Learn how and when to deploy advanced threat detection and response for endpoints with device and application management. Understand the difference between Defender for Endpoint vs Intune, and the benefits of each.
Endpoint security management is critical because it safeguards devices that connect to a company’s network (laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, etc.). Effective endpoint management software mitigates security threats from data breaches and malware attacks by continuously monitoring and responding to threats at the device and application level.
This proactive approach not only helps maintain compliance with industry regulations but also reduces the workload on IT teams by automating threat detection and response, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.
Investing in robust endpoint protection translates to protecting valuable company assets and sensitive customer data, which is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility. A security breach can lead to significant financial losses, legal liabilities, and brand reputation damage.
By prioritizing endpoint security, organizations can ensure business continuity, protect their bottom line, and foster a secure environment that supports growth and innovation.
Ultimately, endpoint security is not just an IT issue; it is a vital business strategy that safeguards the organization’s future.
Endpoint Security with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft 365 Defender for Endpoint is an endpoint management solution designed to protect desktops, laptops, and mobile devices from a range of cyber threats. Microsoft is named a Leader in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms. It leverages advanced threat detection capabilities powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify, investigate, and respond to potential threats in real-time. The solution integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 security products, enabling organizations to create a cohesive security environment that enhances their overall defense strategy.
In the broader context of a business’s security posture, Microsoft 365 Defender for Endpoint plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring operational continuity. It not only protects against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks but also provides features such as endpoint detection and response (EDR), automated remediation, and security alerts.
By consolidating endpoint protection within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, organizations benefit from streamlined management, improved threat visibility, and a unified response approach across all their security layers. This integration helps businesses proactively mitigate risks, respond quickly to incidents, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, ultimately strengthening their overall security framework.
Strong endpoint management software contributes to a company’s overall business resilience. In the event of a security incident, the potential financial implications can be severe, including loss of revenue, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.
By proactively managing and securing endpoints with tools like Microsoft 365 Defender, businesses not only protect their assets but also instill confidence among stakeholders, customers, and employees. This confidence is essential for maintaining strong business relationships and ensuring long-term success.
Ultimately, integrating robust endpoint security into the overall security strategy enables organizations to operate effectively, innovate confidently, and focus on growth, knowing they are well-protected against emerging cyber threats.
Endpoint Security with Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune (formerly Endpoint Manager) is a cloud-based service that helps businesses manage and secure devices, applications, and data across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Intune endpoint security provides mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) capabilities, allowing IT administrators to control how company devices are used, enforce security policies, and ensure that sensitive corporate data remains protected, whether accessed on-premises or remotely.
In the broader security posture of a business, Microsoft Intune plays a crucial role by enabling organizations to secure the mobile and remote workforce, a growing concern in today’s hybrid work environments. It integrates with other Microsoft security solutions, such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, to ensure that devices are compliant with security policies before accessing corporate resources.
By managing devices and controlling application usage, Intune helps prevent unauthorized access and data leakage, safeguarding company assets and sensitive information. This enhances overall security, reduces vulnerabilities, and helps businesses maintain compliance with data protection regulations while providing flexibility and productivity to employees.
How Defender and Intune Provide Unified Endpoint Security Management
When combined, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Microsoft Intune enable security comprehensively for IT and the livelihood of any business.
According to a 2023 Cybersecurity Ventures report, global cybercrime costs are expected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, making endpoint security and device management crucial for mitigating financial risk.
Defender for Endpoint offers advanced threat detection, with a 97% detection accuracy rate, according to AV-Test, while Intune enforces security policies like multi-factor authentication and encryption, ensuring that only compliant, secure devices can access corporate resources.
A Forrester study found that businesses implementing Microsoft Defender and Intune together reduced their exposure to security risks by 50%, with endpoint detection and response capabilities allowing security teams to mitigate threats 60% faster.
This powerful combination ensures that threats like ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks are quickly identified and contained, while Intune enables IT teams to remotely manage devices and wipe data if a device is compromised, protecting sensitive information.
By using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Intune, businesses can safeguard against these risks, ensuring uninterrupted operations and protecting their financial and reputational stability.
Setting Up and Managing Endpoints with Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a powerful tool that allows businesses to secure their devices and mitigate cyber threats before they impact operations. Our team’s deep expertise (360 Visibility’s team consists of Microsoft Certified Expert Cybersecurity Architects and Expert Microsoft 365 Security Administrators) enables us to efficiently onboard devices into Defender for Endpoint using methods tailored to your specific environment, ensuring real-time threat protection from day one. We implement advanced configurations, such as automated investigations and attack surface reduction, to proactively protect against ransomware, malware, and other modern threats.
Once deployed, we continuously monitor your endpoints using sophisticated analytics and threat intelligence. Our approach ensures that vulnerabilities are quickly identified and prioritized for remediation, while also setting up automated response workflows to neutralize threats in real-time, minimizing business disruption. In addition, we generate detailed reports to provide insights into your security posture and offer strategic recommendations to enhance endpoint protection.
Managing Device and Application Security with Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune enables businesses to control devices and applications across a variety of platforms while ensuring that corporate data remains secure. Our team configures robust mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) policies that fit your company’s security and compliance needs. Whether it’s enforcing conditional access, securing mobile applications, or managing device compliance, we ensure that the right policies are in place to protect your organization.
We leverage Intune’s capabilities to deploy and manage security policies that balance user flexibility with stringent security controls. By integrating device management with your corporate applications, we maintain tight security while allowing your team to remain productive. Our team also provides ongoing monitoring and compliance management to ensure that every device accessing company resources meets the necessary security standards.
Comprehensive Security Management with Defender for Endpoint + Intune
The integration of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with Intune for endpoint security allows for a seamless, unified security solution that secures both devices and the data they access. Our experience with these tools ensures that your business can leverage their full potential. By combining Defender’s advanced threat detection with Intune’s robust device management capabilities, we enforce risk-based conditional access policies that prevent compromised devices from accessing corporate resources, thereby reducing your risk profile.
We design and implement unified security policies that not only protect against known threats but also adapt to evolving risks, ensuring your business remains secure in a dynamic threat landscape. When security incidents arise, we respond swiftly, using Intune’s management tools to mitigate the impact and restore device compliance. Our team’s expertise in this integrated solution helps businesses achieve a secure and compliant environment, maintaining business continuity and safeguarding sensitive data.
By working with us, you benefit from industry-leading expertise in endpoint protection and device management, ensuring that your organization’s security posture is not only strong but adaptable to emerging threats and business needs.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint & Intune: Plans, Pricing, and Recommendations
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plans and Pricing
- Defender for Endpoint Plan 1
- Pricing: Starts at $3 per user/month.
- Features: Essential endpoint protection including next-generation antivirus, attack surface reduction, and basic threat detection.
- Recommended For: Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) needing core security to protect endpoints against known threats without advanced investigation or response capabilities.
- Defender for Endpoint Plan 2
- Pricing: Starts at $5.20 per user/month.
- Features: Comprehensive security with endpoint detection and response (EDR), automated investigations, and advanced threat hunting.
- Recommended For: Medium to large enterprises requiring advanced security, real-time monitoring, and proactive threat mitigation for critical assets and sensitive data.
Microsoft Intune Plans and Pricing
- Intune Standalone
- Pricing: Starts at $8 per user/month.
- Features: Full mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM), allowing for secure device and application access, data protection, and compliance enforcement.
- Recommended For: Businesses with a remote or hybrid workforce needing control over device security and application management across a variety of platforms (Windows, iOS, Android, macOS).
- Intune as part of Microsoft 365 E3/E5
- Pricing: Included in Microsoft 365 E3 ($36 per user/month) and Microsoft 365 E5 ($57 per user/month).
- Features: Combines Intune’s management capabilities with broader security, compliance, and productivity tools, including advanced threat protection and analytics.
- Recommended For: Organizations looking for an all-in-one solution that integrates device and application management with enterprise-level security, compliance, and collaboration tools.
Choosing the Right Plan
For businesses that prioritize basic endpoint protection, Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 offers excellent value. Larger businesses, or those in regulated industries, should consider Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 and Intune to ensure they meet stringent security and compliance needs across devices and applications.
Microsoft 365 Security Administration Service
At 360 Visibility, we understand the critical importance of comprehensive cloud security. Our Cloud Security Administration service ensures your business stays one step ahead of the latest threats with industry-leading tools like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Intune. Don’t wait for a breach to take action. Protect your business today, before it’s too late.
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