The Endpoint Security Tool You May Already Be Paying For
We’ve all had the “forgotten subscription” moment. Maybe it’s a streaming service you signed up for during a free trial, or that gym membership you swore you’d use. The bill quietly renews each month, but the service goes untouched.
Spending money every month without getting any value can happen in business, too. Subscriptions and licenses often stack up, but some may include features you never get around to turning on. The difference is that sometimes those unused features can be powerful cybersecurity tools that could help protect your business from serious cyber threats.
If your business runs on Microsoft 365, there’s a strong chance you’re already paying for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, an endpoint security platform designed to protect your business’ technologies from ransomware, phishing, and malware.
For years, endpoint security tools were only within reach of large enterprises with the budgets and staff to run them. Today, those same protections are built into licenses that many small and midsize businesses (SMBs) may already have, without any extra cost. Rather than buying a new security tool to bolster your business’ cybersecurity posture, you might just need to investigate what you’re already paying for and how to start using it.
Alphabet soup: Microsoft licensing explained
Microsoft licensing is notoriously confusing, which is why many businesses don’t realize they have access to security tools they’re already paying for. If your business has either of the following licenses, it may include Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:
Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes Defender for Business, which delivers enterprise-grade protection in a simplified, SMB-friendly format. (Only available for businesses with fewer than 300 employees.)
Microsoft 365 E5 includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2, which is the full package with advanced detection and response, automated investigation and remediation, and vulnerability management.
Unfortunately, the Microsoft 365 E3 license only includes basic security features and not Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Also, please note that Microsoft 365 E5 is not the same as Office 365 E5. (Confusing, we know.) If you’re only on Office 365, you’re not entitled to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
If your business runs on Microsoft 365, there’s a strong chance you’re already paying for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
Why SMBs should prioritize endpoint security
Laptops, desktops, mobile devices — all of these technologies are endpoints that exist on the front lines of your business. They’re also one of the most common entry points for attackers.
A single employee clicking the wrong link can download malicious software and compromise your entire network, which is why SMBs should prioritize endpoint security to protect themselves against cyber attacks.
Endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) are tools that act as a gatekeeper, blocking known threats, flagging suspicious behavior, and even resolving issues automatically. EDR and XDR tools can make a huge difference in small business security — but you need to choose an effective one.
Coalition has evaluated market options and determined that leading vendors in the category include SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. And while these kinds of tools used to require separate purchases, Microsoft Defender is often included in many Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
You may already be paying for the locks and alarms; it’s just a matter of turning them on.
Nearly 70% of Coalition policyholders run on Microsoft. Among them, an estimated 47% have access to endpoint security under their existing Microsoft 365 licenses.
How to unlock value you’re already paying for
Worried this all sounds too good to be true? Nearly 70% of Coalition policyholders run on Microsoft. Among them, an estimated 47% have access to endpoint security under their existing Microsoft 365 licenses.
Here’s a step-by-step plan to start getting value out of your business’ existing Microsoft subscription:
1. Check your license
Log in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center:
Go to Billing > Your products to see what plan you’re subscribed to.
If you see Microsoft 365 E5 or Business Premium, you’re in good shape.
If you see Office 365 only, you may want to upgrade or add Microsoft Defender separately.
2. Evaluate the fit
For small businesses (max 300 employees), Business Premium with Defender for Business may be enough.
For larger businesses or higher-risk industries, E5 provides advanced capabilities like threat hunting and automated remediation.
3. Deploy across your environment
Start with a pilot: Roll out Microsoft Defender to 10–20 devices across different teams.
Onboard devices: Use Microsoft Intune (preferred), Group Policy, or a script to install the Microsoft Defender agent.
Expand in waves: Roll out to departments or locations in stages.
4. Integrate with Coalition Control®
Once you’ve deployed Microsoft Defender widely, integrate the tool with Coalition Control, our unified cyber risk management platform.
Microsoft requires customers to navigate various portals and locations to access data from Microsoft Defender. But by integrating directly with Control, businesses can monitor it all from a single, convenient location within the platform and receive guidance on cybersecurity best practices and settings with Microsoft Defender.
5. Determine who will manage Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender is a powerful security tool, but it still requires human oversight. If your team doesn’t have the time or cybersecurity expertise to manage and respond to security alerts, consider enlisting a managed detection and response (MDR) service provider.
MDR combines the advanced threat detection technology of EDR/XDR with human security experts responding in real-time. With 24/7/365 monitoring and remediation, your business can respond faster and prevent more cyber incidents.
If you’re looking for security support, consider the benefits of partnering with your cyber insurance provider. Coalition knows firsthand where most SMBs make security mistakes — and the good news is we’re here to help.
Smarter spending, stronger security
Better cybersecurity doesn’t always mean higher spending. Microsoft Defender is included in many Microsoft 365 plans, yet many businesses aren’t taking advantage of it.
You wouldn’t keep paying for a streaming service you never watch, so why ignore a security tool that’s already included with your Microsoft product license?
By checking your business’ license, evaluating your needs, and turning existing security tools on, you can immediately raise your defenses against top cyber threats without adding a new expense.
PREVENT MORE CYBER INCIDENTS. RESPOND FAST.
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