Microsoft 365 Business Standard provides essential security features, but it lacks advanced cybersecurity and device management tools available in Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Premium is tailored for businesses requiring enhanced protection against sophisticated threats and more robust IT management.
Key cybersecurity features missing in Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Advanced threat protection
- Microsoft Defender for Business (included in Premium):
- Provides endpoint protection against malware, ransomware, and zero-day attacks.
- Delivers threat detection, automated remediation, and analytics for devices.
- Helps protect company laptops, desktops, and mobile devices.
- Advanced phishing and ransomware protection:
- Premium offers enhanced anti-phishing tools and safeguards against sophisticated ransomware attacks.
Conditional access
- Policy-based access control:
- Premium allows admins to enforce conditional access policies based on device compliance, user location, or risk level.
- For example, block access from untrusted devices or geographic regions.
Identity and access management
- Azure Active Directory Premium P1:
- Available in Premium, it includes advanced identity protection tools like:
- Self-service password reset with writeback: Sync password changes back to on-premises directories.
- Dynamic groups and conditional access policies: Automate group membership and control access.
Device and app management
- Microsoft Intune:
- Full-feature Intune capabilities in Premium allow businesses to:
- Manage both company-owned and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) devices.
- Enforce device compliance policies and remote wipe company data from lost or stolen devices.
Information protection and governance
- Advanced Information Protection (AIP):
- Premium includes AIP for classifying, labeling, and protecting sensitive information.
- Allows users to apply encryption and access controls directly to documents.
- Microsoft Purview Data Governance:
- Premium offers advanced tools for managing and protecting sensitive data, ensuring compliance with complex regulatory requirements.
Secure remote access
- Windows Autopilot:
- Streamlines device provisioning and ensures secure setup for remote employees.
- BitLocker management:
- In Premium, admins can centrally manage BitLocker encryption for Windows devices.
Enhanced compliance tools
- Audit logs and reports:
- Premium provides more comprehensive auditing tools to track user activity and ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and others.
Attack surface reduction
- Application control:
- Premium includes tools to block potentially harmful apps and scripts, reducing the risk of exploitation.
- Device Guard and Exploit Guard:
- Protect against unauthorized access and advanced exploits targeting endpoints.
Cybersecurity insurance readiness
- Some Microsoft 365 Business Premium plans provide recommendations to align with requirements for cybersecurity insurance coverage.
Why upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business Premium?
- Enhanced protection: Advanced tools like Defender for Business provide layered protection against modern threats.
- Simplified IT management: Intune and centralized compliance tools streamline device and app management.
- Better compliance: Advanced information governance tools ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Scalability: Suitable for businesses with growing needs for cybersecurity and IT oversight.
Conclusion
Microsoft 365 Business Standard covers basic security needs but lacks the advanced threat protection, device management, and compliance features included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Businesses handling sensitive data or requiring stronger cybersecurity should consider upgrading to Premium.
Need help deciding between Business Standard and Premium? Medha Cloud offers expert guidance to choose the best solution for your business needs.
