What Is Microsoft Defender for Servers?

Written by Corey Meyer | Oct 12, 2022

In our detailed exploration, SecureSky highlights the integration of Microsoft Defender for Servers with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) solutions, a pivotal strategy for enhancing enterprise cybersecurity across server environments.

From Antivirus to a Unified Enterprise Cybersecurity Ecosystem

The evolution of Microsoft's Defender from basic antivirus software to a comprehensive suite under the "Defender for..." label marks a significant shift towards a holistic enterprise cybersecurity strategy. Incorporating Extended Detection and Response (XDR) technologies, this suite aims to fortify digital assets across identities, endpoints, applications, email, IoT, infrastructure, and cloud platforms. Despite its comprehensive coverage, navigating the suite's extensive offerings and understanding their roles and synergies can be complex.

Technology Name	Microsoft Defender for Servers
Previous Name(s)	N/A
Category	Server
Function(s)	Tailored for enterprise cybersecurity, Microsoft Defender for Servers extends advanced security measures to Windows and Linux servers across Azure, AWS, GCP, and on-premises. It encompasses integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, security policy compliance, vulnerability assessments, and a suite of protective features including threat detection, log analytics, and adaptive controls. Plan 1 Integration with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 Automatically provisions the Defender for Endpoint sensor on all support and connected machines Lowers Defender for Endpoint licensing costs by protecting virtual machines only when they are in use Plan 2 All Plan 1 Features Security Policy and Regulatory Compliance Integrated vulnerability assessment powered by Qualys Log Analytics Threat detection Adaptive application controls (AAC) File integrity monitoring (FIM) VM just-in-time access for management ports Adaptive network hardening Docker host hardening Fileless attack detection
Cost Basis	Offering two plans charged per server hour, with Plan 2 including enhanced features and data analytics capabilities.
Microsoft Links	Overview

Elevating Server Security with MDR Solutions

The synergy between Microsoft Defender for Servers and MDR solutions significantly elevates enterprise cybersecurity. MDR services augment Defender for Servers by providing 24/7 monitoring, sophisticated threat detection, and prompt, expert-led response strategies. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive protection and swift mitigation of threats to server infrastructures.

Strategic Benefits of Integrating MDR Solutions:

Enhanced Threat Intelligence: MDR services amplify the threat detection capabilities of Defender for Servers, providing enterprises with deeper security insights.
Expert-Led Incident Response: Leveraging MDR ensures that threats are not only identified but also expertly analyzed and neutralized, reinforcing enterprise cybersecurity postures.
Comprehensive Security Management: The combination of Defender for Servers with MDR solutions streamlines security operations, offering a robust framework for protecting enterprise servers against cyber threats.

Robust Enterprise Cybersecurity

Integrating Microsoft Defender for Servers with MDR solutions represents a strategic approach to strengthening enterprise cybersecurity. This partnership not only simplifies the management of security threats but also enhances the protective measures safeguarding server environments against cyber attacks.

For more information about the Microsoft Defender product line, please feel free to contact us by completing our contact form or emailing info@securesky.com.

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