Endpoint (PC/Laptop) security has come a long way since the days of traditional anti-virus solutions – Which is fortunate as cyber threats have increased in their complexity and prevalence since those days too! However, we often encounter businesses who are still depending on antiquated cyber security solutions to protect their business computers.
There are a select few excellent options available to businesses which provide truly next-generation protection against the latest cyber threats. These solutions, from companies like Trend Micro and Sophos, provide machine-learning based threat detection, automated compromise response technologies, detailed attack analysis tools and much more.
Unbeknownst to many smaller businesses though, Microsoft has established itself as a class leader in endpoint security solutions for a few years now and enterprise businesses have enjoyed comprehensive and incredibly capable protection technologies in the form of their product called Windows Defender for Endpoint.
However, Microsoft is now about to make a stronger play for helping to secure SME businesses, many of whom are already invested in their Microsoft 365 suite of subscriptions. They have announced their plans to release Microsoft Defender for Business - and it includes most of the advanced features of their enterprise “for Endpoint” product. What makes this very interesting and potentially attractive for some businesses though is their decision to bundle this product with their Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscriptions. This means many businesses will now have access to a very capable security suite – for free!
This product has not yet been fully released and is currently in a “preview” phase but you can view a detailed feature comparison below:
While this is a very attractive proposition for businesses, it should be noted that the Microsoft solution requires cyber security expertise and experience for it to be deployed effectively and for it’s many features to be truly realised. It also demands additional management and administration time and overhead – certainly in comparison to more traditional solutions. However, with the right IT partner, it is certainly worth it and would take your business cyber security to the next level.
If you would like to discuss Microsoft Defender for Business, Defender for Endpoint or any other topic related to your business IT security, do not hesitate to contact us at Firaya.
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