The commercialization of cybercrime has led to an increase in the frequency and sophistication of attacks on small and medium-sized businesses (SMB). Business interruption is a top concern, especially from a cyber-attack such as ransomware (Allianz Risk Barometer 2022). For smaller businesses this type of impact can be hard to manage with potential financial, operational, and customer trust implications.
Microsoft has announced the general availability of Microsoft Defender for Business, a new endpoint security offering designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The new security offering was first unveiled at Ignite 2021, and it began rolling out in preview to select Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers back in December.
Microsoft Defender for Business now rolling out to new and existing Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers
Microsoft describes Microsoft Defender for Business as a cost-effective enterprise-grade endpoint security solution that caters to the needs of small businesses with up to 300 employees. The new security offering automatically investigates possible security threats (ransomware, phishing, and malware) in enterprise environments. It also provides a dashboard view of security incidents and alerts to help IT Admins lock potentially compromised devices.
Defender for Business makes Microsoft 365 Business Premium an even more compelling offer for small and medium businesses
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is an all-in-one productivity and security offering, designed to help SMBs run their business in the new hybrid work world, with peace of mind. It brings together your favorite collaboration solutions like Microsoft Teams and Office along with comprehensive security – including Defender for Office 365 for protection against phishing and other cyberthreats, Microsoft Intune for managing devices, Azure AD Premium Plan 1 for identity protection and helping enable secure remote access, Azure Information protection and DLP for data protection for sensitive data, Exchange Online Archiving, and much more. The addition of Defender for Business further strengthens Business Premium’s existing offering by adding cross-platform endpoint protection for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, elevating endpoint security against sophisticated ransomware attacks through enterprise-grade technologies like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Automated Investigation and Remediation. Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides SMBs an easy to use, comprehensive and cost-effective package, eliminating the need for managing multiple point solutions, saving time and money.
