Cyber threats are evolving, and small to mid-sized businesses in Belgium are just as much a target as large enterprises. With increasing security requirements and sophisticated cyberattacks, business owners need more than just basic protection.
That’s where Microsoft 365 E5 security comes in—a comprehensive solution that effortlessly protects sensitive data, manages risk and meets regulatory standards.
But is Microsoft 365 E5 worth the investment? Let’s break it down.
[.c-button-wrap][.c-button-main][.c-button-icon-content]Contact Us[.c-button-icon-content][.c-button-main][.c-button-wrap]
Top 10 security features included in Microsoft 365 E5
The security capabilities of Microsoft 365 E5 go beyond basic protection. When upgrading to the full E5 security suite, your business gains access to a wide range of security-enhancing tools.
By enabling these fundamental features of Microsoft 365 E5, businesses can achieve a higher level of protection while simplifying IT management. Here are the top 10 security features included in E5:
1. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides real-time threat detection and automated response to protect devices against malware, ransomware, and advanced cyber threats. It uses behavioral analytics and AI-powered insights to proactively defend against attacks.
2. Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 secures emails, Teams, and SharePoint against phishing, malware, and zero-day attacks. AI-powered threat intelligence helps detect and neutralize suspicious activity before it reaches end users.
3. Microsoft Defender for Identity
This feature monitors user behavior and authentication patterns to detect identity-based threats like compromised credentials, privilege escalation, and insider attacks before they cause harm.
4. Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
As a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), this tool provides visibility and control over cloud applications. It ensures safe cloud usage, prevents unauthorized data access, and strengthens security across cloud environments.
5. Microsoft Defender XDR
Extended Detection and Response (XDR) unifies threat detection across Microsoft’s security stack to provide a centralized security management platform. It correlates data from multiple sources to identify and respond to complex cyber threats.
6. Microsoft Information Protection
This feature classifies and encrypts sensitive data across Microsoft 365, ensuring that critical business information remains protected from unauthorized access and leaks.
7. Insider Risk Management
By analyzing user activities and flagging suspicious behavior, this tool helps prevent insider threats like data exfiltration, intellectual property theft, and unauthorized access.
8. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
This feature enhances security across third-party SaaS applications, ensuring compliance and enforcing security policies on unsanctioned or risky cloud apps.
9. Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance & eDiscovery
E5 includes powerful eDiscovery and auditing tools that help businesses meet legal and regulatory requirements. These tools allow organizations to search, preserve, and analyze electronic data during investigations or compliance audits.
10. Security and Threat Protection
Microsoft 365 E5’s AI-driven security analytics continuously monitor your IT environment, offering proactive threat intelligence and automated responses to protect against evolving cyber threats.
Other add-ons for enhanced security
Beyond the core features of Microsoft 365 E5, businesses can leverage additional security and compliance add-ons to further strengthen their IT infrastructure:
Microsoft 365 E5 Security Add-on
For businesses using Microsoft 365 E3, this add-on provides advanced security features without a full upgrade to E5. It includes:
- Microsoft Defender XDR
- Insider Risk Management
- Advanced Compliance and eDiscovery
Microsoft 365 E5 Compliance Add-on
Designed for organizations with strict regulatory requirements, this add-on includes:
- Advanced Audit and eDiscovery for legal investigations
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to prevent unauthorized data sharing
- Information Protection and Governance to classify and retain sensitive business data
Microsoft 365 E5 Analytics & AI Add-ons
Businesses looking to optimize their Microsoft 365 roadmap can use AI-driven analytics to:
- Monitor user behavior to detect anomalies
- Automate security policies to enhance compliance
- Gain real-time insights into cybersecurity trends
By implementing these add-ons, businesses can tailor Microsoft 365 E5 to meet their specific security, compliance, and IT management needs.
Difference between Microsoft 365 E3 and E5
Many business owners start with Microsoft 365 E3, but as cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, they often consider upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5. The key differences lie in security, compliance, and advanced analytics capabilities.
Microsoft 365 E3 provides businesses with:
- Office 365 Enterprise applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).
- Basic security features such as email encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and device management.
- Standard compliance tools to help organizations meet basic industry regulations.
Microsoft 365 E5 builds on the E3 plan with:
- Advanced Threat Protection through Microsoft Defender XDR, safeguarding against sophisticated cyber threats.
- Enhanced compliance capabilities, including Insider Risk Management, eDiscovery, and Advanced Data Loss Prevention (DLP).
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) to monitor and secure SaaS applications.
- AI-powered threat intelligence for proactive security monitoring and response.
If your business handles sensitive client data or operates in a highly regulated industry, upgrading to Microsoft 365 E5 provides the extra security and compliance measures needed to protect against evolving cyber threats.
Is Microsoft 365 E5 the right choice for your business?
If security, risk management, and efficient IT operations are top priorities for your business, investing in Microsoft 365 E5 is a game-changer. While the E5 plan provides extensive protection, companies that don’t require full E5 features may consider E5 security add-ons instead.
At About IT, we help businesses in Belgium maximize their Microsoft 365 investment by providing expert guidance on licensing, security, and compliance. Whether you need a full E5 license or specific security add-ons, we’ll help you choose the right plan to protect your business from cyber threats.
Ready to secure your business? Let’s talk about how Microsoft 365 E5 security can work for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Office 365 add-on, and how does it enhance security?
An Office 365 add-on extends security, compliance, and productivity features within Microsoft Office 365. One essential security add-on is Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, which provides real-time monitoring and protection across cloud environments, helping businesses within Microsoft 365 maintain a high level of security.
How does a security add-on improve data protection in Microsoft 365?
A security add-on enhances governance and risk management by ensuring adherence to security standards. Microsoft 365 E5 security add-ons include advanced insider risk management tools, helping detect and mitigate internal threats by analyzing user activities and data usage across Microsoft 365.
What are the key benefits of 365 E5 security?
365 E5 security delivers enterprise-grade security capabilities. 365 E5 provides advanced security solutions such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps and E5 security add-ons, enabling businesses to enhance their security posture while meeting security standards.
How does Microsoft Office 365 management streamline IT operations and project management?
Microsoft Office 365 management tools allow businesses to centralize security efforts. Features like Microsoft 365 licensing and Microsoft 365 Business enable seamless user access control, data protection, and compliance monitoring through integrated security products.
What’s the difference between an E5 license and an E5 security add-on?
An E5 license includes all premium security features, whereas an E5 security add-on is an optional upgrade that enhances security standards for businesses needing more robust protection. The sub-set of Microsoft’s E5 license focuses on specialized tools, ensuring business security alignment.
How do E5 security add-ons support business security?
E5 security add-ons strengthen protection against cyber threats with tools like Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps and Microsoft 365 E5 security add-ons. These features integrate seamlessly within Microsoft 365, ensuring comprehensive data security, risk management, and compliance across all business operations.
