Deploy CrowdStrike via GPO

As a security-conscious organization, deploying the CrowdStrike Falcon agent across your network can be a crucial step in enhancing your overall security posture. While manual deployment can be time-consuming and error-prone, utilizing Group Policy Objects (GPOs) can simplify the process and ensure consistent deployment across all devices. In this article, we will explore the steps to deploy CrowdStrike via GPO.

Why use GPOs for CrowdStrike deployment?

Group Policy Objects (GPOs) are powerful tools in Microsoft Active Directory that allow you to centrally manage settings, preferences, and configurations for your organization’s devices. By leveraging GPOs, you can deploy the CrowdStrike Falcon agent to multiple devices with ease, reducing administrative burden and minimizing the risk of human error. GPOs also provide a centralized location for management and control, making it easier to monitor and update your deployments.

Prerequisites

Before deploying CrowdStrike via GPO, ensure you have the following prerequisites in place:

1. Active Directory: Your organization must have an Active Directory infrastructure in place to utilize GPOs.
2. CrowdStrike Falcon environment: You must already have a CrowdStrike Falcon environment set up, including a Falcon server and agent software.
3. GPO infrastructure: Ensure that your Active Directory infrastructure is configured to support GPOs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deploying CrowdStrike via GPO

To deploy CrowdStrike via GPO, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Create a New GPO

1. Open the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) on your Windows machine.
2. Navigate to the Forest, Domain, or OU (Organizational Unit) where you want to deploy CrowdStrike.
3. Right-click on the desired container and select Create a new GPO.
4. Name the GPO (e.g., “CrowdStrike Deployment GPO”).

Step 2: Configure the GPO Settings

1. Within the GPO Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > CrowdStrike.
2. Enable the Falcon Agent policy setting to allow the GPO to deploy the CrowdStrike agent.
3. Specify the path to the CrowdStrike agent software (e.g., C:\Path\To\CrowdStrikeAgent.exe).
4. Set the Falcon Server URL to the URL of your CrowdStrike Falcon server.

Step 3: Link the GPO to the OU

1. Navigate to the OU where you created the GPO.
2. Right-click on the OU and select Link GPO.
3. Select the GPO you created in Step 1.

Step 4: Force Group Policy Update

1. Run the command gpupdate /force on each device within the linked OU to force the GPO update.
2. Verify that the CrowdStrike agent is installed and configured on each device.

Step 5: Monitor and Verify

1. Monitor the CrowdStrike Falcon console to verify that the agents are connecting and reporting data.
2. Verify that the GPO is successfully deploying the CrowdStrike agent to all devices within the linked OU.

Conclusion

Deploying CrowdStrike via GPO simplifies the process of deploying the CrowdStrike Falcon agent across your network, reducing administrative burden and minimizing the risk of human error. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can ensure consistent deployment and management of the CrowdStrike agent across all devices within your organization.

Best Practices

• Verify that the CrowdStrike Falcon server URL is correct and reachable by all devices.
• Use a test OU to test the GPO deployment before applying it to production devices.
• Regularly monitor the CrowdStrike Falcon console to ensure that all devices are reporting data successfully.
• Update the GPO with the latest CrowdStrike agent software and server URL changes.

By following these best practices and deploying CrowdStrike via GPO, you can ensure a secure and scalable endpoint security solution for your organization.