Enhancing Security with the Microsoft 365 E5 Security Add-On
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and businesses need advanced protection to stay ahead. Microsoft has introduced a significant update to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) strengthen their security posture. Microsoft 365 E5 Security is now available as an add-on to Microsoft 365 Business Premium, bringing enterprise-grade security features to SMBs at a cost-effective price.
What’s New?
In response to the ever-growing cyber threat landscape, Microsoft has introduced the E5 Security add-on to provide additional layers of protection for businesses. This add-on enhances the security capabilities of Microsoft 365 Business Premium, helping organisations mitigate risks, detect threats, and respond effectively to cyber incidents.
Key Features of Microsoft 365 E5 Security:
Advanced Identity and Access Controls:
- Enhanced protection against identity attacks with Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2.
- Risk-based conditional access and automated workflows for user access management.
- Extended Detection and Response (XDR):
- Unified incident-level visibility across multiple security domains.
- Efficient threat detection and response through consolidated security solutions.
Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR):
- Dedicated sensors and connectors for robust identity threat detection.
- Detailed posture recommendations and automated response actions.
Enhanced Device Security:
- Enterprise-grade protection for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
- Advanced threat hunting and extended data retention capabilities.
Email and Collaboration Security:
- Real-time URL filtering and attachment scanning.
- Cyber-attack simulation training for employees and automated post-breach investigations.
Comprehensive SaaS Security:
- AI-powered security for software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications.
- Visibility into SaaS app landscape and protection against SaaS-based attacks.
Why This Matters for Businesses
- Cost-Effective: The E5 Security add-on provides access to enterprise-grade security features at a fraction of the cost of a full Microsoft 365 E5 license.
- Enhanced Protection: Helps businesses stay resilient against evolving cyber threats.
- Simplified Security Management: Reduces the complexity of managing multiple security tools with a unified solution.
What Does This Mean for You?
By adding Microsoft 365 E5 Security to Business Premium, businesses can enhance security while reducing costs. Here’s how the pricing compares:
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: AUD $32.90 per user/month (ex GST)
- E5 Security Add-on: AUD $18.00 per user/month
- Total cost: AUD $50.90 per user/month
Now, let’s compare this to purchasing Microsoft 365 E5:
- Microsoft 365 E5: AUD $81.90 per user/month
- Teams Enterprise Add-on (since E5 now excludes Teams): AUD $7.90 per user/month
- Total cost: AUD $89.80 per user/month
That’s a massive difference of AUD $39 per user/month, allowing businesses to access the security benefits of Microsoft 365 E5 at a lower price.
Additionally, these advanced capabilities can be leveraged to implement a Security Operations Centre (SOC) solution, enabling 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat response. This ensures that vulnerabilities and cyber threats are mitigated before they can cause harm, reducing operational risks and enhancing business resilience.
How to Get Started
The Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-on is available now and can be added to an existing Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription. To explore how this can enhance your organisation’s security, contact Kloudify today for expert guidance and tailored implementation support.
With cyber threats on the rise, investing in advanced security solutions is crucial. This update ensures that businesses of all sizes can access enterprise-grade security at a more affordable price, improving overall protection without the complexity of managing multiple security tools.