Next-Level Security: How Microsoft 365 E5 Builds on E3

Microsoft 365 E3 is a business staple, offering robust productivity and security tools to users worldwide. But with so many devices, endpoints and users to target, increasingly ingenious cyber threats can spread like digital wildfire. Microsoft 365 E5 comes with the usual suspects of Office and workflow apps, but what’s really caught our eye are the DEFCON 1-style security features. This is no simple upgrade – it will transform an organisation’s defensive posture. Let’s explore what makes it a compelling choice.

March 31, 2025

Advanced Threat Protection with Microsoft Defender

There are bags of impressive security products and add-ons included. Notably, Microsoft Defender —an all-encompassing security solution helping enterprises prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats. There are a couple of options to choose from depending on your client’s needs.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Even the best IT teams can’t be everywhere all at once, so this is like having a crack team of sentinels monitoring every device across an entire network. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 (MDE P2) delivers real-time monitoring and threat detection with Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). It spots threats before you can even say ‘breach’.

Automated Investigation and Remediation capabilities use AI to handle alerts. So instead of playing digital keepy-uppy with security, IT teams are free to focus on strategic work. With active Threat and Vulnerability Management, MDE P2 will continually assess weaknesses and risk, providing actionable insights to help IT teams take action.

When Microsoft Defender identifies a vulnerability, security teams can use Advanced Threat Hunting. By addressing the threats and anomalies found within the network, organisations can enhance their overall security posture. And as an extra security backstop, Microsoft’s Threat Experts are available for additional support and insights.

Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Email and collaboration tools are critical for businesses to thrive, but they offer a tempting and potentially easy target for bad actors. Over 90% of cyberattacks start with email. Microsoft blocked 70 billion email and ID attacks in 2023 and 37 billion suspicious emails in 2023, up by an incredible 180% since 2021!

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 (MDO P2) keeps email and collaboration tools locked down tighter than Fort Knox. Sophisticated security protection against phishing, malware, unauthorised IP or user access, means everyone can safely carry on with business.

MDO P2 scans email attachments, links and URLs in real-time to isolate and block threats. Meanwhile, Threat Trackers give insights into emerging threats and trends. Fore warned is fore armed after all!

There’s even Attack Simulation Training to help employees put their skills to the test, without the high stakes. Organisations can run dummy cyberattacks to test security policies and practices, as well as raise awareness to reduce risk exposure at every level.

Advanced security provision includes Defender, AI integration, Zero Trust capabilities and comprehensive data protection.

Leveraging Modern Security Practices - AI and Zero Trust

As well as the impressive Defender tools, E5 employs modern security approaches that are reshaping IT protection; AI integration and Zero Trust. Clients get innovative product benefits and up-to-the-minute security best practice.

AI Integration

One of the standout features of Microsoft 365 E5 is its artificial intelligence (AI) integration across various tools and services. Clients can stay ahead and remain competitive in an increasingly complex digital environment. AI-driven insights and automation drives productivity with more efficient workflows. And security is ramped up with AI-powered threat detection.

Machine learning identifies and responds to threats significantly quicker and more accurately than previous methods. And organisations can make data-driven decisions to optimise operations thanks to advanced AI analytics and insights. Allowing IT staff to focus more on strategic matters by streamlining and automating everyday tasks.

Zero Trust

“Never trust, always verify”. Zero Trust assumes threats are just as likely to come from inside (accidentally or intentionally) than from external bad actors. E5 uses Zero Trust to authenticate and authorise every access request and data point, then encrypts for a belt and braces approach.

Zero Trust minimises the impact of breaches by segmenting access, assuming breach and verifying end-to-end encryption. Then security staff can analyse data to reinforce defences and threat detection.

E5 limits access to only what’s needed (Just-In-Time and Just-Enough-Access policies). So even if someone breaches the perimeter, they won’t get far, and damage is minimal.

Keeping Information Safe and Compliant

What good is top-level security if your data is still vulnerable? Microsoft Purview Information Protection (formerly Azure Information Protection) protects sensitive information and keeps it compliant with Data Protection regulations. With data breaches costing companies millions in damages and reputational loss, this level of protection isn’t just nice to have – it’s critical for all businesses.

Encrypt or control document access to protect sensitive information.

Deploy consistent labelling and protection policies organisation-wide with Unified Label Management.

The really impressive part is how E5 data protection works with the entire security infrastructure. Defender can automatically respond when a potential data leak is detected. When a user attempts to access sensitive information, Zero Trust principles ensure proper authentication. It’s a multi-layered defence system that’s easy to manage but creates headaches for hackers.

More Than a Security Upgrade With E5

E5 is more than a few extra features, it’s a fundamental shift in security practice. Yes, clients will get the usual productivity tools with AI-integration. But more importantly, they will benefit from new security methods which are essential in today’s threat landscape – AI, Zero Trust and comprehensive endpoint protection. Ideal for organisations looking to elevate their security posture and operational efficiency.

The E5 plan can include various add-ons, so it’s important to match features to your client’s needs. For more information and help to strengthen your client’s defences, get in touch at modernworkplace@westcoastcloud.co.uk.

ARTICLE AUTHOR

Candy Keen

Microsoft Cloud Security Consultant at Westcoast Cloud.

Want to learn more about Microsoft 365 E5 benefits?

Contact our Modern Workplace team for more information

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Next-Level Security: How Microsoft 365 E5 Builds on E3

Advanced Threat Protection with Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Leveraging Modern Security Practices - AI and Zero Trust

AI Integration

Zero Trust

Keeping Information Safe and Compliant

More Than a Security Upgrade With E5

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