Announcing Microsoft’s new stand-alone security solution
National Small Business Week recognizes small businesses for their contributions to the economy and our communities. In honor of small businesses, we are excited to announce a special offer in the Marketplace: Microsoft Defender for Business as a stand-alone, enterprise-grade security solution. Unlike Microsoft’s larger suite of products, Defender for Business is now available for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) of up to 300 employees.
Security remains a major concern for businesses today. In the past year, ransomware attacks have increased by 300%— and SMBs comprise between 50-75% of victims. As SMBs grow, automate, and look to the cloud, they find themselves at a greater risk of security attacks. Many SMBs underestimate their level of immunity believing that their size makes them fall under the radar of bad actors.
As the digital transformation has garnered unprecedented levels of change for SMBs, it has introduced more vulnerability. A greater number of SMB employees’ personal devices have made their way to the cloud. This has created a greater demand for vigorous protection against potential threats. While large businesses can ensure a comprehensive level of security, many SMBs are left vulnerable holding the greatest risk of a security breach. In most cases, these attacks can be especially catastrophic for SMBs that lack enterprise resources.
Microsoft Defender provides the top-tier level of prevention and protection that many SMBs are missing. This is a game-changer, especially for businesses that have not yet invested in Microsoft’s suite of products that were initially a prerequisite for this service. Now, any SMB can purchase Microsoft Defender for Business as a stand-alone product. This levels the playing field and assures that no small business is left behind when it comes to security.
Microsoft Defender for Business as a stand-alone product brings tremendous value to SMBs
Here are some key features:
• Threat and Vulnerability Management: A threat manager that continuously detects threats and automatically remediates them.
• Attack Surface Reduction: A safeguard protecting against cybersecurity threats, including malware and ransomware agnostic across all systems: Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices.
• Endpoint Detection and Response: A next-generation protection that elevates security and focuses on endpoint detection and response.
Microsoft Defender for Business brings value to MSPs
The security solution integrates with Microsoft 365 Lighthouse so MSPs can view security incidents across a streamlined portal. This brings ease in managing customers at scale with a “pane-of-glass” view. Here are some other benefits for MSPs:
• An increase in security with AI-powered automation reduces risks and responds to threats with advanced technologies.
• A standardized view of security incidents and alerts and one solution across customer devices.
• A reduction in operational costs by standardizing endpoint security services, builds a higher margin.
• A greater opportunity to attract customers and upsell existing customers to the broader Microsoft Portfolio.
