Microsoft's endpoint security solution, Microsoft Defender for Business, is now available to SMBs around the world.
Microsoft Defender for Business was already included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft's solution for companies with up to 300 employees.
Server support for the new offering will arrive later this year, according to Microsoft.
What does Microsoft Defender for Business offer?
The company says that Microsoft Defender for Business provides protection against a wide variety of different types of cyber threats, including phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Initially available only for Windows desktops, this includes features that help organizations prioritize the most pressing risks to their organization, minimize attack surfaces, provide endpoint detection, as well as automated investigation and remediation.
"Microsoft believes in security for everyone," said Vasu Jakkal, CVP, Security, Compliance and Identity at Microsoft. “We are proud to fulfill that vision today.”
“With Defender for Business AG, SMBs will get better protection with simplified security to help them better protect, detect and respond to threats.
Microsoft Defender for Business also integrates with Microsoft 365 Lighthouse, a tool that became generally available in March 2022 and enables Microsoft cloud service providers to view cross-tenant security incidents in a unified portal.
Customers can purchase a stand-alone license for the product now for €3 per month per user from Microsoft or one of Microsoft's Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) partner channels.
The news comes shortly after research suggested many SMBs may be dropping the metaphorical ball when it comes to cybersecurity.
A survey of UK IT decision makers in Germany found that more than a quarter of employees (27%) admitted to being more lax about IT security after switching to working from home.