Microsoft Defender for Business

Microsoft Defender for Business is an endpoint security solution designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses with up to 300 users, delivering enterprise-grade protection capabilities that were previously available only in larger Microsoft 365 E5 or standalone Defender for Endpoint plans. It includes next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), automated investigation and remediation, and threat and vulnerability management in a single, simplified package.

The platform's next-generation antivirus engine uses behavioral analysis, machine learning, and cloud-delivered intelligence from the Microsoft Intelligent Security Graph to detect and block malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks in real time. When threats bypass prevention, EDR capabilities capture detailed endpoint telemetry, enabling security teams to investigate attack chains, understand scope, and take remediation actions from the centralized Microsoft Defender portal.

Automated investigation and remediation is a standout feature for resource-constrained SMB IT teams. When alerts fire, Defender for Business automatically triages the alert, determines if it represents a real threat, and can take corrective action—isolating compromised devices, removing malicious files, or reverting changes—without requiring manual intervention. This automation reduces the expertise and time needed to respond to incidents.

Threat and vulnerability management continuously assesses the security posture of enrolled devices, identifying software vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and missing patches, then prioritizing remediation recommendations based on exposure and exploitability. Defender for Business protects Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, and its simplified setup wizard guides administrators through configuration without requiring deep security expertise.