You can read our complete Microsoft Security Licensing guide here.
When it comes to safeguarding your technology and digital assets, it’s practically impossible to avoid viruses without some form of protection software. For Windows (and sometimes macOS and iOS software), one of the best antivirus solutions comes directly from Microsoft.
What is Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender, also known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a Microsoft product family that provides anti malware detection, protection, and response software for both personal and commercial use. By and large, these programs are designed to fortify your digital systems, mitigate threats, and scale security resources for enterprises. For ultimate security, this program protects identities (US only), data, and devices from online threats.
The Broad Spectrum of Microsoft Defender Services
The Microsoft Defender Brand offers multiple software and services, including the following:
- Microsoft 365 Defender
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Microsoft Defender Endpoint
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Microsoft Defender for Identity
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
- Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management
- Microsoft Defender for Threat Intelligence
While there are many software that can serve many different types of people or groups, this article will focus more on enterprise Microsoft Defender products such as Microsoft 365 Defender, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
History of Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender was first introduced to the world as a free downloadable anti-spyware program for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The anti-spyware operated with real-time security agents that monitored certain common areas for changes potentially caused by spyware. It also allowed users to specify which apps and programs they would allow to be downloaded and report anything they consider spyware to Microsoft.
Windows 8 took a bigger step and added antivirus software, which uses the same anti-malware engine and virus definitions from Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). For both Windows 8 and Windows 10, Windows Defender is active by default. There were several iterations of Microsoft Defender in the Windows 10 era, like when Microsoft tried to merge both Windows Defender’s GUI and Windows Security and Maintenance into a unified UWP app called Windows Defender Security Center (WDSC).
Eventually, the software was renamed Windows Defender Antivirus, and now more commonly, it’s known as a collection of software services under the cloud-oriented “Microsoft Defender” brand. In 2019, Microsoft Defender ATP was introduced for businesses that use Mac devices, which has since been extended to Android and iOS tools, too. The software has evolved into a full antivirus program that can even be used for mobile devices.
Features that Set Microsoft Defender Apart
While there are likely several Microsoft Defender software that may fit your business model, here are the main three features that will benefit enterprises dealing with a network of devices, software, applications, etc.
- Microsoft 365 Defender
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft 356 Defender
If you use Windows, specifically the 365 cloud-based services, Microsoft 365 Defender is a great resource to protect the many Microsoft services you use for day-to-day operations. Some of the most prominent features of Microsoft 365 Defender are as follows:
- Manage and secure hybrid identities
- Threat detection, investigation, and response for endpoints
- Receive data across all cloud services and apps
- Protect office 365 against advanced threats
Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Cloud-native environments are on the rise, which means new ways of targeting and protecting your assets are, too. Microsoft Defender for Cloud is one of the more innovative software that helps enterprises working within the ever-growing cloud and hybrid environments. Notable attributes of this cloud-friendly service include:
- Reduce risk with contextual security posture management
- Help prevent, detect, and respond quickly to modern threats
- Unify security management for DevOps
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Another powerful feature for antivirus protection is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which is a more holistic approach to your antivirus and malware solutions by offering a centralized management platform for endpoint security. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has features such as:
- Rapid threat prevention
- Ability to scale security
- Extended Detection and Response XDR
Microsoft Defender for Identity
Another invaluable asset in the security toolbox is Microsoft Defender for Identity, designed to safeguard user identities and credentials within your enterprise. Functioning as more than just an identity firewall, Microsoft Defender for Identity provides a multi-layered defense against identity-based attacks and insider threats. Key features include:
- Real-time monitoring of login activities to detect suspicious behavior
- Anomaly detection algorithms that identify unusual access patterns or credential misuse
- Seamless integration with existing security infrastructures for a unified identity protection strategy
Microsoft Defender: How it Works
The architecture of Microsoft Defender serves as a backbone for enterprise security, meticulously engineered to provide robust, scalable solutions for both small and large organizations. Incorporating cloud-based intelligence with on-premise capabilities, Microsoft Defender’s architecture is designed to adapt and respond to an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. By leveraging the power of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, it not only ensures real-time updates and threat intelligence but also offers the flexibility and scalability that modern enterprises need.
At its core, Microsoft Defender utilizes a multi-tiered approach. It begins with endpoint sensors that continually monitor system behaviors and report anomalies to a centralized security operations dashboard. This dashboard is part of Microsoft 365 Defender and brings in data feeds from various Defender services like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and Microsoft Defender for Identity, among others.
What sets the architecture apart is its seamless integration across platforms and services, be it cloud, on-premises, or hybrid environments. This makes it easier to manage complex security protocols through a unified interface. Furthermore, Microsoft Defender’s architecture supports Extended Detection and Response (XDR), integrating multiple security products into a cohesive system that can rapidly identify, investigate, and neutralize threats.
What to Look for in an Antivirus Software
When choosing antivirus software for your business, there are several key elements to look for to keep your assets safe.
- Constant protection. Attackers who threaten your business resources have advanced technology, too, and it’s a common strategy to target businesses on weekends and holidays while no one is actively monitoring your systems. Consequently, you can’t afford for your antivirus software to be anything less than constant, running 24/7/365—don’t settle for any manual scans!
- Frequent updates. As you can see from our historical review of Microsoft Defender, antivirus software continues to evolve with new technologies and new malware. Make sure your antivirus software is updated regularly, both in terms of features and functionality.
- Costs. Of course, all companies must consider their budget and bottom line while selecting the best software. You don’t want to compromise too much on cost, though, and purchase an insufficient program. There are plenty of free antivirus options, but they only offer basic protection, which typically isn’t enough at an enterprise level. How many devices are covered? Is your email protected? How long does your coverage last?
Once you find a program that provides around-the-clock protection and frequent updates at an affordable price point, you must implement the software and understand how to use it at scale best. For the many benefits the Microsoft Defender program offers, managing and tuning those tools to the needs of your business can create a roadblock. It can be hard for some organizations to fully take advantage of Microsoft security capabilities without the expertise and knowledge of a cybersecurity professional, which is why many companies use Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.
How Ontinue Can Help
Microsoft products are an investment for organizations, and all investments need to be optimized, managed, and utilized to the fullest. The best way to maximize your business’ security investment is to partner with a brand that can provide the expertise you need.
Ontinue is a Microsoft expert and can help your enterprise fully utilize Microsoft security software to mitigate threats and maximize the value of your investment. With the Ontinue ION platform that is built for Microsoft, we can configure Microsoft Defender tools to better serve your digital landscape, better respond to possible threats, and better utilize the tools you already pay for.