Many organisations invest in Microsoft 365 for its productivity tools, such as Office, Teams, and Power Automate, without realising the security capabilities already available to them.
At Proaxiom, we frequently work with clients who are unaware that their existing licences, particularly E5 and E3, also come with comprehensive security solutions. In this article, we’ll break down the Microsoft security stack and highlight the key features that businesses can leverage to maximise the value of their current Microsoft licences.
What is the Microsoft Security Stack?
The Microsoft Security Stack refers to the suite of tools within Microsoft 365 that protect your organisation’s data and infrastructure. While many businesses focus on productivity, they often overlook the powerful security features included—especially with licences like E5. These licences not only give you access to Office and Teams but also advanced security solutions that rival the best-in-breed tools.
Maximising Value and Minimising Risk
With the E5 licence, businesses gain access to Microsoft’s Defender XDR Suite, which includes:
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2: A full EDR solution with advanced features like device isolation.
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Security for email, Teams, and SharePoint, preventing phishing and malware attacks.
- Microsoft Defender for Identity: Monitors on-premises Active Directory services to detect hidden threats.
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps: Helps identify risks associated with cloud applications and shadow IT.
These tools come integrated into a single pane of glass for simplified security management. The advantage? Businesses can reduce reliance on multiple third-party products, streamlining security operations and saving on additional licensing costs.
Security Benefits for E3 and E5 Licences
While both E3 and E5 licences provide a strong security foundation, E5 offers significantly more advanced capabilities. For instance, E3 includes the P1 version of Microsoft Defender, which provides basic features but lacks the full EDR functionality seen in E5.
E3 may be suitable for businesses with lower security requirements, particularly those targeting a lower maturity level (e.g., Level 1 on the ASD Essential Eight framework). However, organisations aiming for a higher security standard should consider E5 or the E5 security add-on for E3, which provides enhanced security without upgrading the entire suite.
Key Benefits of Leveraging Existing Licences
One of the standout benefits of Microsoft’s security stack is the rapid deployment time. At Proaxiom, we’ve seen that businesses can get most security features up and running within four weeks. While onboarding disparate solutions could take several months, the Microsoft stack’s software as a service (SaaS) nature makes it simple to turn on and integrate. For businesses with limited IT resources, this ease of deployment is a significant advantage.
Flexible Vendor Management with Azure Lighthouse
A common concern for businesses is vendor lock-in. Microsoft addresses this with Azure Lighthouse, allowing organisations to retain control over their Microsoft Sentinel instance even when working with a managed security provider. All security data, threat logic, and detection systems stay within the customer’s environment, ensuring smooth transitions between vendors if needed.
How to Maximise Your E5 Security Licence
- Review Your Licences: Understand which security tools are included with your Microsoft licence and ensure they’re activated.
- Integrate Security Tools: Make sure tools like Microsoft Defender and Cloud App Security are fully integrated into your system.
- Monitor Regularly: Keep security software updated and continuously monitor for threats.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft E5 and E3 licences offer far more than just productivity tools—they include powerful security solutions designed to protect businesses from today’s advanced cyber threats. By maximising the security capabilities already built into these licences, organisations can reduce costs, improve security, and streamline operations. If you’re not sure how to get started, Proaxiom can help guide you through optimising your Microsoft licences and strengthening your cybersecurity strategy.
