Now that cyber threats are more advanced, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face increasing compliance and cyber insurance requirements. While Microsoft 365 Business Premium delivers strong built-in security, some businesses need even more protection. This is where Microsoft 365 E5 Security comes in.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers can now add E5 Security for advanced identity protection, threat detection, endpoint security, and SaaS protection – all at 57% savings compared to just getting Microsoft 365 E3 or E5.
What’s Included in Microsoft 365 E5 Security?
Advanced Identity Protection & Access Management
- Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2 enhances multi-factor authentication (MFA), risk-based conditional access, and governance tools to prevent unauthorized access and account takeovers.
- Proactive alerts detect and block suspicious login attempts, like password-spray attacks.
Extended Detection & Response (XDR) for Full-Spectrum Threat Defense
- Microsoft Defender XDR gives IT teams a unified view of threats across identities, endpoints, apps, and email—reducing investigation time and speeding up response actions.
Identity Threat Detection & Response (ITDR)
- Microsoft Defender for Identity continuously monitors your identity environment to detect anomalous behavior, compromised credentials, and insider threats.
Upgraded Device & Endpoint Security
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2 expands on Defender for Business with advanced threat hunting, AI-powered detection, and six months of data retention for forensic investigations.
- Built-in security for IoT devices ensures even unmanaged endpoints are monitored for risks.
Email & Collaboration Security
- Microsoft Defender for Office 365 P2 adds AI-powered phishing protection, cyber-attack simulations, and automated response capabilities – helping SMBs strengthen email security and train employees against phishing attempts.
SaaS Security for Cloud Apps
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps secures third-party SaaS platforms, helping businesses manage shadow IT, detect OAuth-based threats, and enforce security policies across apps.
Why SMBs Should Upgrade to Microsoft 365 E5 Security
🔹 Stronger protection against evolving cyber threats
🔹 Simplified security management across users, devices, and cloud apps
🔹 Meets growing compliance needs for cyber insurance and industry regulations
🔹 Cost-effective solution. Close to 60% savings over purchasing individual security tools
What SMBs Need to Know Right Now
When is Microsoft 365 E5 Security available?
It’s available for purchase right now!
How can I purchase Microsoft 365 E5 Security?
You can buy it as an add-on to Business Premium through Microsoft Security for SMBs or a Microsoft Partner.
Can I mix licenses between Microsoft Defender for Business and Defender for Endpoint P2?
No, Microsoft Defender for Business doesn’t support mixed licensing. If you add Microsoft 365 E5 Security for some users but not all, the system defaults to Defender for Business. If you want to enable Defender for Endpoint P2 across all users, you’ll need to license every user and then contact Microsoft Support to switch your tenant.
What’s the difference between Microsoft Defender for Business and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2?
Defender for Business (included in Business Premium) provides:
✔️ Enterprise-grade protection across Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android
✔️ Vulnerability management and next-gen antivirus
✔️ AI-powered attack detection & response
Defender for Endpoint P2 (included in E5 Security) adds:
✔️ Advanced threat hunting & forensic analysis
✔️ Six months of data retention for investigations
✔️ IoT device security
Next Steps
As cyber risks continue to rise, businesses can’t afford to be reactive. Upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 Security helps SMBs proactively defend against threats, protect sensitive data, and meet compliance requirements—all while simplifying security management.
Ready to level up your cybersecurity? Contact 360 Visibility today to explore how Microsoft 365 E5 Security can strengthen your business’s defenses.