  
Enable Predictive Machine Learning ........................................................................................................................ 16  
Fileless Malware Protection settings ......................................................................................................................... 18  
Required Services ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 
Enable File-less Malware Solution Features: ....................................................................................................... 19 
Enable Sample Submission Feature .......................................................................................................................... 20 
Disabling Independent Mode for Machine in the network................................................................................... 21 
Configure Unload and Unlock protection ............................................................................................................... 21 
Configure Uninstallation protection ......................................................................................................................... 21  
Configure Apex One Agent self-protection............................................................................................................. 22 
Configure Device Control .......................................................................................................................................... 22  
Permissions for Storage devices ............................................................................................................................ 23 
Enabling Endpoint Sensor..........................................................................................................................................23  
Enabling Application Control Integration ............................................................................................................... 24  
Rules and Criteria..................................................................................................................................................... 25 

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Malware Execution Prevention ...........................................................................................................26 

Stopping “Drive by Exploit” ................................................................................................................................. 26 
Using Lockdown feature of Application Control............................................................................................... 27  
Blocked Hash Value ................................................................................................................................................28  
Enabling Vulnerability Protection Settings .............................................................................................................. 28 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Apex One Vulnerability Protection......................................... 29 
 Apex One Managing Server Settings......................................................................................................................... 29  
Enable Smart Feedback .......................................................................................................................................... 29 
Configure Global Agent Settings .......................................................................................................................... 29  
Outbreak Prevention Policy................................................................................................................................... 31 
Security Compliance for Unmanaged Endpoint................................................................................................. 31 
Product: Apex One™ (Mac) ........................................................................................................................................... 32 
 Agent Self-protection................................................................................................................................................... 32  
Cache Settings for Scans ............................................................................................................................................. 32  
Configuring Device Control Settings ........................................................................................................................ 32  
Configuring Endpoint Sensor Settings ..................................................................................................................... 33  
Configuring Manual Scan Settings ............................................................................................................................. 33  
Configuring Predictive Machine Learning Setting .................................................................................................. 33  
Configuring Real Time Scan Settings........................................................................................................................ 34  
Configuring Scan Method........................................................................................................................................... 34  
Configuring Schedule Scan Settings .......................................................................................................................... 34 
Scan Settings Table Summary..................................................................................................................................... 35 
Configuring Web Reputation Settings ...................................................................................................................... 35  
 Apex One (Mac) Managing Plugin Settings ............................................................................................................. 36  
Enable Smart Feedback .......................................................................................................................................... 36 
Enable Certified Safe Software Service ................................................................................................................ 37 
Connected Threat Defense .............................................................................................................................................38  
Suspicious Object List .................................................................................................................................................38  
 Virtual Analyzer Suspicious Object ...................................................................................................................... 38 
User-Defined Suspicious Object...........................................................................................................................38  
Suspicious Object Scan Action .............................................................................................................................. 38 
Configuring Virtual Analyzer Suspicious Object Scan Action.............................................................................. 38 
Configuring User-Defined Suspicious Object Scan Action .................................................................................. 39 
Endpoint Detection & Response ................................................................................................................................... 40  

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Prevention Recommendation .......................................................................................................................41  

 Windows Platform ....................................................................................................................................................... 41  
Disabling System Restore .......................................................................................................................................41  
Disabling Autorun ................................................................................................................................................... 41  
Microsoft Windows Operating systems update .................................................................................................. 42 
MacOS Platform........................................................................................................................................................... 42 
Keeping your Mac up to Date ............................................................................................................................... 42 
Don’t Disable System Integrity  Protection.......................................................................................................... 42 
Others............................................................................................................................................................................. 42  
Educate users not to click on the links they do not trust.................................................................................. 42  

4 |  Apex Central Best Practice Guide for Malware

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TrendMicro Apex Central Best Practice

Guide for Malware Protection

 Apex Central is a security management solution that gives an administrator the ability to control the
enterprise products or appliances from a central location --regardless of the program or the appliance's
physical location or platform. It allows the formulation of effective deployment and response plans

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Policy Management
Policy management allows administrators to enforce product settings on managed products and endpoints
from a single management console. They create a policy by selecting the targets and configuring a list of
product settings.

Product: Apex One Security Agent

 Apex One provides the following full-featured product benefits:

•   More efficient use of endpoint resources

Delivered via an architecture that uses endpoint resources more effectively and optimizes CPU and
network utilization.

•   High-fidelity machine learning (pre-execution and runtime)

 A blend of threat protection techniques that help eliminate security gaps across any user activity and
any endpoint.

•   Behavioral analysis
Safeguards against scripts, injection, ransomware, memory and browser attacks.

•    Available as a service
Rapid deployment and simplified administration and maintenance with the same comprehensive
enterprise threat protection as Trend Micro on-premises Apex One

Powered by the Trend Micro™ Smart Protection  Network™, Trend Micro Apex One™ is a centrally
managed anti-malware solution that protects endpoints (servers, desktops, and portable endpoints) from a
 wide variety of Internet threats. An integrated solution, Trend Micro Apex One consists of the Security Agent
that resides at the endpoint and the Apex One server that manages all Security Agents.
Security Agents report to the server from which they were installed. They send event information such as
threat detection, Security Agent startup, Security Agent shutdown, start of a scan, and completion of an
update to the server in real time.

Configuring Scan Method

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or select the policy created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Under Apex One Agent Settings select Scan Methods
6.  Select > Smart Scan

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Configuring Manual Scan Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or select the policy created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Under Apex One Agent Settings select Manual Scan Settings.
6.  File to scan > All scannable files
7.  Under Scan Settings checked the following:
•  Scan hidden folders.
•  Scan network drive
•  Scan compressed files. > Maximum layers: 6
•  Scan OLE objects. > Maximum layers: 3
o Detect exploit code in OLE files.

8.   Virus/Malware Scan Settings Only > Scan boot area

9.  CPU Usage > Medium: pause slightly between file scans
10.  Scan Exclusion > Enable scan exclusion
•  Scan Exclusion list (Directories)
o  Exclude directories where Trend Micro products are installed.

•  Scan Exclusion list (Files)

•  Scan Exclusion list (File Extensions)
11.  Configure the Action tab.
12.  Virus/Malware > Use a specific action for each virus/malware type:
•   Joke: Quarantine
•   Trojans: Quarantine
•   Virus: Clean & Quarantine
•   Test Virus: Quarantine
•  Packer: Quarantine
•  Probable Malware: Quarantine
•  Other Malware: Clean & Quarantine
13.  Checked Back up files before cleaning.
14.  Damage Cleanup Services:
•  Cleanup type: Advanced cleanup
•  Enable > Run cleanup when probable virus/malware is detected
15.  Spyware/Grayware > Clean: Apex One terminates processes or delete registries, files, cookies and
shortcuts.
16.  Click Deploy.

Configuring Real-time Scan Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or select the policy created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Under Apex One Agent Settings select Real-time Scan Settings.
6.  Enable virus/malware scan and enable spyware/grayware scan.

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7.  Configure the Target tab.

8.  User Activity on Files > Scan files being: created/modified and retrieved
9.  Files to Scan > All Scannable files
10.  Under Scan Settings:
  Scan floppy disks during shutdown (if you have still have floppy disk)
•

  Scan network drive.

•

  Scan the boot sector of the USB storage device after plugging in.
•

  Scan all files in removable storage device after plugging in.

•

  Quarantine malware variants detected in memory.

•

  Scan compressed files. > Maximum layers: 3

•

  Scan OLE objects. > Maximum layers: 3

•

o  Detect exploit code in OLE files.

11.  Under Virus/Malware Scan Settings Only, enable Intellitrap.
12.  Enable CVE exploit scanning for files downloaded through web and email channels.
13.  Configure Scan Exclusion tab > Enable scan exclusion
  Scan Exclusion list (Directories)
•

o Exclude directories where Trend Micro products are installed.

  Scan Exclusion list (Files)

•

  Scan Exclusion list (Files Extensions)

•

14.  Configure the Action tab.

15.  Virus/Malware > Use a specific action for each virus/malware type:
  CVE exploit: Quarantine
•

   Joke: Quarantine
•

   Trojans: Quarantine
•

   Virus: Clean & Quarantine

•

   Test Virus: Quarantine

•

  Packer: Quarantine
•

  Probable Malware: Quarantine

•

  Other Malware: Clean & Quarantine

•

17.  Back up files before cleaning.

18.  Damage Cleanup Services:
  Enable > Run cleanup when probable virus/malware is detected
•

19.  Spyware/Grayware > Clean: Apex One terminates processes or delete registries, files, cookies and
shortcuts.
20.  Click Deploy.

Configuring Scheduled Scan Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or select the policy name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Enable virus/malware scan and enable spyware/grayware scan.
6.  Configure the Target tab.
7.  Configure Schedule Scan to run at least once a week.
8.  Files to Scan > All Scannable Files
9.  Under Scan Settings:
•   Scan compressed files. > Maximum layers: 3

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•  Scan OLE objects. > Maximum layers: 6

o Detect exploit code in OLE files.

10.  Virus/Malware Scan Settings Only > Scan boot area

11.  CPU Usage > Medium: Pause between file scan if CPU consumption is higher than 50%, and do not
pause if 50% or lower.
12.  Scan Exclusion > Enable Scan Exclusion
•  Scan Exclusions lists (Directories)
o  Excludes directories where Trend Micro products are installed

•  Scan Exclusions Lists (Files)

•  Scan Exclusions Lists (File Extensions)

13.  Configure the Action tab.

14.  Virus/Malware > Use a specific action for each virus/malware type
•   Joke: Quarantine
•   Trojans: Quarantine
•   Virus: Clean & Quarantine
•   Test Virus: Quarantine
•  Packer: Quarantine
•  Probable Malware: Quarantine
•  Other Malware: Clean & Quarantine
•  Back up files before cleaning.
•  Damage Cleanup Services:
15.  Clean type: Advance Cleanup
16.  Enable > Run cleanup when probable virus/malware is detected.
17.  Under Spyware/Grayware select Clean: Apex One terminates processes or delete registries, files,
cookies, and shortcuts.
18.  Click Deploy.

Configuring Scan Now Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Enable virus/malware scan and enable spyware/grayware scan.
6.  Configure the Target tab.
7.  Files to Scan > All Scannable files
8.  Scan Settings:
•  Scan compressed files. > Maximum layers: 3
•  Scan OLE objects. > Maximum layers: 6
9.   Virus/Malware Scan Settings only > Scan boot area
10.  CPU Usage > Medium: Pause between file scans if CPU consumption is higher than 50%, and do
not pause if 50% or lower
11.  Scan Exclusion > Enable Scan exclusion
•  Scan Exclusions lists (Directories)
o  Excludes directories where Trend Micro products are installed

•  Scan Exclusions Lists (Files)

•  Scan Exclusions Lists (File Extensions)

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12.  Configure the Action tab.

13.   Virus/Malware > Use a specific action for each virus/malware type

•   Joke: Quarantine
•   Trojan: Quarantine
•   Virus: Clean & Quarantine
•   Test Virus: Quarantine
•  Packer: Quarantine
•  Probable Malware: Quarantine
•  Other Malware: Clean & Quarantine

14.  Backup files before cleaning.

15.  Damage Cleanup Services

•  Cleanup type: Advance Cleanup

•  Run cleanup when probable virus/malware is detected.

16.  Enable Spyware/Grayware > Clean: Apex One terminates processes or delete registries, files,
cookies and shortcuts.
17.  Click Deploy.

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Table Summary
Real-time Scan Manual Scan Scheduled Scan Scan Now

Files to scan All Scannable All Scannable All Scannable All Scannable

Scan hidden folders ✓

Scan floppy disks during shutdown ✓

Scan floppy disks during shutdown ✓

Scan network drive* ✓ ✓

Scan boot sector of USB storage device after

✓
plugging in
Scan all files in removable storage devices
✓
after plugging in
Quarantine malware variants detected in
✓
memory

Scan compressed files* ✓ 3 layers  ✓ 6 layers  ✓ 3 layers  ✓ 3 layers 

Scan OLE objects* ✓ 3 layers  ✓ 3 layers  ✓ 6 layers  ✓ 6 layers 

Detect exploit code in OLE files ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Enable Intellitrap ✓

Enable CVE exploit scanning for files

downloaded through web and email ✓
channels

Scan boot area ✓ ✓ ✓

CPU usage Medium Medium Medium

Cleanup type for Damage Cleanup Services Advanced Cleanup Advanced Cleanup Advanced Cleanup

Run cleanup for probable virus ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Clean action for detected Spyware ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

NOTE  * Administrators can opt to disable/minimize other scanning setting should

higher performance is required for those machines.

Enable Web Reputation

 Web Reputation Service (WRS) allows Apex One to detect and block access to sites that harbor web-based
threats. When an agent requests a URL, it first checks the “reputation score” of the URL by querying the
 Trend Micro reputation servers. Access to the URL is then allowed or denied depending on the score and the
security level you configured.

 To configure Web Reputation Service, please do the following:

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or select the policy name created.

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4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Select the Web Reputation Settings 

Internal Agents:

•   Enable Web Reputation on operating system matching your policy created

•   Enable Check HTTPS URLs .
•   Select Medium security level for the policy.
•   Under Browser Exploit Prevention, enable Block pages containing malicious script.
•   For Approved/Blocked URL list, You may add the URL’s of the Web sites you want to approve
or block. By default, TrendMicro and Microsoft websites are included in the Approved lists.
•    Agent Log: Enable allow agents to send logs to Apex One Server. his option to analyze URL’s
blocked by Web Reputation Service.
•   Click Deploy 

External Agents:
  Enable Web Reputation on operating system matching your policy created
•

  Enable Check HTTPS URLs .

•

  Select Medium security level for the policy.

•

•   Untested URLs. You can use this option to Block pages that have not been tested by Trend
Micro 
•   Under Browser Exploit Prevention, enable Block pages containing malicious script.
•   For Approved/Blocked URL list, you may add the URL’s of the Web sites you want to approve
or block. By default, TrendMicro and Microsoft websites are included in the Approved lists.
•    Agent Log: Enable allow agents to send logs to Apex One Server. his option to analyze URL’s
blocked by Web Reputation Service.
•   Click Deploy.

Configure Global C&C Suspicious Connection

Settings

 Administrators can configure Apex One to log all connections between agents and confirmed C&C IP
addresses. The Trend Micro Command & Control (C&C) Contact Alert Services provides enhanced
detection and alert capabilities to mitigate the damage caused by Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) and
targeted attacks.
 The following are steps on how to configure it:
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or select the policy name created.

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4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.

5.  Go to Suspicious Connection Settings.
6.  Enable the following:

•  Detect network connections made to addresses in the Global C&C IP list: Block  
•  Detect connections using malware network fingerprinting: Block  
•  Clean suspicious connections when C&C callback is detected

7.  Go to Additional Service Settings.

8.  Under Suspicious Connection Service, select Windows desktops and Windows Server platforms.

9.  Click Deploy.

Enable Behavior Monitoring / Ransomware

Protection Feature
 Apex One constantly monitors computers (or endpoints) for unusual modifications to the operating system
or on installed software. Administrators can create exception lists that allow certain programs to start despite
 violating a monitored change, or completely block certain programs. In addition, programs with a valid
digital signature or have been certified are always allowed to start.

Behavior Monitor requires the following services:

•  Unauthorized Change Prevention Service
•   Advance Protection Service

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Make sure to enable the required services for the appropriate Windows platform in Additional
Service Setting area.
 To enable, follow these steps;
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Additional Service Settings.
6.  Under Unauthorized Change Prevention Service:
•  Check Enable Windows desktops.
•  Check Enable Windows Server Platforms.
•  Check Full Mode. 

7.  Go to Advance Protection Service :

  Check Enable Windows desktops.
•

  Check Enable Windows Server Platforms.

•

8.  Click Deploy.

 To configure Behavior Monitoring and Ransomware Protection features, please do the following:
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Behavior Monitoring Settings.

Malware behavior blocking

Malware Behavior Blocking provides a necessary layer of additional threat protection from programs
that exhibit malicious behavior. It observes system events over a period of time. As programs
execute different combinations or sequences of actions, Malware Behavior Blocking detects known
malicious behavior and blocks the associated programs. Use this feature to ensure a higher level of
protection against new, unknown, and emerging threats.

•  Check Enable Malware Behavior Blocking.

•  Under Threats to block, recommend to select Know and potential threats.

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Ransomware Protection
Ransomware is a type of malware which restricts access to files and demands payment to restore the
affected files. This type of threat can affect multiple files residing on your local and connected drives,
it can also affect backups such as shadow copies. Ransomware Protection prevents the unauthorized
modification or encryption of files on Apex One agents by “ransomware” threats. 

•  Check Protect documents against unauthorized encryption or modification.

•  Check Automatically backup and restore files changed by suspicious programs.
•  Check Block processes commonly associated with ransomware.

NOTE  To reduce the chance of Apex One detecting a safe process as malicious, ensure
that the agent has internet access to perform additional verification processes using Trend Micro
servers. 

•  Check Enable program inspection to detect and block compromised executable files.

NOTE Program inspection provides increased security if you select “Known and potential
threats” in the Threat to block drop-down  

Anti-Exploit Protection
 Anti-exploit protection works in conjunction with program inspection to monitor the behavior of
programs and detect abnormal behavior that may indicate that an attacker has exploited program
 vulnerability. Once detected, Behavior Monitoring terminates the program processes.

•  Check Terminate programs that exhibit abnormal behavior associated with exploit

attacks.

NOTE  Anti – exploit Protection requires that you select Enable program inspection to
detect and block compromised executable files  

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Newly Encountered Programs

 Trend Micro classifies a program as newly encountered based on the number of file detections or
historical age of the file determine by the Smart Protection Network.

•  Check Monitor newly encountered programs downloaded through HTTP or email

applications. 
•  Recommend to Select Prompt user. 

NOTE  This notification requires that Administrators enable Real –  time Scan and
 web Reputation 

Event Monitoring

Event Monitoring provides a more generic approach to protecting against unauthorized software and
malware attacks. It monitors system areas for certain events, allowing administrators to regulate
programs that trigger such events. Use Event Monitoring if you have specific system protection
requirements that are above and beyond what is provided by Malware Behavior Blocking.

6.  Click Deploy.

Enable Predictive Machine Learning

 Trend Micro Predictive Machine Learning uses advanced machine learning technology to correlate threat
information and perform in-depth file analysis to detect emerging unknown security risks through digital
DNA fingerprinting, API mapping, and other file features.
Predictive Machine Learning also performs behavioral analysis on unknown or low-prevalence processes to
determine if an emerging or unknown threat is attempting to infect your network.
Predictive Machine Learning is a powerful tool that helps protect your environment from unidentified threats
and zero-day attacks.
Before enabling this feature, Predictive Machine Learning requires enabling the following;
•    Advance Protection Service

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•   Unauthorized Change Prevention Service

•   Real-Time Scan (For file detections)
Make sure to enable the required service for appropriate Windows platforms in Additional Service Settings.

NOTE Recommended settings for enhance process detection:

•  Enable Web Protection.

•  Enable Malware Behavior Blocking and Enable program
inspection to detect and block compromised executable samples

 To enable Predictive Machine Learning:

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Predictive Machine Learning Settings.
6.  Under Detection Settings, select the following:

•  Select to automatically Quarantine files that exhibit malware-related features based on

the Predictive Machine Learning analysis.
•  Select to automatically Terminate processes that exhibit malware-related behaviors based
on the Predictive Machine Learning analysis

NOTE Predictive Machine Learning attempts to clean the files that executed the
malicious processes. If the clean action is unsuccessful, Apex One quarantines the affected
files.  

7.  Under Exceptions, configure the global Predictive Machine Learning file exceptions to prevent all
agents from detecting a file as malicious.
8.  Click Add file hash.

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a.  Specify the file SHA-1 hash value to exclude from scanning.
b.  Provide a note regarding the reason from the exception or to describe the file name(s)
associate with the hash value. (Optional)
c.  Click Add.
9.   Apex One will add the file hash to the exception lists.
10.  Click Deploy.

Fileless Malware Protection settings

 Apex One Agent policies provide increased real-time protection against the fileless attack methods through
enhance memory scanning for suspicious process behaviors. Apex One Agents can terminate suspicious
processes before any damages can be done.
 With Apex One, enhancements are made to detect file-less malware executions. Malware with file-less
characteristics only run on memory and uses evasive techniques so minimal trace of it is present on the disk
of the affected machine. To fully leverage these protection techniques these features must be enabled:
Required Services
1.  Go to Policies > Policy Management 
2.  Select the policy to which the settings will be applied
3.  Go to Additional Service Settings
4.  Enable the following:

•  Unauthorized Change Prevention Service

•   Advanced Protection Service

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NOTE   Administrators can opt to enable the services and features to Windows
Server Platforms should higher security is required for those machines.

Enable File-less Malware Solution Features:

BehaviorMonitoringFeature
1.  Go to Policies > Policy Management 
2.  Select the policy to which the settings will be applied
3.  Expand Behavior Monitoring Settings

a.  Check Enable Behavior Monitoring Settings 

b.  Check Anti-Exploit Protection 
c.  Check Enable Program Inspection and Block Compromised Executable Files 

RealTimeScanSettings
1.  Go to Policies > Policy Management 
2.  Select the policy to which the settings will be applied
3.  Expand Real Time Scan Settings
4.  Check Enable Virus/Malware Scan 
5.  Select Target
6.  Check Quarantine Malware Variants Detected in Memory 

PredictiveMachineLearning
1.  Go to Policies > Policy Management
2.  Select the policy to which the settings will be applied
3.  Expand Predictive Machine Learning Settings
4.  Check Enable Predictive Machine Learning 
5.  Under Detection Settings
a.  Check File for File Scanning and Select Quarantine for Action
b.  Check Process  for Process Scanning and Select Terminate for Action

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Enable Sample Submission Feature

Configure Apex One agents to submit file objects that may contain previously unidentified threats to Virtual
 Analyzer for further analysis. Subscription to the Virtual Analyzer allows you to perform sample submission,
synchronize suspicious object lists, and take action on user-defined suspicious objects.
 To enable Sample Submission Feature:
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Sample Submissions.
6.  Under Sample Submission Settings, enable Suspicious file submissions to Virtual Analyzer 

7.  Click Save to deploy.

NOTE   Virtual Analyzer requires a valid license for each required product/service or
contact your service provider to obtain an Activation Code.

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Disabling Independent Mode for Machine in

the network
 Trend Micro recommends disabling Independent mode for the machines that are in the Local Area Network.
 To disable, follow these steps;
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Privileges and Other Settings.
6.  On the Privileges tab under Independent mode, uncheck  Enable independent mode option if
enabled for LAN machines. Otherwise, leave it as is.
7.  Click Save to deploy.

Configure Unload and Unlock protection

 This section requires the user to input password when unloading or unlocking the Security Agent.
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Privileges and Other Settings.
6.  On the Privileges tab under Unload and Unlock
7.  Select Requires a password then input a complex password

Configure Uninstallation protection

 This section requires the user to input password when unloading or unlocking the Security Agent.

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management console.

2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Privileges and Other Settings.
6.  On the Privileges tab under Uninstallation
7.  Select Requires a password then input a complex password

NOTE  It is recommended to have a different password on Unload and Uninstallation

Protection

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Configure Apex One Agent self-protection

 To enable Agent Self-protection Feature, please do the following;
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Privileges and Other Settings.
6.  Go to Other Settings.
7.  Under Security Agent Self-protection, enable the following:

•   Protect Security Agent services

•   Protect files in the Security Agent installation folder
•   Protect Security Agent registry keys
•   Protect Security Agent processes

8.  Click Save to deploy.

Configure Device Control

Device Control provides control feature that regulates access to external storage devices and network
resources connected to computers. It helps prevent data loss and leakage and, combined with file scanning,
helps guard against security risks.
Device Control requires the following services:
•   Unauthorized Change Prevention Service
•   Data protection service
Make sure to enable the required services for the appropriate Windows platform in Additional Service
Settings.
By default, Device Control Feature is enabled but ALL devices have Full Access. Block Autorun functions on
USB devices are also enabled.
 To configure Device Control, please do the following;
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.

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2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.

3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Device Control Settings .
6.  Check Enable Device Control for both External and Internal Agents.
7.  Enable Block the Autorun function on USB storage devices.
8.  Click Save.

Permissions for Storage devices

   Allow access to USB storage devices, CD/DVD, floppy disks, and network drives. You can grant full
•

access to these devices or limit the level of access. Limiting the level of access brings up “Program
lists” which allows programs on storage devices to have Modify, Read and execute, Read and List
device content only.
•  Configure the list of approved USB storage devices. Device Control allows you to block access to all
USB storage devices, except those that have been added to the list of approved devices. You can
grant full access to the approved devices or limit the level of access
•  Configure the settings according to your preference.

Enabling Endpoint Sensor

Integration with Endpoint Sensor allows you to monitor, record, and perform both current and historical
security investigations on your Apex One endpoints. Use the Apex Central console and perform preliminary
investigations to locate at-risk endpoints before executing an in-depth Root Cause Analysis to identify the
attack vectors.
For more information you may refer to  Threat Investigation Overview.

NOTE  Endpoint Sensor feature requires special licensing. Make sure that you have the
correct license before deploying Endpoint Sensor policies to endpoints. Contact your support
provider for more information.

 To enable Endpoint Sensor Features, please follow these steps;

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Endpoint Sensor Settings.
6.  Check Enable Endpoint Sensor.

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 Apex Central On-Premise

 
 Apex Central SaaS

7.  Click Save to deploy.

Enabling Application Control Integration

Integration with Application Control provides Apex One users with advanced application blocking and
endpoint lockdown capabilities. You can run application inventories and create policy rules that only allow
specific applications to execute on your endpoints. You can also create application control rules based on
application category, vendor, or version.
Configure Application Control criteria that you can then assign to Security Agent policy rules. You can create
"Allow" and "Block" criteria to limit the applications that users can execute or install on protected endpoints.
 You can also create assessment criteria to monitor the applications executing on endpoints and then refine
the criteria based on the usage results.

NOTE   You must configure Application Control criteria before deploying an

 Application Control policy to Security Agents.
http://docs.trendmicro.com/en-us/enterprise/trend-micro-apex-central-2019-online-
help/policies/policy-resources_001/application-control-.aspx 

Each managed product provides different policy settings that you can configure and deploy to policy targets.
 You can find a complete list of supported managed products and the policy settings for each in the Apex
Central as a Service Widget and Policy Management Guide.

 You can view the guide using the following link:

http://docs.trendmicro.com/en-us/enterprise/apex-one-as-a-service.aspx 

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https://docs.trendmicro.com/en-us/enterprise/apex-central.aspx 

 You can also view the guide online using the following link:
https://docs.trendmicro.com/en-us/enterprise/trend-micro-apex-central-2019-widget-and-policy-
management-guide/officescan-agent-pol/application-control-_001/application-control/configuring-
applicat.aspx 

 To enable Application Control, please follow these steps;

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Application Control Settings.
6.  Click Enable Application Control.

7.  Click Save to deploy.

Rules and Criteria

 A newly deploy application control enable Agent has no other rule to enforce until you create a criteria. That
is why, creating criteria is a critical phase of application control deployment because it can cause programs to
malfunction if an associated or a subsequent application was inadvertently added to the block criteria of the
rule that the AC Agent is using.

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 Assigningarule
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management
Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target
 Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Application Control Settings.
6.   Assign Rule
7.  Specify user or the group names
8.  Select the criteria you want to assign. Click OK

CreatingaCriteria
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Resources.
3.  Go to Application Control Criteria 
4.   Add a Criteria (Allow, Block, Import)

Malware Execution Prevention

Malwares or file infectors has to be executed or installed in order to do damage to endpoints. After being
downloaded, it scans common folder variables such as %TEMP%, %USERPROFILE%, Startup folders and
especially network shares and removable storage to propagate or execute its payloads. By denying execution
of any unknown and unwanted applications to these folders, we can ensure that endpoint systems are only
allowed to run regular programs and executables that are either approved by the company.
Here’s an example rule-set we can use as a reference:

Criteria Match Method Target

Block File Paths •  \Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Temp
•  \Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start
Menu\Programs\Startup
•   \<file server>\users\Public\Downloads 

Stopping “Drive by Exploit” 

 Also known as “Drive-by Download”. This happens when visiting a website, viewing an  email message or
 when clicking a fraudulent pop-up window that downloads and executes the infected file to the local
machine. The following folders are common download and execute locations of this attack:
For Email and Website

%AppData%\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.OUTLOOK

%AppData%\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5
Pop-up Window

%AppData%\Local\Temp

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Chat and Instant Messaging

%UserProfile%\Documents\My Received Files

Criteria Match  Target

Method
Block File Paths   \Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet
•

Files\Content.OUTLOOK
•  \Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet
Files\Content.IE5
•  \Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Temp
•   \Documents\My Received Files  

NOTE  Use real “username” and “server name” or the wildcard “*” in <user name> and <file
server> to specify actual targets

NOTE   The “Allow” rules is as important as the “Block” rule in the example rule-set above to make
sure that legitimate applications and existing programs of the endpoint can still utilize the folder
locations we specified in the blocking rule and avoid unexpected system behavior that could affect end-
users’ daily task.  

Using Lockdown feature of Application Control

 The link below will show the best practice for lockdown mode
https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/1122134-using-the-application-control-lockdown-feature-in-apex-
one-as-a-service 

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Blocked Hash Value

 Administrators often tasked to block the IOCs. Application control can block SHA-1 and SHA-256.

NOTE   The manual hash values list can only support up to 20 entries. To manage larger lists, use
the import function.

Enabling Vulnerability Protection Settings

Integration with Vulnerability Protection protects Apex One users by automating the application of virtual
patches before official patches become available. Trend Micro provides protected endpoints with
recommended Intrusion Prevention rules based on your network performance and security priorities.
 To enable Vulnerability Protection service, follow these steps:
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Create or Select the Policy Name created.
4.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One agents.
5.  Go to Vulnerability Protection Settings.
6.  Click Enable Vulnerability Protection.
7.  Under Intrusion Prevention Rules tab go to Mode or Profile and choose between
Recommended/Aggressive.
8.  Select Define by mode (Enabled).  or Define (Enabled).

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9.  Click Save to deploy.

NOTE 
Performance Priority –  Ensure protection against known Vulnerability Issues
Security Priority –  Protect against known Vulnerability Issues and provide enhanced protection against suspicious
network activities
It is recommended to choose the Security Priority  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Apex One Vulnerability Protection

https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/1122213-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-about-apex-one-
 vulnerability-protection

Apex One Managing Server Settings

 This setting can only be configured in Apex One Server and cannot be seen in Apex Central

Enable Smart Feedback

 Trend Micro Smart Protection Network provides a feedback mechanism to minimize the effort of threats
harvesting, analysis and resolving. It not only helps increase the detection rate but also provides a quick real-
 world scenario. It also benefits customers to help ensure they get the latest protection in the shortest possible
time.
 To enable Smart Feedback, follow these steps:
1.  On the Apex One, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Administration 
3.  Select Smart Protection > Smart Feedback  
4.  Check Enable Trend Micro Smart Feedback and Smart Protection Network .
5.  Click Save.

Configure Global Agent Settings

Know advanced settings that will apply to all Apex One agents on your network.
 To configure Global Agent Settings:
1.  On the Apex Central page, go to Administrations > Managed Servers > Server Registration. 
2.  From the Server Type drop-down.
3.  Select Apex One.
4.  Click the Apex One server URL
5.   The Apex One management console opens.
6.  Go to Agents and select Global Agent Settings .
7. Go to Security Settings >
ScanSettingsforLargeCompressedFiles.
Real-time Scan
Do not scan files if the compressed file size exceeds: 10 MB 

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In a compressed file, scan only the first: 30 files 

NOTE  On certain scenarios, the default value prevents real-time scan from detecting
compressed files. You may opt to change the value for performance concerns.

Spyware/GraywareScanSettingsOnly
  Uncheck  “Enable assessment mode”  
Enable “Scan for Cookies” 

8. Go to System  tab > 

CertifiedSafeSoftwareService
Check  Enable the Certified Safe Software Service for Behavior Monitoring, Firewall and
antivirus scan
Check Use Configured Smart Protection Sources for service queries

NOTE   This option is not available in SaaS version

Check  Automatically restart any Security Agent service if the service terminates

unexpectedly. 

9. Go to Network  tab > 
EnhancedEncryptionofServer-AgentCommunication
“AES-256 encryption for communication between the Apex One server and Security agents:
Enabled” 

NOTE   This option is not available in SaaS version. To know more about the On-
Premise  AES-256 encryption for communication 

10.  Click Save.

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Outbreak Prevention Policy

 When an outbreak occurs, enforce outbreak prevention measures to respond to and contain the outbreak

For On-Premise Configuration can be found here 

For SaaS Configuration can be found here 

Security Compliance for Unmanaged Endpoint

Security Compliance can query unmanaged endpoints in the network to which the Apex One server belongs.
For On-Premise Configuration can be found here 

NOTE   This Unmanaged Endpoint option is not available in SaaS version

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Product: Apex One™ (Mac) 

 Trend Micro Apex One™ (Mac) provides the latest endpoint protection against security risks, blended
threats, and platform independent web-based attacks. The Apex One (Mac) server is a plug-in program
integrated with Trend Micro products such as Apex One and Worry-free Business Security and installed
through the Plug-in Manager framework.

Agent Self-protection
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 
4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Agent Self-Protection 
Select > Protect files used by the agent

Cache Settings for Scans

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 
4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Cache Setting for Scans  
Select > Enable the on-demand scan cache 

Configuring Device Control Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 
4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Device Control Settings
External Agents> Enable Device Control
Internal Agents> Enable Device Control
Set the Device Type Permission depending on your preference here. 

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Configuring Endpoint Sensor Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 
4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Enable Endpoint Sensor
7.  Enable event recording
8.   Advanced Settings > Send a subset of log data to perform preliminary investigations
9.  Upload Frequency:
10.  Enable Additional hash types: SHA-256 & MD5

NOTE  Endpoint Sensor feature requires special licensing. Make sure that you have the
correct license before deploying Endpoint Sensor policies to endpoints. Contact your support
provider for more information.

Configuring Manual Scan Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 
4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Manual Scan Settings 
7.   Target Tab > File to Scan > All scannable files 
8.  Under Scan Settings >Enabled the following:
a.  Scan compressed files
b.  Scan network drive
c.  Scan Time Machine
9.   Action Tab > Under Action
a.  Use the same action for all security risk types
b.  Select 1st Action: Clean | 2 nd Action: Quarantine
10.  CPU Usage:
a.  Set to “Low: pause longer between file scans ” 

Configuring Predictive Machine Learning Setting

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.

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3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 

4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Predictive Machine Learning Settings 
a.  Enable Predictive Machine Learning

Configuring Real Time Scan Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 
4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Real Time Scan Settings 
7.   Target Tab > File to Scan > Scan files being created/modified/executed 
8.  Under Scan Settings >Enabled the following:
a.  Scan compressed files
b.  Scan network drive
9.   Action Tab > Under Action
b.  Use the same action for all security risk types
c.  Select 1st Action: Clean | 2 nd Action: Quarantine
10.  Enable “Display a notification message on the endpoint when virus/malware is detected.” 

Configuring Scan Method

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 
4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Scan Method 
Select > Smart Scan

Configuring Schedule Scan Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 
4.  Create or select the policy  created.
5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Schedule Scan Settings 
7.  Enable schedule Scan 

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8.   Target Tab > Schedule > Weekly, (depending on preferred day and time) 
a.   You may schedule the machines per group 
9.  File to Scan: All scannable files
10.  Under Scan Settings >Enabled the following:
a.  Scan compressed files
b.  Scan Time Machine
11.  CPU Usage: 
a.  Set to “Low: pause longer between file scans ” 
12.  Action Tab > Under Action
a.  Use the same action for all security risk types
b.  Select 1st Action: Clean | 2 nd Action: Quarantine

Scan Settings Table Summary

Real-time Scan Manual Scan Scheduled Scan

Files to scan created/modified/executed All Scannable All Scannable

✓  ✓ ✓ 
Scan compressed files
Scan network drive  ✓* ✓

Scan Time Machine  ✓ ✓ 

CPU Usage  ✓ Low  

Low: pause longer between file scans  ✓ ✓ 

c  

Action Tab Real-time Scan Manual Scan Scheduled Scan

Use the same action for all security risk types  ✓  ✓  ✓ 

 All Types
1st Action : Clean  ✓ ✓ ✓ 

2ndst Action : Quarantine  ✓ ✓ ✓ 

Display a notification message on the endpoint

✓
 when virus/malware is detected. 

NOTE  * Administrators can opt to disable/minimize other scanning setting should

higher performance is required for those machines.

Configuring Web Reputation Settings

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Policies > Policy Management.
3.  Select the Product: Apex One (Mac) 

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4.  Create or select the policy  created.

5.  On targets select Manage Targets and select target Apex One (Mac) agent/s.
6.  Under Apex One (Mac) Settings select Web Reputation
External Agents> Enable Web Reputation Policy
Set to Medium
 Agent Log : Enable “ Allow agents to send logs to the Apex One (Mac) server” 
Internal Agents> Enable Web Reputation Policy
Set to Medium
 Agent Log : Enable “ Allow agents to send logs to the Apex One (Mac) server” 

Apex One (Mac) Managing Plugin Settings

 This setting can only be configured in Apex One (Mac) and cannot be set in Apex Central

Enable Smart Feedback

 Trend Micro Smart Protection Network provides a feedback mechanism to minimize the effort of threats
harvesting, analysis and resolving. It not only helps increase the detection rate but also provides a quick real-
 world scenario. It also benefits customers to help ensure they get the latest protection in the shortest possible
time.
 To enable Smart Feedback, follow these steps:
1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.
2.  Go to Administration > Managed Servers > Server Registration .
3.  Select the Server Type: Apex One (Mac)> Click the server link  

4.   Apex One (Mac) Managing Console will open

5.  Go to Administration> Smart Feedback

6.  Check  Enable Trend Micro Smart Feedback

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Enable Certified Safe Software Service

 The Certified Safe Software Service queries Trend Micro datacenters to verify the safety of a program
detected by Malware Behavior Blocking, Event Monitoring, Firewall, or antivirus scans. Enable Certified Safe
Software Service to reduce the likelihood of false positive detections.

 To enable Certified Safe Software Service, follow these steps:

1.  Open the Apex One (Mac) Managing Console
2.  Go to Agents> Global Agent Settings> Certified Safe Software Service
3.  Check  Enable Certified Safe Software Service for antivirus scan

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Connected Threat Defense

 Apex Central brings together a host of Trend Micro products and solutions to help you detect, analyze, and
respond to targeted attacks and advanced threats before they unleash lasting damage.

NOTE   Architecture Required/Optional Product List. See here. 

Suspicious Object List

Suspicious objects are known or potentially malicious IP addresses, domains, URLs, and SHA-1 values found
during sample analysis.
 Apex Central consolidates Virtual Analyzer Suspicious Object lists and synchronizes all Suspicious Object
lists among many managed products. The way each managed product implements the lists depends on how
the product implements the feature. Refer to your managed product Administrator's Guide for more
information about how the product uses and synchronizes the Suspicious Object lists.

Virtual Analyzer Suspicious Object

Managed products that integrate with a Virtual Analyzer submit suspicious files or URLs to Virtual Analyzer
for analysis. If Virtual Analyzer determines that an object is a possible threat, Virtual Analyzer adds the object
to the Suspicious Object list. Virtual Analyzer then sends the list to its registered Apex Central server for
consolidation and synchronization purposes.

User-Defined Suspicious Object

 Apex Central administrators can add objects they consider suspicious but are not currently in the list of
 Virtual Analyzer suspicious objects

Suspicious Object Scan Action

Using the Apex Central console, administrators can configure scan actions that certain managed products
take after detecting specific suspicious objects in the Virtual Analyzer Suspicious Objects list or the User-
Defined Suspicious Objects list.

NOTE  Product Support list Scan Action can be found here. 

Configuring Virtual Analyzer Suspicious Object

Scan Action

1.  On the Apex Central, log on to the Management Console.

2.  Go to Threat Intel> Virtual Analyzer Suspicious Objects.
3.  Select the Configure Scan Action 

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4.  Set the following Scan Action

  File Objects: Quarantine 
•

  IP address Objects: Block  

•

  URL Objects: Block  

•

  Domain Objects: Block  

•

   Apply To: All present and future objects 

•

NOTE   You may opt to customize the scan action based on risk level.

Configuring User-Defined Suspicious Object Scan

Action
 Apex Central provides different ways to protect against suspicious objects not yet identified within your
network. Use the User-Defined Suspicious Object list or import indicators from OpenIOC or STIX files to
take proactive actions on suspicious threats identified by external sources.
Follow the instruction from the link below for adding SO:
http://docs.trendmicro.com/en-us/enterprise/trend-micro-apex-central-2019-online-help/threat-
defense/connected-threat-def_001/preemptive-protectio.aspx 
Recommended Scan action as follows:

•   File: Quarantine 
•   File Sha-1: Block  
•   IP address: Block  
•   URL: Block  
•   Domain: Block  

NOTE   You can block IP, Domain, URL, File and File SHA-1 User-Defined Suspicious
Object (UDSO). However, not all products sync and take action against all UDSO. For
example, Apex One can only sync and take action against IP, Domain, URL, File but not
File SHA-1. See Reference here. 

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Endpoint Detection & Response

 You can now monitor, record, and perform current and historical threat investigations on your endpoints to
determine the root cause analysis (RCA) across your entire environment
Use Threat Investigation to locate suspicious objects in the network. If the network is the target of an
ongoing attack or an advanced persistent threat (APT), a threat investigation can assess the extent of damage
caused by the targeted attack, provide information on the arrival and progression of the attack, and aid in
planning an effective security incident response.

•   Perform security and threat investigations

•   Determine Root Cause Analysis (RCA) across your entire environment
•   Easily sweep for malware, registry changes, and other indicators of compromise (IOCs)

 You may check the Best Practice guideline using this feature here (page.76).

•    Apex One/Office Scan Endpoint Isolation

•   Investigate threat in your network
•   Suspicious Object and Custom Intelligence with STIX and OpenIOC

NOTE   This feature requires Apex One Endpoint Sensor. Make sure that you have the
correct license. Contact your support provider for more information.

40 | Apex Central Best Practice Guide for Malware

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Prevention Recommendation
Windows Platform
Disabling System Restore

On Windows operating systems, System Restore is a feature that restores your computer to a point where it is
 working fine. System Restore uses the last restore point made as its reference.

1.  In Active Directory Users and Computers, navigate to Computer Configuration, Administrative
 Templates | System | System Restore.
2.  Double-click Turn off System Restore, set it to Enabled. Click OK .
3.  Close the policy and exit Active Directory Users and Computers.
4.   The changes will take effect on the next policy refresh.
 To disable System restore manually on a system, you may refer here:
Disabling Autorun

 The AutoRun technology is a Windows® feature Microsoft introduced in Windows 95. It allows Windows
Explorer to automatically launch programs from inserted storage drives and other media. Its command is
rooted into the applications and can’t be edited by users.  
 The AUTORUN.INF text file, used for both the AutoRun and AutoPlay features, is placed in the root
directory of a volume or storage drive to launch specific applications, such as installation of files.
Cybercriminals abuse this technology by using worms that propagate through physical, removable, and
network drives and by leaving a file named AUTORUN.INF. This file is used to automatically execute
malware each time the infected drive is accessed.
 The AutoPlay feature was updated in Windows 7 to address this issue by removing the ability to automatically
launch programs from non-optical media such as USB drives.
 To disable Autorun:
1.  Click Start then Run.
2.   Type “GPEDIT.MSC” then press Enter. 
3.  Go to Local Computer Policy | Administrative Template | System .
4.  On the right pane, double-click Turn off Autoplay.
5.   When you are in the properties dialog box, click enabled.
6.  Choose All drives from the drop-down list.
7.  Click OK .

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References:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/967715/how-to-disable-the-autorun-functionality-in-
 windows 
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc731387(WS.10).aspx 
https://support.microsoft.com/en-ph/kb/967715  

Microsoft Windows Operating systems update

Leverage Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to distribute updates, keeping windows up-to-date. You
may refer to the below article.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-server-update-services/get-
started/windows-server-update-services-wsus 

MacOS Platform

Keeping your Mac up to Date

How to : https://support.apple.com/en-mk/guide/mac-help/mchlpx1065/mac 

Don’t Disable System Integrity Protection

 About System Integrity Protection: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204899  

Others
Educate users not to click on the links they do not trust

Do not open suspicious links or files especially from instant messengers, emails from unidentified users and
from pop-up windows.
 You can utilize Trend Micro Phish Insight: https://phishinsight.trendmicro.com/en/

42 | Apex Central Best Practice Guide for Malware

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