Microsoft 365 E5 Security: now available as an add-on to Microsoft 365 Business Premium 

Evolving Threat Landscape

• Small and medium businesses (SMBs) face increasing challenges due to evolving cyber threats, regulations, and cyberinsurance requirements. 
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides essential security solutions to protect data, defend against cyber threats, and manage access and devices. 

New Add-On: Microsoft 365 E5 Security

• Enhanced Protection: Business Premium customers can now purchase Microsoft 365 E5 Security to bolster their cybersecurity measures. 
• Key Components: E5 Security includes: 
  • Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2 
  • Microsoft Defender for Identity 
  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 
  • Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps 

Key Features of Microsoft 365 E5 Security

1. Enhanced Identity and Access Controls: 
   • Microsoft Entra ID P1: Offers single sign-on, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access. 
   • Microsoft Entra ID P2: Adds advanced security features like risk-based conditional access and identity governance. 
   • Identity Protection: Detects and blocks identity attacks in real-time using behavioral analytics. 
   • ID Governance: Automates user access workflows, streamlining onboarding and lifecycle management. 
2. Extended Detection and Response (XDR): 
   • Provides unified visibility across the attack lifecycle, consolidating various security solutions for better incident management. 
3. Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR): 
   • Focuses on securing identities, offering visibility and response actions for identity-specific threats. 
4. Enhanced Device Security: 
   • Microsoft Defender for Business: Offers enterprise-grade protection across various devices. 
   • Advanced Features: Includes vulnerability management, next-gen antivirus, and automated investigation and remediation. 
5. Enhanced Email and Collaboration Security: 
   • Microsoft Defender for Office 365 P1: Provides SafeLinks, safe attachments, and AI-powered threat protection. 
   • Defender for Office 365 P2: Adds cyber-attack simulation training and automated response capabilities. 
6. New Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Security: 
   • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps: Protects against SaaS-based attacks and manages shadow IT, ensuring only approved applications are used.