The Benefits of Upgrading from M365 E3 to E5

Transitioning to Microsoft E5 and F5 Security + Compliance licenses offers significant enhancements in identity, endpoint, email, network, and cloud security. These licenses provide advanced tools that help organizations establish a secure and efficient digital environment while supporting a zero-trust philosophy. By adopting features like Entra ID Plan 2 and Microsoft Defender for Cloud, businesses can better protect their digital assets and mitigate risks effectively.

Key Benefits of E5/F5 Licenses (Compared to E3 Licenses)

1. Identity Security

Entra ID Plan 2 vs. Entra ID Plan 1 & Defender for Identity

• Enhanced Features: Entra ID Plan 2 includes advanced capabilities such as access reviews, entitlement management, risk-based conditional access, and privileged identity management (PIM). These tools ensure strict access control and compliance.

• Zero-Trust Philosophy: Entra ID Plan 2 limits user access to only necessary data, significantly reducing internal and external threats.

• Defender for Identity: This solution detects anomalies within the organization, identifying potential insider threats.

2. Endpoint Security

Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 vs. Plan 2

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Provides real-time attack detection, prioritization of alerts, and actionable insights to security analysts. It also stores cyber telemetry for up to six months, enabling thorough investigations.

• Operational Efficiency: Acts as a second administrator, saving time and enhancing response effectiveness.

3. Email and Network Security

Defender for Office 365 Plan 2

• Comprehensive Protection: Mitigates phishing, malware, and business email compromise with advanced threat hunting and automated investigation capabilities.

• User Training: Includes attack simulation training to strengthen the human element of security.

4. Cloud Security

Microsoft Defender for Cloud

• Advanced Protection: Safeguards SaaS applications with features like Shadow IT discovery, app-based threat protection, and SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM).

• Cloud App Security: Monitors usage, manages risks, and ensures compliance, protecting against ransomware, data breaches, and account takeovers.

5. Additional Features

• Teams Phones: Includes licensing for Teams Phones, eliminating extra costs.

• Customer Key & Lockbox: Grants organizations control over encryption keys and ensures Microsoft cannot access data without explicit approval.

• Power BI Pro Licenses: Provides tools for creating interactive data visualizations and reports, driving business insights.

• Teams Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies: Prevents sharing of sensitive information in Teams chats and channels, ensuring data security.

Check out our ultimate guide to Microsoft 365 Licensing here!

Detailed Feature Analysis

Identity Security: Entra ID Plan 2

• Access Reviews: Maintain security and compliance by regularly reviewing access permissions.

• Entitlement Management: Automates access workflows for efficiency and accuracy.

• Risk-Based Conditional Access: Enables detailed, situation-specific access policies.

• Privileged Identity Management (PIM): Provides granular control over user access, enhancing governance and security.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

• Real-Time Insights: Detects attacks in near real-time and provides actionable alerts.

• Comprehensive Telemetry: Captures behavioral data for in-depth threat analysis, enabling security analysts to trace the full scope of breaches.

• Improved Response: Helps organizations remediate threats faster, reducing downtime and mitigating impact.

Defender for Office 365 Plan 2

• Advanced Capabilities: Features extended detection and response (XDR), advanced threat hunting, and automated remediation.

• Phishing Protection: Mitigates risks from malicious emails and educates users through simulated attacks.

Microsoft Defender for Cloud

• SaaS Application Security: Protects cloud apps with visibility into usage and app-based threat protection.

• Proactive Risk Management: Monitors and mitigates risks associated with cloud app usage, ensuring a strong security posture.

Why Transition to E5 and F5 Licenses?

• Stronger Security: Enhance protection against internal and external threats with advanced features.

• Operational Efficiency: Automate processes and streamline workflows, saving time and resources.

• Cost-Effective Upgrades: Benefit from bundled features like Teams Phones, Power BI Pro, and advanced DLP policies without additional costs.

• Support Zero-Trust Principles: Enforce strict access controls and ensure compliance across your organization.

How Can Datalink Support?

Datalink Networks, as a Microsoft Solutions Partner, is uniquely positioned to help your organization explore the benefits of transitioning to E5 and F5 Security + Compliance licenses.

Our expertise ensures you can maximize these solutions to improve compliance, productivity, and protection. Whether it’s deploying Entra ID Plan 2 for enhanced identity security, leveraging Microsoft Defender for Cloud for SaaS application protection, or utilizing Teams DLP policies to secure sensitive data, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Datalink Networks to evaluate your current licensing structure and uncover opportunities for growth and security. Let us help you build a robust and secure digital foundation tailored to your unique needs. Reach out today to learn more!