Microsoft Licensing Update: New Defender Suite for Business Premium

Small and midsize businesses are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber threats, yet many advanced security solutions have historically been reserved for organizations with enterprise-level licensing. Microsoft Defender Suite for Business Premium changes that landscape.

This new $10 per user per month add-on delivers enterprise-grade protection as part of the Microsoft 365 Business Premium experience. With Defender Suite, organizations gain access to integrated threat protection, identity management, and compliance capabilities, all managed within a single solution. The suite streamlines security operations and makes it possible for businesses to deploy the same advanced defenses as larger enterprises, without the complexity or cost of assembling separate tools.

Microsoft Defender Suite for Business Premium Licensing Update

In this episode of the Demystifying Microsoft podcast, Wade Walker (VP, Microsoft Alliance at Sourcepass MCOE) explains how the Microsoft Defender Suite for Business Premium fits into the latest licensing changes, what it means for IT teams managing Microsoft 365 environments, and how these updates make robust security and compliance accessible to every organization.

Key Moments

• 01:35 — Introduction to Microsoft Defender Suite add-on for Business Premium
• 02:51 — Overview of Microsoft 365 Business Premium for SMBs
• 03:41 — Announcement of new add-on subscriptions
• 05:49 — Deep dive into Defender Suite details
• 11:36 — Real-time identity attack blocking and compliance features
• 13:58 — Closing thoughts and how to learn more

What is Microsoft Defender Suite for Business Premium?

Microsoft Defender Suite for Business Premium is a new add-on for Microsoft 365 Business Premium, priced at $10 per user per month. It delivers comprehensive security services, including endpoint, identity, email, and cloud app protection, tailored for small and midsize businesses. The suite is designed to address the same security challenges faced by large enterprises, but at a fraction of the cost.

How does Microsoft Defender Suite for Business Premium solve SMB security challenges?

The suite integrates five advanced security components:

• Defender for Endpoint Plan 2: Advanced malware protection, attack surface reduction, and secure score-driven defense for all devices.
• Defender for Office 365 Plan 2: Email and collaboration security, including phishing simulation and training.
• Defender for Identity: Monitors and secures identity systems, detects and blocks real-time identity attacks, and integrates with endpoint protection.
• Defender for Cloud Apps: Monitors cloud app usage, flags risky behavior, and protects against third-party app threats.
• Entra ID Plan 2: Advanced identity governance, risk-based conditional access, and compliance reporting for regulated industries.

How the Microsoft Defender Suite Licensing Update Enhances Security and Compliance

• The Defender Suite for Business Premium offers about 65% savings compared to purchasing individual licenses for each included product.
• It enables SMBs to deploy enterprise-level security without the complexity or cost of traditional solutions.
• Each license covers up to five devices per user, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS/iPadOS. Server protection is available as an add-on.
• The suite is flexible, allowing organizations to standardize protection across all users or apply it selectively.
• It supports compliance and regulatory requirements, making it easier for IT teams to meet industry standards.

Microsoft Defender Suite for Business Premium is changing how organizations approach security and compliance. With enterprise-grade protection now available as a simple add-on, businesses can strengthen their defenses and streamline management without the complexity of traditional licensing.

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If you have questions about deploying Microsoft Defender Suite for Business Premium or want to discuss licensing options, connect with one of our Microsoft licensing experts of our Microsoft licensing experts today.