/Security

Choosing Your Security Shield: Microsoft Defender for Small to Large Businesses

As of 2023, over 72 percent of businesses globally were affected by ransomware attacks (Statista.)

Due to emerging digital technologies, including AI, attackers have become more innovative - making every company, large or small, a reachable target. As companies determine how to mitigate threats and enhance resilience and recovery, threat actors discover new exploitation vectors.

To help companies strengthen security protocols and practices, Microsoft Defender has been in the works to provide security plans for large enterprises and small-to-medium-sized businesses. Optimized to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats, Defender provides protection with antivirus and antimalware technology, ransomware mitigation, and more.

Microsoft Defender for Large Businesses

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a security plan for enterprise endpoint security. Endpoint security is an approach to protecting computer networks that are remotely connected to user devices such as desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and even IoT devices. 

Defender for Endpoint is available in two plans, Plan 1 and Plan 2. Additionally, Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management is a new add-on for Plan 2. The table below summarizes the features of both Endpoint security plans.

Microsoft Defender Plans & Features
Plan What’s Included
Defender for Endpoint Plan 1
  • Robust antimalware and antivirus protection
  • Manual response actions (running an antivirus scan, isolating device, stop and quarantine, and adding an indicator to block or allow a file)
  • Attack surface reduction (ransomware mitigation, device control, web & network protection, network firewall, and application control)
  • Centralized management
  • Security reports
  • APIs
  • Support for Windows 10, Windows 11, iOS, Android OS, and macOS devices
Defender for Endpoint Plan 2
  • All of Plan 1 capabilities, plus:
  • Device discovery
  • Device inventory
  • Core Defender Vulnerability Management capabilities
  • Threat Analytics
  • Automated investigation and response
  • Advanced hunting
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
  • Endpoint Attack Notifications
  • Support for Windows (client only) and non-Windows platforms (macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux)
Defender Vulnerability Management add-on
  • Additional Defender Vulnerability Management capabilities for Defender for Endpoint Plan 2:
  • Security baselines assessment
  • Block vulnerable applications
  • Browser extensions
  • Digital certificate assessment
  • Network share analysis
  • Hardware and firmware assessment
  • Authenticated scan for Windows
  • Support for Windows (client and server) and non-Windows platforms (macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux)

If you are unsure which plan to select, please contact us. Our engineers can help you tailor plans to align with your IT infrastructure and its specific requirements.

Integration with other Microsoft Solutions

  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • Microsoft Sentinel
  • Intune
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
  • Microsoft Defender for Identity
  • Microsoft Defender for Office
  • Skype for Business

Microsoft Defender for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (up to 300 employees), this security solution enables protection from ransomware, malware, phishing, and more. Defender for Business is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium and is available as a standalone subscription.

The table below summarizes the features of Defender for Business:\

Defender for Business Features
Plan What’s Included
Defender for Business
  • Antispam protection
  • Antimalware protection
  • Next-generation protection
  • Attack surface reduction
  • Endpoint detection and response
  • Automated investigation and response
  • Vulnerability management
  • Centralized reporting
  • APIs ( for integration with custom apps or reporting solutions)

In addition to the highlighted features, Microsoft will be introducing Security Copilot throughout its products. Security Copilot is a dynamic, self-learning, and anticipatory AI, designed to guide, assist, and augment efforts in the realm of cybersecurity. 

In the next few months, Microsoft will announce additional features and updates that will change how companies enforce cybersecurity practices. Don’t fall behind; follow our newsletter below for upcoming cybersecurity webinars and updates. The best is yet to come! 


Trusted Tech Team is an accredited Microsoft CSP Direct Bill Partner, carrying multiple Solutions Partner designations and the now-legacy Microsoft Gold Partner competency. Based in Irvine, California, we report trends affecting IT pros everywhere.

If your organization uses Microsoft 365 or Azure, you may be eligible to receive a complimentary savings report from a Trusted Tech Team Licensing Engineer. Click here to schedule a consultation with our team now to learn how much you can save today.

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NhuDiem Pham

NhuDiem Pham

Content Marketing Strategist

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