Are you aware of all the cybersecurity threats—from phishing and ransomware to data breaches—that could impact your company? Do you trust your team to follow password policies and protect sensitive information? Our Threat Protection Engagement workshop takes an in-depth look at these issues and also highlights the powerful Microsoft Defender XDR platform.
Introducing Microsoft Defender XDR
Microsoft has firmly established itself on the IT market as an experienced security vendor and a growing number of businesses are making the company their security partner of choice. The Microsoft Defender XDR platform is a comprehensive Microsoft environment that providing insights into incidents in the cyber attack chain. Find out how the available solutions and various licensing options to suit different organisational needs.
Microsoft Defender XDR components
The Microsoft Defender XDR platform previously known as the Microsoft Defender product family) is made up of four main components, each addressing specific security needs within your organisation:
1. Defender for Office 365
Prevention is better than cure, which is why Defender for Office 365 provides robust protection against malware and phishing attacks, specifically for your e-mail and collaboration tools. It comes with several protection mechanisms such as Safe Links, which scan URLs in real time, and Safe Attachments, which opens attachments in a sandbox to isolate malicious content before it reaches users.
2. Defender for Identity
This solution is designed to detect and review identity threats within hybrid environments leveraging signals from your Active Directory. Defender for Identity helps monitor user activity and identify anomalies that could indicate potential threats.
3. Defender for Cloud Apps
As a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Defender for Cloud Apps provides essential insights and analytical capabilities into the Shadow IT present within the organisation. It also enables you to take action by, for example, categorising certain applications into Sanctioned, Unsanctioned and Monitoring.
4. Defender for Endpoint
This comprehensive security platform provides protection for endpoints such as smartphones, tablets and laptops running Microsoft, as well as devices running on Android, iOS, macOS and Linux. Defender for Endpoint uses behaviour-based and machine learning techniques to detect advanced threats and zero-day exploits. It also has automated investigation and response (AIR) capabilities, integrates with Microsoft Threat Intelligence for real-time data automates security policies through Inline.
Endpoint security implementation options
Depending on the organisation's size and security requirements, there are multiple deployment options available for configuring Defender for Endpoint.
Defender for Business.
This solution is ideal for smaller businesses with up to 300 users using a Business Premium licence. Defender for Business provides solid basic protection, including full endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities.
Defender for Endpoint Plan 1
Aimed at enterprises that require basic endpoint security without the comprehensive features of EDR, this plan provides fundamental protection against threats such as ransomware and malware, and supports organisations in implementing Zero Trust Security.
Defender for Endpoint Plan 2
Provides advanced features that supplement those of Plan 1. These include device detection, automated search, advanced search, threat analysis and sand boxing. Plan 2 gives businesses with more complete endpoint security and greater comprehensive capabilities.
Licensing options and bundling
Microsoft Defender solutions can be purchased separately or as part of various bundles. For example, Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 is included as standard with Microsoft 365 E3, while the Business model is part of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. For organisations seeking a more comprehensive security approach, Microsoft offers Microsoft 365 E5 Security, which includes all the Defender solutions mentioned above.
Licensing options and bundling
Microsoft Defender solutions can be purchased separately or as part of various bundles. For example, Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 is included as standard with Microsoft 365 E3, while the Business model is part of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. For organisations seeking a more comprehensive security approach, Microsoft offers Microsoft 365 E5 Security, which includes all the Defender solutions mentioned above.
Conditional Access and advanced security strategies
Conditional Access plays a key role within the XDR platform by enhancing the security of enterprise environments. This system ensures that only devices that meet certain security standards are granted access to applications and sensitive information by using dynamic access control. This mechanism leverages users’ location and device status to strengthen security layers by requiring adaptive policies such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) or restricting access to high-risk applications.
Conditional Access and advanced security strategies
Conditional Access plays a key role within the XDR platform by enhancing the security of enterprise environments. This system ensures that only devices that meet certain security standards are granted access to applications and sensitive information by using dynamic access control. This mechanism leverages users’ location and device status to strengthen security layers by requiring adaptive policies such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) or restricting access to high-risk applications.
Collaborating with Bechtle
Microsoft Defender XDR offers a comprehensive portfolio of security solutions designed to meet the complex requirements of modern IT infrastructures. If you are looking for a robust, integrated security strategy, Defender XDR provides the necessary tools and flexibility to ensure a secure and manageable IT environment.
Collaborating with Bechtle
Microsoft Defender XDR offers a comprehensive portfolio of security solutions designed to meet the complex requirements of modern IT infrastructures. If you are looking for a robust, integrated security strategy, Defender XDR provides the necessary tools and flexibility to ensure a secure and manageable IT environment.
Interested in exploring the possibilities of the XDR platform? Then get in touch with Nicholas, Security Advisor at Bechtle for insights into the specific benefits that the platform can offer your organisation and how it can help strengthen your cybersecurity.
Nicholas Baker
Security Advisor