In today’s digital landscape, making sure you are equipped with strong security and compliance measures is more important than ever. Microsoft 365 E5 stands out as a clear solution to suit the cybersecurity needs of modern businesses and major organisations. It offers a multitude of advanced security and compliance features that all help protect important data whilst simultaneously mitigating risks associated with online security.
By taking advantage of Microsoft 365 E5, we can leverage the tools available to help businesses around the globe mitigate security threats, protect data from breaches and make sure the business is adhering to industry regulations. This guide aims to inform individuals and businesses on exactly what Microsoft 365 E5 is, its compliance rules, and pricing, amongst many more key details.
What is Microsoft 365 E5 Security?
Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-ons are an advanced set of security tools designed to increase the overall protection of a business or organisation’s digital asset’s and data. For businesses that do not wish to purchase the whole E5 licence, they are able to utilise the advanced security capabilities without select advanced features of the full licence.
The add-ons (which we’ll go into more detail later on) include Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which provides endpoint detection and response capabilities. As well as Microsoft Cloud App Security, which secures clouds applications and data.
In a nutshell, the Microsoft 365 E5 security add-ons are an advanced set of security features aimed at delivering protection across an organisation’s endpoints, cloud applications and user identities. This makes it an ideal choice for a business looking to enhance their security measures.
See how CWSI work with Microsoft in achieving optimal security and productivity.
What’s Included in Microsoft 365 E5 Security?
The Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-ons include a wide range of security tools designed to safeguard a business/organisation’s digital environment. These tools, which will be outlined and explored in more detail below, collectively offer detailed threat analytics, threat hunting capabilities. Here are select tools included within Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-ons:
Azure AD Premium Plan 2
Azure AD Premium Plan 2 is an identity and access management solution offered by Microsoft as part of its services. The aim of this tool, and the reason for its design, is to provide security and management features that help businesses protect their essential data whilst simplifying IT operations. Key features include:
- Azure AD Identity Protection – Uses Microsoft’s security telemetry to detect suspicious identity theft activity.
- Privileged Identity Management – Controls and manages access into Azure AD and other Microsoft related services.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Formerly known as Microsoft Cloud App Security, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is a cloud access security broker that brings powerful tools that increase the security of cloud applications and security. By offering deep visibility into cloud application usage, it allows businesses to locate and control the applications being used under their network.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2
This robust security solution is designed to provide a thorough level of security and protection for enterprise environments. Its endpoint detection and EDR capabilities allow organisations to detect, investigate and respond to cyber threats across their network.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 also includes vulnerability and threat management, which aids in identifying and addressing weaknesses in the system before they can be exploited.
Microsoft Defender for Identity
Microsoft Defender for Identity leverages on-premise Active Discovery signals to identify and investigate threats, compromised identities and insider actions directed at your organisation. This tool can also aid in creating a timeline of suspicious activity, signalling not only where the attack happened, but the attacker’s journey through your database.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Microsoft Defender for Microsoft Office 365 is a security solution tailored to protect your organisation from a broad range of attackers and threats from accessing/manipulating your emails and communications. For example, a feature such as Safe Attachments scans and analyses malicious files before they are able to reach users and their files.
Offering reporting analytics, this tool provides insights into the threat landscape for your business and how effective your security measures really are, making Microsoft Defender for Office 365 a solid tool included in Microsoft’s 365 E5 Security add-ons.
What is Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance?
Introducing the second sub-set of Microsoft’s E5 licence, Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance is a suite of advanced compliance solutions designed to aid in organisations meeting regulatory requirements and guard sensitive information. The tools included in this add-on are tools such as MIP, Advanced Audit and Insider Risk Management.
From utilising these tools, organisations can effectively manage obligations, mitigate risks of attacks and safeguard sensitive information. Making the E5 compliance add on, a crucial component to a highly secure standard of data security.
Check out CWSI’s compliance services here.
What’s Included in Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance?
Briefly mentioned above, Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance add on tools are an essential part of maintaining strict cybersecurity measures. Detailed below, explains just how these tools are used in achieving a quality security process:
Advanced eDiscovery and Audit
Advanced eDiscovery showcases a thorough solution for collecting and analysing data across Microsoft 365 environments. In addition to this, it also allows legal teams to carry out detailed searches and ensure all information is mapped out and present for legal cases and investigations.
The Audit, on the other hand, is a tool that can provide detailed logs of actions taken by users such as sharing history and file accesses. This then allows administrators to have a clear record of all actions taken, increasing transparency and accountability.
Information Protection and Governance
This feature allows businesses, alike, to label and protect data based on its sensitivity. When using tools previously mentioned, such as MIP, users can apply strict protection policies across data types. Guaranteeing that sensitive data and information is protected without the fear of breaches.
Insider Risk Management
In the case of internal users, either accidentally or maliciously, threatening the security of your organisation and its data, Insider Risk Management will prevent this from happening. The Insider Risk Management tool will detect and alert your business, giving your analysts the opportunity to work out where and why a breach of security has taken place.
Insider Risk Management protects you from:
- Identifies risky behaviour
- Prevents data leaks
- Automates alerts
- Provides detailed reports
Microsoft 365 E5 Security and Compliance Add-on Pricing
If you want to learn more about Microsoft 365 E5 Security and Compliance pricing, we recommend speaking to one of our cybersecurity experts.
It’s worth noting that individual licensing plans are also available for Defender for Endpoint, Azure AD Premium and Defender for Office 365. These Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-ons guarantee a more professional and well-rounded experience, without requiring a full upgrade to the full E5 licence.
Each add-on will cost around £9 per user/month.
You need to consider if you have any of the following licences, as they will determine if you can obtain any of these Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-ons:
- Office E3
- Microsoft 365 E3
- Enterprise Mobility + Security E3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Trial the Microsoft 365 E5 Security and Compliance Add-Ons?
Yes, you are able to trial Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-ons. This trial period gives organisations the chance to analyse and evaluate the add-ons, to decide if they are the right fit for them.
Visit our page today, for more information on Microsoft’s 365 licence.
Are the Microsoft 365 E5 Security and Compliance Add-Ons Worth It?
If, unfortunately, a data breach occurs at your organisation, it can be catastrophic. Ensuring you have sufficient adversaries in place to defend precious data is essential in today’s day and age.
Microsoft add-ons are definitely worth it, as they offer a cost-effective solution by allowing companies to pay for the specific services they need and not overpay for ones that they won’t utilise.
What is the Difference Between Office 365 Security E3 and E5?
Microsoft 365 E3 is known for its core security capabilities and the Office productivity suite. Allowing users to access the core features and adding on what they choose from the E5 tools.
Microsoft E5 is the larger package, including all available features of the Microsoft E5 package.
Learn the difference between Microsoft 365 E3 and E5, because knowing the features and benefits that differ between these two packages will benefit your organisation’s cybersecurity.
