Octobits Blog – As we all know, Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers a multi-layered defence against sophisticated phishing, ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and many cyberattacks.
But the real question is, which one is right for our IT system: Plan 1 or Plan 2? Is Plan 1 enough for us, or is Plan 2 overkill?
That’s why we need to cut through the confusion around Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 vs Plan 2 price, features, and benefits, and get to the heart of the matter.
So, it’s time to get to the details.
Overview of Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a security solution that’s built into Office 365. It protects your Microsoft 365 environment from a whole range of cyber threats.
It keeps your email, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other collaboration tools safe and secure.
The solution uses some pretty advanced AI and automation to spot and stop threats like phishing, malware, spam, and BEC.
It’s got features like Safe Links, Safe Attachments, and threat investigation tools to help you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
You can get the service in two main plans: Plan 1 and Plan 2, which are designed to suit different types of organisation.
Plan 1 is usually included in subscriptions aimed at small to medium-sized businesses, like Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Meanwhile, Plan 2 is aimed at big businesses, and it offers some pretty advanced threat protection features.
For insights on how good Plan 2 saves your IT system, kindly read “Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 Price: What Is It and Price Details“
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 vs Plan 2 Price Comparison
Plan 1 is yours for just $2.00 per user per month and keeps you safe from the usual cyber threats like phishing, malware, and spam.
Plan 2 is priced at $5.00 per user per month and builds on the foundation set by Plan 1.
It has more advanced security measures that are ideal for organisations with more complex security requirements.
This plan includes all the features of Plan 1 but with some extra tools like cyber threat hunting, automated investigation and response (AIR), and phishing simulation training.
These features are especially useful for organisations that deal with complex cyber threats or operate in highly regulated industries where data security is a top priority.
The extra cost of Plan 2 is worth it for the extra security layers it provides.
For example, both plans have Safe Links and Safe Attachments to protect against malicious URLs and files, but Plan 2 goes the extra mile with advanced phishing thresholds and impersonation safeguards.
These extra features are a must for organisations looking to keep their sensitive data safe from targeted attacks.
They’re also great for making sure that their security setup can handle whatever the threat landscape throws at them.
This pricing structure is designed to make it easy for businesses of all sizes to choose a plan that meets their specific security needs.
For additional information, the Plan 1 or Plan 2 mazes have been around for a long time and have always been a bit of a challenge. For instance, you can see what the issue is in the Microsoft discussion forums here.
Feature Comparison
First of all, every plan is designed to suit different organisational needs. Plan 1 comes with all the security tools you need to protect against phishing, malware, spam, and business email compromise (BEC).
This plan is perfect for smaller organisations, giving them reliable internal email protection and detailed reporting.
Plan 2 is a big step up from Plan 1. It’s got all the features you need to keep a larger organisation safe from complex security threats.
Plan 2 builds on Plan 1 by adding some extra security features, like advanced threat detection and response capabilities.
For instance, Plan 2 has some great features, like Threat Explorer and real-time detection. You won’t find these features in Plan 1.
Plus, Plan 2 includes automated investigation and response (AIR), which helps organisations deal with and stop threats quickly, making security easier and reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
That’s why moving from Plan 1 to Plan 2 is a big step up. It’s a shift from the basics to a more advanced, proactive approach.
This means that as organisations grow and their security needs change, they can get the tools they need to keep their digital assets safe.
Benefits of Each Plan
Plan 1 is a great option for small businesses with simple security needs because it’s affordable and has all the essential security features.
It offers a reliable level of protection at a reasonable price, so you can rest easy knowing that common threats are taken care of without the need for a lot of extra security measures.
Plan 2 is great for businesses that need more robust security measures.
Plus, it’s got some pretty cool advanced features, like phishing simulation training and cross-domain hunting in Microsoft Defender XDR.
This gives you a comprehensive defence mechanism that not only protects against known threats but also proactively hunts for potential risks.
This makes Plan 2 a great choice for businesses that want to prioritise security and have the resources to manage more complex security operations.
For insights on how good Plan 1 saves your budget, kindly read “Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 Price: Key Features & Details.”
Recommendation for Small Businesses
In the maze of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 vs Plan 2 price, features, and benefits, it’s hard to know which is best for a small business.
Plan 1 is a cost-effective solution with essential security features, but there’s still the question of: Is this enough for your business?
If you’re in a sensitive or regulated industry, or if you’re planning to grow fast, Plan 2’s extra features could be a big advantage for you.
With Octobits, you can easily see which features you’re getting and how they’ll affect your overall security.
The platform’s reporting and integration features give you all the info you need to make an informed decision.
Octobits is a one-stop license management platform designed to make it easy for you to manage all your IT services, including security solutions like Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
Given the ever-changing world of cyber threats, Octobits can help you make the right choices by giving you the insights and control you need over your security investments.
And you can use Octobits for free until December 2024. We’d love for you to take a closer look at all the features of Octobits in your system.
So, you can figure out whether Plan 2 is overkill or Plan 1 isn’t robust enough to protect your system.
In Closing
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your particular needs, budget, and risk tolerance.
And don’t forget, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-off event. As your business grows and the threats change, your security needs will change too.
That’s why it’s important to invest in the right security solutions today to keep your business safe tomorrow.
With all this in mind, Octobits can help you make the right decision based on your data, needs, and goals.
Yup, with the Octobits support system, you can make a fit decision in the maze of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 1 vs Plan 2 price, features, and benefits.
