Sophos Isolation Notice

This article applies to the following operating system(s):

 Windows
Apple macOS

Overview

This article outlines:

• What an Isolation notice looks like
• Device restrictions imposed
• General reasons why the machine was isolated
• What to do next
• What a Removed from Isolation notice looks like

NOTE: Due to the nature of device Isolation, this article is mainly presented as a resource for Local Support/TSPs to identify an isolated macine.

Isolation Notice

A pop-up in the taskbar will appear which indicates the device has been isolated from all network capabilities:

Restrictions

Devices that have been isolated will be unable to access network resources of any kind, including:

• Internet
• Networked drives
• New email (sending and receiving)

Open "Sophos Endpoint" Menu to check the status:

Reasons for Isolation

Some explanations can, but not always, be attributed to the following unless an exception has been made:

• Devices that exhibit behavior consistent with an active infection
  • Regular and reoccuring notices implying an underlying infection that hasn't been mitigated
  • 2+ types of malware notices present simultaneously which might indicate an active and spreading infection
  • Critical notices having a severity, determined by the analyst, to warrant isolation
  • Unresponsive device owners concerning prolonged notices over 3 days from unmitigated infections
  • See also APM 30.14 Proactive UI Network Security Measures
• Devices that have software or Operating Systems past End-of-Life (EOL) and highly susceptible to attack
  • ex: Windows 7

What Next?

• End Users:

  • Contact your Local Support or TSP Region

    • https://www.uidaho.edu/tsp

• Local Support / TSP:

  • Determine and complete the level of remediation necessary

  • Network capabilities will be restored to the device when OIT Security is notified of completed remediation

Removed from Isolation Notice

Similar to an Isolation Notice, a Removed from Isolation notice will appear in the taskbar:

Resources

• https://support.sophos.com/support/s/article/KB-000038424?language=en_US