Effective March 6, 2025, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is now an eligible prerequisite for Microsoft 365 E5 Security. This change allows Business Premium customers to purchase the E5 Security add-on, enhancing their security coverage.
What is Microsoft 365 Business Premium?
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a comprehensive solution designed for small and medium businesses (SMBs) that includes core security solutions. It allows businesses to safeguard data, defend against cyberthreats, and manage access and devices.
It includes:
- Microsoft Entra ID Plan 1 (P1): Provides single sign-on, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and conditional access. This helps SMBs manage user identities and enable access to applications and resources from trusted users, devices, and locations.
- Microsoft Defender for Business: Offers enterprise-grade device protection capabilities across Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. It includes vulnerability management, next-generation antivirus protection, AI-powered endpoint detection and response with automatic attack disruption, and automated investigation and remediation.
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 (P1): Includes SafeLinks with time of click URL filtering, safe attachments with real-time attachment scanning in sandbox, and phishing and malware defense across email, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps: A comprehensive, AI-powered software-as-a-service (SaaS) security solution. It enables IT teams to identify and manage shadow IT and ensure that only approved applications are used.
Why use the Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-on?
Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers can now purchase Microsoft 365 E5 Security as an add-on. The Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-on significantly strengthens your current security framework and provides improved protection against sophisticated cyber threats. It ensures your business stays ahead of emerging risks, safeguarding your data and maintaining your operational integrity.
The Microsoft 365 E5 Security add-on mainly includes:
- Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2 (P2): Offers advanced security and governance features including Microsoft Entra ID Protection and Microsoft Entra ID Governance. These automate workflows and processes that give users access to resources.
- Microsoft Defender for Identity: Provides dedicated sensors and connectors for common identity elements. It offers visibility into your unique identity landscape and provides detailed posture recommendations, robust detections, and response actions.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 (P2): Adds advanced hunting, endpoint security for IoT devices, and 6 months of data retention on the device. It also includes endpoint security for IoT devices.
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 (P2): Includes cyber-attack simulation training, automated response capabilities, and post-breach investigations. These reduce the time and resources required to identify and remediate potential security breaches.
- Microsoft Defender for IoT – Enterprise IoT: Provides security for Internet of Things devices within enterprise environments. It includes threat detection, vulnerability management, and device monitoring to ensure the safety of IoT assets.
- Microsoft Defender Application Guard for Office: Isolates potentially harmful files in a secure container to prevent malware from affecting your system. It ensures that documents are safe to open and use without compromising security.
- Identity and Access Management: Manages user identities and access permissions to ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive resources. It includes features like single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and access reviews.
- Microsoft Office 365 Cloud App Security: Offers advanced security measures for Office 365 applications, including threat detection and response. It helps protect against data breaches and unauthorized access to Office 365 services.
- Advanced Security in Microsoft Viva Engage: Enhances security for collaboration and communication within Viva Engage. It includes features like data encryption, secure access controls, and compliance monitoring.
- App Governance in Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps: Provides management and oversight of app permissions and activities to ensure secure usage. It helps identify and mitigate risks associated with app interactions and permissions.
What should I do now?
- Consider upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 Security for enhanced protective capabilities.
- Contact SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT for a quote and further assistance.
More Information:
Contact SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT for consultancy on Microsoft licensing and to request a quote for Microsoft licenses.