One needs specialized knowledge, abilities and understanding to implement cybersecurity effectively. Because it doesn’t produce income on its own, cybersecurity isn’t always given proper attention by small firms. However, given the risks surrounding lost income if not taken seriously, it’s importance certainly shouldn’t be ignored.
Cybersecurity can be concerning for even the most experienced professionals and IT experts. Since there’s a massive influx of data coming in, it gets overwhelming for businesses to ensure that their companies steer clear of cyberthreats. For small- and medium-sized business owners, the biggest issue is that they don’t stress enough the fact that cybersecurity is just as critical as other operations. SMBs should spend money on dependable and efficient antivirus programs like Microsoft Defender, which are created to prioritize their security requirements.
Fortunately, managed service providers (MSPs) are well-positioned to educate SMBs and deliver such tools, both driving revenue and improving clients’ security posture.
What is Microsoft Defender?
Endpoint security is the process of protecting endpoints, commonly referred to as end-user devices such as desktops, laptops and mobile devices. Endpoints serve as entry points into an enterprise network, providing opportunities for malicious actors to exploit.
Endpoint security software protects these points of entry from risky behavior and harmful assaults. When businesses can guarantee endpoint compliance with data security regulations, they in turn can maintain better control over the expanding diversity of network access points.
With the use of encryption and application control, endpoint security software protects devices connected to the office network, enhancing security at those access points to detect and stop malicious activities. Data loss and leakage are reduced with the use of data encryption on endpoints and portable storage devices. Application control prevents endpoint users from launching unauthorized software that could create security holes in a network.
When Windows Defender was first released in 2006, Windows Vista and Windows 7 already had it preloaded. Later updates made Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 compatible. Later, Microsoft Security Essentials, a free software that combats a broader range of viruses, incorporated Windows Defender.
Windows Defender was improved for the debut of Windows 8, offering spyware protection and virus protection, much like Microsoft Security Essentials. Traditional antivirus software, however, cannot defend against today’s sophisticated cyberthreats. SMBs may enhance their overall security posture above and beyond what’s feasible with legacy solutions thanks to Microsoft Defender for Business, a more modern endpoint security solution.
Significant features and benefits for SMBs
Following are some notable features of Microsoft Defender of interest to the SMB market, which MSPs can leverage when suggesting solutions to boost their cybersecurity efforts.
- Easy to use: To quickly secure devices, installation can be streamlined utilizing wizard-driven configuration and pre-activated security policies.
- Cost-effective: Endpoint security integrates with existing IT and keeps organizations running smoothly without breaking the bank.
- Enterprise-grade protection: All devices are protected thanks to next-generation protection, endpoint detection and response and threat and vulnerability management.
Benefits of deploying Microsoft Defender for MSPs
Offering Microsoft Defender to clients has numerous benefits for service providers as well.
- Easy money: With a streamlined security solution, you can offer standardized, higher-margin endpoint security services while reducing operating costs.
- Reduced risk: For clients and their devices, AI and automation capabilities makes it simpler to guard against, identify and quickly respond to cyberthreats.
- Manage multiple clients at once: When Microsoft Defender is used with Microsoft 365 Lighthouse, you can track security vulnerabilities across your clients and streamline responses and remediation.
Subscription plans including Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender for Business is available for SMBs as a standalone protection program, or as part of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Suppose your MSP already has clients using Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Standard, access to Microsoft Defender is a great way to upsell clients to Business Premium in order for them to gain access to extra features for device threat protection.
Deliver cybersecurity with an expert partner
Want to learn more about Microsoft Defender or need help boosting clients’ Microsoft 365 security? Sherweb can help! Reach out to us to start a conversation today, explore cybersecurity solutions available in our cloud marketplace or check out our Partner Guide for more information about how Sherweb can help your business grow.
