Microsoft Defender for Business: Setup and Managed Service

Defender for Business includes next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), attack surface reduction rules, firewall management, and web content filtering — all managed from a single console. It provides enterprise-grade endpoint protection designed specifically for organisations with up to 300 users. With 43% of UK businesses experiencing a breach in the past year (DSIT 2025), Defender for Business delivers meaningful protection at an accessible price point.

Defender for Business is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium at no extra cost. It can also be purchased as a standalone add-on for £3 per user per month if you have Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Standard. Our team assesses your current licensing, recommends the most cost-effective path, and handles the deployment and configuration so you get full value from your existing Microsoft investment.

Defender for Business has significantly improved in recent years and now includes EDR capabilities that many third-party antivirus products lack at the same price point. However, its detection rates can vary compared to top-tier specialist products. For most SMEs, Defender for Business provides strong baseline protection. Organisations with elevated risk profiles benefit from layering Defender with an MDR service. Cyber Essentials certified organisations are 92% less likely to claim on cyber insurance (IASME).

Yes. Our managed service includes ongoing policy management, alert monitoring, and incident response for your Defender for Business deployment. We configure attack surface reduction rules, review security recommendations, investigate alerts generated by Defender's EDR capabilities, and respond to confirmed threats. You receive monthly reports covering detections handled and security posture improvements across your protected endpoints.

For organisations already using Microsoft Intune or Azure AD-joined devices, Defender for Business can typically be deployed within two to three business days. This includes configuring security policies, enabling EDR, setting up attack surface reduction rules, and verifying protection on every endpoint. Devices not currently enrolled in Intune require additional onboarding time. With the average breach costing £3,550 (DSIT 2025), we prioritise rapid deployment to close security gaps quickly.