Octobits Blog – Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is your go-to for protection against a whole range of threats targeting your email, links, attachments, and collaboration tools. Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 price details information through this article.
It’s like having an advanced security guard for your digital mailbox, keeping an eye out for any potential issues with every piece of incoming and outgoing communication.
The issue is the budget. So, is it worth the money? So, let’s take a look at the Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) price structure.
Why go for Plan 1? That’s the basic, cheaper plan among the others.
What is Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1?
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 gives businesses like yours the protection you need against a whole range of cyber threats, especially those targeting email and collaboration tools.
It’s designed for small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that use Microsoft 365, giving them an extra layer of security on top of Exchange Online Protection (EOP).
Plan 1 is all about stopping phishing, malware and business email compromise (BEC) without the extra features you get with Plan 2, like advanced threat hunting and automation.
Key Features
Plan 1 is more than just a basic security solution. It offers a range of features designed to counter advanced cyber threats.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 is a great way to give your security framework a boost.
One of the best things about Plan 1 is how it protects you from phishing and malware attacks. It’s a great way to keep your credentials safe and stop malware from getting into your system.
You can also get extra protection through Safe Links and Safe Attachments, which keep emails and files safe across SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.
Plus, the system gives you real-time alerts for potential threats, so IT teams can act fast.
This proactive approach is backed up by comprehensive security reports and analytics, which give organisations a detailed insight into their security environment and help them track and manage threats over time.
Meanwhile, for insights on the new cost of Microsoft 365, please refer to “Microsoft 365 Price Increase 2024: Details, Reasons, & Impact to Businesses“
Benefits of Plan 1
The main thing is the better security it gives for your email and collaboration platforms. This is basic protection against common threats like phishing, malware, and business email compromise.
This level of protection is especially important for small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as they may not have the same resources as larger organisations but still need to be secure.
Plan 1 makes it easier to spot threats by combining tools like Safe Links and Safe Attachments, which keep an eye out for and get rid of potential threats as they happen.
This proactive approach not only keeps the organisation’s digital assets safe, but also reduces the risk of any disruption caused by security breaches.
Yes, being able to stop attacks before they get out of hand is a big plus.
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable way to secure your Office 365 environment without all the advanced features of Plan 2, Plan 1 is a great option.
Defender Plan 1 vs. Plan 2
Plan 1 is a great entry-level solution with all the essential protections you need. For example, in Plan 1, you can get anti-phishing, anti-malware, Safe Links, and Safe Attachments for emails and files within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
This plan is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses looking for solid cybersecurity without getting into more advanced features.
In contrast, Plan 2 builds on what Plan 1 started, adding more advanced features for larger companies with complex security needs.
One of the best things about Plan 2 is Automated Investigation and Response (AIR).
This lets you automate your threat investigation processes, which saves a lot of time and effort when you need to respond to security incidents.
This feature is really useful in situations where you need to respond quickly to minimise the impact of cyberattacks.
On top of that, Plan 2 includes cyberattack simulation training, which helps organisations get ready for potential threats by simulating various attack scenarios.
The great thing about Plan 2 is the deeper integration with Microsoft Defender XDR (Extended Detection and Response).
This helps organisations to detect and respond to threats across multiple domains, not just email and collaboration tools.
So, Plan 2 is definitely aimed at larger enterprises. Plan 2 is a better fit for organisations looking for a more robust security solution and willing to invest in a comprehensive digital infrastructure protection package.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) Price Details
With those many different features, the price for Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) is just $2.00 per user per month.
And yes, as we can see in Microsoft Defender website, Plan 1 is a really good deal for SMEs looking to beef up their cybersecurity.
Plan 2 is a bit more expensive at $5.00 per user per month, but it offers a wider range of features and capabilities.
These prices are pretty competitive, especially when you consider the level of protection they offer.
That’s a big deal for businesses operating in Australia, where cybersecurity threats are getting more and more sophisticated.
Factors Affecting Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) Pricing
While the Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) price is listed at a straightforward $2.00 per user per month, there are a few things in your organisation might affect the actual cost.
The size of your company is a big factor, because the number of users directly affects the total cost.
The exact features you need will also affect the price. If your company needs advanced threat hunting, automation, or attack simulation training, Plan 2 might be a better deal even though it costs more upfront.
Features like attack simulation training and automated investigation and response can help to cut down on the need for manual intervention and make threat management a lot more efficient.
If your company has complex security needs or limited IT resources, investing in Plan 2 upfront could save you money in the long run. It can help you avoid the impact of security incidents and reduce the need for manual fixes.
For info about email or Outlook, you can read “Microsoft 365 Email Essentials Price: Details, Features, & Comparison With Other Plans.”
Cost Optimization Strategies of Defender Plan 1 for Office 365
The first thing you need to do is take a good look at what your company needs in terms of security.
If you don’t need advanced features like automated response and threat hunting, Plan 1 could be the perfect fit.
It’s also a good idea for organisations to make the most of the trials and discounts that Microsoft offers.
It’s also worth looking into bundled services as you might save money. Microsoft often offers discounts on security packages that include Defender for Office 365 and other Microsoft 365 services.
Last but not least, a license management platform like Octobits can give you a central overview of your software ecosystem, including Microsoft 365 licences.
This visibility lets you spot and get rid of any unused or underused licences, which helps you save money and make sure you’re only paying for what you really need.
Octobits’ consolidated billing and reporting features make it easier for you to keep track of your costs.
And Octobits is free for you until December 2024. That way, you have plenty of time to look into it and get a clear picture of what you’re spending on software license.
Over time, you can make smart choices about your Microsoft Defender for Office 365 investment.
In Closing
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 is a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking to beef up their digital security.
Yes, Plan 1 might not have all the extra features of Plan 2, but it still gives you a big security boost over the standard Exchange Online Protection.
But investing in Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) price is a solid first step towards protecting your digital assets and keeping your business running smoothly.
