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Microsoft Defender addons for education

Microsoft Defender offers a suite of advanced security solutions tailored for educational institutions. These addons enhance the protection of sensitive data, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and provide robust defenses against cyber threats. This guide provides an overview of the various Microsoft Defender addons available for education.

Requirements

  • Microsoft A3 license

Roles and responsibilities

  • IT Admin
  • Identity Admin
  • OneDrive Admin
  • SharePoint Admin
  • EXO Admin

Microsoft Defender licenses addons

Description M365-A1 M365-A3 M365-A5 O365-A1 O365-A3 O365-A5
Microsoft Defender for Identity
Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 1
Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 2
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 1
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for servers
Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management addon
Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management addon to Defender for Endpoint for servers

Microsoft Defender for Identity

Microsoft Defender for Identity is a comprehensive cloud-based security solution designed to protect organizations from identity-related threats by monitoring and analyzing signals from on-premises Active Directory environments. It detects suspicious activities such as compromised accounts, lateral movement attempts, and privilege escalation, providing actionable insights to help mitigate risks. Tailored for institutions like schools, colleges, and universities, it enhances security by safeguarding sensitive information, including student records and research data, from cyberattacks. With real-time alerts and advanced analytics, Defender for Identity enables IT teams to proactively identify vulnerabilities, respond to threats, and ensure secure access for authorized users.

Key features of Microsoft Defender for Identity in education:

  • Advanced Threat Detection
    • Identifies suspicious activities such as brute-force attacks, pass-the-hash, and lateral movement attempts.
    • Detects compromised credentials and other identity-related threats in real time.
  • User Behavior Analytics (UBA)
    • Monitors user behavior patterns to detect anomalies that may indicate compromised accounts or insider threats.
    • Identifies risky users and alerts IT administrators to take preventive action.
  • Active Directory integration
    • Uses on-premises Active Directory signals to provide deep visibility into identity infrastructure.
    • Continuously monitors changes and activities in the directory to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Incident investigation
    • Provides detailed attack timelines and contextual information to support thorough incident investigations.
    • Includes tools to trace the attack paths, assess impact, and identify affected systems and users.
  • Proactive security recommendations
    • Offers insights and recommendations to address misconfigurations or vulnerabilities in identity systems.
    • Suggests improvements for account security, including privileged account monitoring.
  • Integration with Microsoft security tools
    • Works seamlessly with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Microsoft Sentinel for end-to-end threat detection and response.
    • Centralizes security management through the Microsoft 365 security portal.
  • Real-time alerts and notifications
    • Sends immediate alerts to IT teams about suspicious activities, enabling swift action to mitigate threats.
    • Configurable alert thresholds to meet the unique needs of educational environments.
  • Support for hybrid environments
    • Protects both on-premises and hybrid identity infrastructures, ensuring a unified security posture.
    • Monitors synchronization between Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID for security gaps.
  • Tailored for education
    • Addresses the unique needs of schools, colleges, and universities, where sensitive student, staff, and research data require robust protection.
    • Supports compliance with educational data privacy regulations such as FERPA and GDPR.

By providing these features, Microsoft Defender for Identity empowers educational institutions to safeguard their identity systems, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to evolving security threats.

Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 1

Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 1 is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect organizations from email-based threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware. It offers advanced threat protection capabilities, including safe links and safe attachments, which analyze and block malicious content before it reaches users. With real-time detection and response, organizations can mitigate risks associated with suspicious email activities. This plan also includes anti-spam and anti-phishing policies, as well as customizable tools for safeguarding collaboration in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Ideal for organizations seeking foundational email and collaboration security, Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 1 delivers robust protection to enhance security without compromising productivity.

Key features:

  • Safe Links
    Protects users from malicious URLs in emails, Microsoft Teams, and Office applications by scanning links in real-time to ensure they're secure before access.

  • Safe Attachments
    Scans email attachments for malware and threats before delivering them to recipients, ensuring a secure learning and collaboration experience.

  • Anti-phishing
    Uses advanced machine learning algorithms to detect and block phishing attempts, protecting students and staff from credential theft.

  • Real-time threat protection
    Provides ongoing monitoring and automated response to identified threats, helping schools quickly mitigate potential risks.

  • Defender for Office 365 reports and insights
    Delivers detailed threat insights and security reports, enabling IT teams in educational institutions to monitor, analyze, and improve their security posture.

  • Integration with Microsoft 365 apps
    Works across Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint to ensure consistent security for collaboration and communication tools widely used in education.

  • Quarantine and investigation tools
    Allows administrators to review, release, or delete quarantined emails and investigate threats to prevent further issues.

Benefits for education:

  • Protects sensitive information such as student records, grades, and research data.
  • Enables safe online collaboration between students, faculty, and staff.
  • Mitigates risks of cyberattacks targeting educational organizations.

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 1:

Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 2

Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 2 is an advanced security solution designed to provide comprehensive protection for email, collaboration tools, and cloud applications within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Building on the foundational features of Plan 1, Plan 2 includes advanced threat detection, investigation, and response capabilities. It offers proactive phishing and malware protection, automatic remediation of compromised accounts, and tools like Attack Simulation Training to strengthen user awareness against cyber threats. With real-time threat analytics, advanced hunting capabilities, and integration with Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence, it enables organizations to identify, mitigate, and respond to sophisticated attacks effectively. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses and institutions requiring a robust security framework to protect their users and data in a modern, cloud-first environment.

Key features:

  • Advanced Threat Protection (ATP):
    Protects against phishing, malware, and zero-day attacks with real-time threat detection and prevention.
    Includes Safe Links and Safe Attachments to safeguard users from malicious content in emails and documents.

  • Automated Investigation and Response (AIR):
    Automatically identifies, investigates, and remediates threats to reduce response times.
    Provides detailed investigation reports for IT teams to analyze incidents.

  • Threat Intelligence:
    Access to rich insights and threat analysis to understand and mitigate potential risks.
    Integration with Microsoft Threat Intelligence to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats.

  • Attack simulator:
    Allows institutions to run simulated phishing and attack scenarios to educate users on cybersecurity best practices.
    Enhances awareness among students and staff to recognize and respond to threats.

  • Threat hunting and analytics:
    Provides advanced tools for manual threat hunting and detailed analytics for IT administrators.
    Enables proactive identification of suspicious activities across Microsoft 365 services.

  • Extended Detection and Response (XDR):
    Integrates with other Microsoft security solutions like Defender for Endpoint and Defender for Identity for holistic threat management.
    Offers cross-platform protection and visibility across the institution's security ecosystem.

  • Compliance and reporting:
    Comprehensive reporting tools to ensure compliance with regulations like FERPA and GDPR.
    Detailed audit logs and insights into security posture.

  • Customizable policies:
    Flexible security settings to align with the unique needs of educational institutions.
    Allows for tailored configurations to protect users and data effectively.

Benefits in education:

  • Protects sensitive student and faculty data from sophisticated cyber threats.
  • Enhances the cybersecurity awareness of staff and students through proactive education tools.
  • Simplifies IT management with automated responses and integrated threat detection across platforms.

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 Plan 2:

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is a comprehensive security solution designed to provide visibility, control, and protection for an organization's cloud applications and services. It helps identify and mitigate risks associated with cloud usage by offering advanced threat detection, data loss prevention (DLP), and robust access control capabilities. With its deep integration across Microsoft 365, Azure, and third-party cloud services, it enables IT administrators to monitor user activities, enforce security policies, and detect unusual or risky behaviors in real time. By delivering actionable insights and automated responses, Defender for Cloud Apps empowers organizations to safeguard sensitive information, maintain regulatory compliance, and secure their hybrid or fully cloud-based environments effectively.

Key features:

  • Cloud application discovery
    Identify and assess all cloud applications being used in the institution, including shadow IT.
    Gain visibility into app usage, risks, and compliance status to ensure only approved apps are used.

  • Threat detection and investigation
    Detect unusual or suspicious activities, such as unauthorized logins or abnormal file-sharing behavior. Use advanced AI and machine learning to identify potential cyber threats and respond quickly.

  • Data protection and governance
    Apply Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies to safeguard sensitive student and staff information in the cloud.
    Enforce strict access controls and ensure compliance with data protection regulations like FERPA and GDPR.

  • Risk assessment and mitigation
    Evaluate the security posture of third-party cloud applications and services used by the institution.
    Proactively address potential risks by implementing security recommendations.

  • Session control
    Monitor and control user sessions in real-time to prevent unauthorized activities or data leakage.
    Enforce conditional access policies based on user risk or device compliance.

  • Integration with security tools
    Seamless integration with other Microsoft security tools, such as Microsoft Defender for Identity and Defender for Endpoint, for a holistic security approach.
    Centralized management of security incidents through Microsoft Sentinel.

  • Compliance monitoring
    Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by tracking sensitive data usage and activities.
    Generate audit-ready reports for security and compliance reviews.

  • User education and protection
    Provide actionable alerts and recommendations to faculty, staff, and students to improve their cybersecurity awareness.
    Enhance security while maintaining a user-friendly experience for educational collaboration.

Benefits for education:

  • Safeguards sensitive student, faculty, and institutional data from cyber threats.
  • Provides comprehensive visibility into cloud application usage to eliminate shadow IT risks.
  • Helps educational institutions comply with data privacy and security regulations.
  • Ensures secure, seamless collaboration across cloud platforms commonly used in education.

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps:

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 1

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 is a comprehensive endpoint security solution designed to protect organizations against evolving cyber threats. It provides robust capabilities such as next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and attack surface reduction to safeguard devices from malware, ransomware, and other advanced attacks. With its real-time threat intelligence and automated investigation features, Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 enables organizations to detect, respond to, and remediate security incidents quickly. Ideal for institutions of all sizes, this plan integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, offering centralized management and protection for endpoints across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms.

Key features:

  • Next-generation antivirus
    Provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other advanced threats, safeguarding devices in classrooms and remote learning environments.

  • Attack surface reduction
    Minimizes vulnerabilities by applying policies to block risky behaviors and prevent exploitation of common entry points for cyberattacks.

  • Device control
    Restricts unauthorized USB devices or peripherals, reducing the risk of data theft or malware introduction into the network.

  • Simplified security management
    Integrated into Microsoft 365 Security Center, offering IT administrators in education streamlined management and monitoring of device security.

  • Endpoint Detection and Response (Basic)
    Offers foundational endpoint detection capabilities to identify potential threats and provide insights for investigation and response.

  • Cloud-based protection
    Leverages Microsoft’s global threat intelligence to ensure endpoints are defended against the latest threats.

  • Cross-platform support
    Protects Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, accommodating the diverse device ecosystem common in education.

  • Integration with Microsoft 365
    Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools like Intune and Microsoft Entra ID for unified security management and user authentication.

Benefits for education:

  • Protects student, faculty, and institutional data from cyber threats.
  • Supports secure remote learning by securing devices used off-campus.
  • Simplifies security operations, allowing IT teams to focus on proactive measures.
  • Reduces downtime from attacks, ensuring uninterrupted educational activities.

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 1:

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 is a comprehensive, cloud-based endpoint security solution designed to help organizations prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to advanced cyber threats. It offers a robust set of features, including threat and vulnerability management, endpoint detection and response (EDR), automated investigation and remediation, and attack surface reduction capabilities. By applying advanced behavioral analytics, machine learning, and threat intelligence, Plan 2 provides real-time protection and deep insights into security incidents across devices. Ideal for organizations requiring enterprise-grade security, it integrates seamlessly with the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem to deliver unified threat management and enhanced security posture across all endpoints.

  • Threat and vulnerability management
    Identify, assess, and remediate endpoint vulnerabilities in real-time.
    Prioritize risks based on their impact and provide actionable insights to IT teams.

  • Attack surface reduction
    Minimize the attack surface by enforcing policies that protect endpoints against known threats.
    Block risky behaviors like the execution of untrusted scripts or macros.

  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
    Detect advanced threats and respond to potential breaches in real-time.
    Use behavioral analytics and AI-powered detection to identify malicious activities.

  • Automated investigation and remediation
    Automate threat investigations to reduce the time to respond.
    Remediate incidents without manual intervention, freeing up IT staff in educational institutions.

  • Threat intelligence
    Access threat intelligence from Microsoft’s vast network of security experts.
    Stay updated on emerging threats to better protect students, faculty, and staff.

  • Advanced threat hunting
    Enable IT teams to proactively search for threats using custom queries.
    Use advanced analytics to detect threats that might evade automated systems.

  • Integration with Microsoft Security Ecosystem
    Integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft security tools like Microsoft Entra ID, Defender for Identity, and Microsoft Sentinel.
    Provide a unified dashboard for managing security across the entire institution.

  • Cloud-powered protection
    Leverage cloud-based threat detection and prevention mechanisms for real-time updates and global scalability.
    Ensure that endpoints, both on-campus and remote, are protected effectively.

  • Support for education-specific needs
    Protect sensitive student data, research files, and faculty information from cyberattacks.
    Enable secure learning environments with endpoint controls and monitoring.

  • Cross-platform support
    Provide endpoint protection for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices.
    Ensure security across the diverse range of devices used in education.

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2:

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for servers

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for servers is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect server environments from advanced threats, vulnerabilities, and malicious activities. It integrates with Microsoft Defender's broader ecosystem to deliver endpoint detection and response (EDR), real-time threat intelligence, and proactive risk management for both cloud-based and on-premises servers. With features such as threat and vulnerability management, advanced attack detection, and automated remediation, it ensures servers remain secure while minimizing downtime. Ideal for organizations with critical workloads, including educational institutions, it safeguards sensitive data and provides IT administrators with powerful tools to enhance server security and compliance.

Key features:

  • Threat and vulnerability management
    Identify, prioritize, and remediate vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in real time to strengthen server security.

  • Next-generation protection
    Protect server workloads from malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks using advanced behavioral and heuristic analysis.

  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
    Gain deep visibility into server activities with real-time detection, investigation, and response to potential threats.

  • Automated investigation and remediation
    Reduce response time by automating the investigation of alerts and applying automated remediation actions to mitigate risks.

  • Integration with Microsoft 365 security
    Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft security tools to provide a unified security ecosystem for both server and endpoint protection.

  • Advanced threat analytics
    Leverage AI and machine learning to detect sophisticated threats, including lateral movement and credential harvesting, in your server environments.

  • Attack surface reduction
    Minimize the attack surface by enforcing security controls that block commonly exploited techniques and reduce server exposure.

  • Centralized management and reporting
    Manage server security and monitor activities through a single, user-friendly dashboard with detailed reporting and analytics.

  • Custom threat hunting
    Enable IT teams to proactively hunt for threats in server environments using rich data sets and advanced query capabilities.

  • Support for hybrid environments
    Protect servers across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments with consistent security policies and monitoring.

Benefits for education:

  • Protection of critical data: Safeguard sensitive student and faculty information, research data, and administrative systems from cyber threats.
  • Operational continuity: Prevent disruptions caused by malware or ransomware attacks on educational servers.
  • Simplified security management: Centralized tools help IT teams in educational institutions manage and respond to threats efficiently.
  • Scalability: Designed to protect diverse server environments, from small schools to large universities.

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for Servers:

Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management addon

The Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Addon is an advanced extension to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, designed to enhance vulnerability management capabilities across server environments. It provides continuous monitoring, in-depth vulnerability assessments, and prioritized remediation guidance to help organizations proactively address security risks. By integrating threat intelligence and configuration management, the addon enables IT teams to detect, prioritize, and resolve vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. With support for hybrid environments and detailed reporting, it streamlines security operations and helps maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Ideal for organizations seeking to strengthen their server security posture, this addon ensures a proactive defense against evolving cyber threats.

Key features:

  • Real-time vulnerability assessment
    Continuously scans devices and applications to detect vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and security weaknesses.

  • Device inventory and risk prioritization
    Provides a comprehensive inventory of devices, including detailed risk scores to prioritize remediation based on impact and exploitability.

  • Remediation tools
    Offers actionable remediation guidance and integrates with IT workflows to streamline patch management and configuration updates.

  • Integrated threat intelligence
    Leverages Microsoft's advanced threat intelligence to identify vulnerabilities actively exploited by attackers and prioritize critical fixes.

  • Secure configuration management
    Monitors device settings and configurations to ensure compliance with security best practices and institutional policies.

  • Attack surface reduction
    Provides insights into exposed attack surfaces, helping schools and universities reduce potential entry points for cyber threats.

  • Customizable dashboards and reports
    Delivers intuitive dashboards and detailed reports for IT administrators, offering insights into vulnerabilities and progress on remediation efforts.

  • Integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
    Seamlessly integrates with Defender for Endpoint, ensuring unified visibility and management across security and vulnerability workflows.

Benefits for education:

  • Enhanced security posture: Protects sensitive data, such as student records and research materials, from exploitation due to vulnerabilities.
  • Streamlined IT management: Simplifies the process of identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in educational networks.
  • Proactive defense: Enables schools, colleges, and universities to stay ahead of emerging threats by addressing weaknesses before they can be exploited.
  • Regulatory compliance: Helps educational institutions meet compliance requirements by ensuring secure configurations and vulnerability management.

Learn more about Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management addon:

Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management addon to Defender for Endpoint for servers

The Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management addon to Defender for Endpoint for servers is a comprehensive solution designed to enhance the security of server environments by providing advanced tools for vulnerability identification, prioritization, and remediation. It continuously assesses server infrastructures for vulnerabilities, such as missing patches and misconfigurations, while offering actionable recommendations to address high-risk issues. With seamless integration into Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, it delivers a unified view of endpoint and server vulnerabilities, enabling IT teams to proactively strengthen security. Additionally, it includes features like threat intelligence integration, customizable reporting, and hybrid environment support, making it ideal for organizations aiming to reduce exposure to cyber threats and maintain regulatory compliance.

Key features:

  • Vulnerability assessment
    Continuously scans server environments to detect vulnerabilities in applications, operating systems, and configurations.

  • Threat prioritization
    Uses threat intelligence to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their exploitability and potential impact, helping organizations focus on the most critical issues.

  • Configuration management
    Identifies insecure server configurations and provides remediation guidance to minimize attack surfaces.

  • Remediation guidance
    Offers actionable insights and step-by-step recommendations to address vulnerabilities efficiently.

  • Integration with Defender for Endpoint
    Provides a unified view of endpoint and server vulnerabilities within the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint console.

  • Cloud and hybrid environment support
    Covers both on-premises and cloud-based server infrastructures for comprehensive security.

  • Regulatory compliance assistance
    Helps organizations meet compliance standards by ensuring servers are up to date and secure.

  • Custom reporting and dashboards
    Delivers detailed reports and insights into the organization's server security posture.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced security: Proactively identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities to reduce exposure to threats.
  • Streamlined management: Integrates with existing security workflows for centralized vulnerability management.
  • Improved compliance: Assists in meeting regulatory requirements by maintaining secure server environments.
  • Threat intelligence integration: Uses real-time intelligence to prioritize and address critical vulnerabilities effectively.
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