Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Reviews

Name: Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.2 (47 reviews)

Vendor: Microsoft

4.2 out of 5

47 reviews
97% willing to recommend

828 followers

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What is Microsoft Defender for Office 365?

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect organizations against advanced threats in their email, collaboration, and productivity environments. It combines the power of Microsoft's threat intelligence, machine learning, and behavioral analytics to provide real-time protection against phishing, malware, ransomware, and other malicious attacks.

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Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is the #1 ranked solution in top Email Security solutions, #1 ranked solution in top Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) solutions, and #11 ranked solution in top Microsoft Security Suite solutions. PeerSpot users give Microsoft Defender for Office 365 an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is most commonly compared to Darktrace: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Darktrace. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 49% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 17% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Defender for Office 365

January 2025

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Helped 832,138 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Tolu Omolaja

Head of Department of Network Communications at Eko electricity

The two main features that prove most beneficial for us are URL scanning and attachment scanning. URL scanning involves an automatic scan of links and emails. When a user clicks on a link within an email, the system promptly checks the link's safety. If the link is deemed safe, access is granted automatically. However, if it is flagged as unsafe, we receive feedback and notification to caution us about the potentially harmful link. At this point, we are presented with the option to proceed or return. I have personally witnessed the system identify a few unsafe links, making this the primary advantage of using the solution. The second crucial aspect is the scanning of attachments. When an email containing an attachment arrives, we receive a notification of the new email, along with information that the attachment is being scanned for threats. This additional layer of security provides peace of mind for our organization. While Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers numerous features, these two stand out as particularly impressive and valuable to us.

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Luis-Brown

IT Director at a energy/utilities company with 11-50 employees

There are several features that I consider valuable. These include anti-malware and anti-phishing capabilities, along with certain remediation abilities for addressing issues once identified. Moreover, the system allows for easy reporting of problems. In the event of a phishing attack, we can conveniently initiate a comprehensive search to identify all related elements of the campaign and remove them from users' mailboxes. Additionally, the platform offers anti-spoofing measures targeting well-known high-value targets. This proactive approach helps in mitigating business email compromise by designating our high-value personnel. Consequently, any communication purporting to originate from these individuals undergoes a more rigorous verification process to ascertain its authenticity and whether it genuinely stems from a valid account associated with the respective individual.

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Sachin Vinay

Assistant Manager-Networks at Amrita

Most of our files are being stored in OneDrive. We need to safeguard those links because users have to forward them to multiple locations. Microsoft Defender has a feature to protect each and every attachment. Even if it's an encrypted attachment, it will check for any potential threats. If there are any spam contents in an email, we will be notified. With the implementation of Defender, we're able to correctly monitor attachments, files, and safeguard the required data. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 provides us with visibility into threats. Our emailing system is Microsoft Office Outlook. We also use a mail server from Microsoft. If there's an issue, we're able to troubleshoot it right away and give a solution. All of the administrators are properly alerted in their dashboards. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 helps us prioritize threats across our enterprise. It safeguards us from any incoming threats or viruses. It scans every bit of information from the software cloud, including attachments, links, or malicious emails that hackers generate to break the security system. It's definitely important that Defender helps us prioritize threats across the enterprise because some of the security breaches are less serious, so there is more time to troubleshoot. We're able to see everything in the dashboard, so we're notified about the important threats and can act accordingly to resolve them.

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Microsoft Defender for Office 365 mindshare

Product category:

As of February 2025, the mindshare of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 in the Email Security category stands at 13.7%, down from 20.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Email Security

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Email Security	Feb 1, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Proofpoint Email Protection	Feb 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Cisco Secure Email	Feb 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Microsoft Exchange Online Protection (EOP)	Feb 1, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Darktrace	4.1	2.9%	94%	77 interviews Add to research
Proofpoint Email Protection	4.2	8.2%	95%	50 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers anti-phishing and anti-malware protection, safe links and attachments, data loss prevention, and risk level notifications. Its integration provides a single console for easy management. It effectively scans emails for threats, allowing threat prioritization across enterprises. It offers seamless integration with Microsoft's ecosystem, enhances threat visibility, and provides real-time updates. Its features support user behavior analytics, ensuring comprehensive security with features like URL and attachment scanning.

"The stability of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is fantastic."
"Microsoft Defender for Office 365 facilitates efficient management and updates through the cloud. We do not have to worry about incompatibilities. It just works."
"The most valuable feature of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is its spam filter."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 requires enhancements in virus blocking, cross-operating system compatibility, and support for non-Microsoft file types. Licensing clarity and expansion are necessary. Its threat detection, user interface, and reporting capabilities need improvement. Scalability, pricing, and proactive threat management are concerns. Email alerts and business continuity features should be enhanced. Integration with external platforms and simplification of configurations would be beneficial. Phishing and spam detection must be stronger to match competing products.

"I am generally satisfied with how it currently is. If I could improve anything, I would reduce the cost."
"Microsoft needs to broaden its global support presence by establishing teams of subject-matter experts in all regions."
"The changes to customer service, specifically the new model for support agreements, are not favorable."

ROI

Many found Microsoft Defender for Office 365 valuable, with it effectively safeguarding email and data. Some lacked formal analyses but deemed its ability to stop threats crucial. Comments highlighted significant cost savings, particularly compared to alternatives. It reduced reliance on manual processes, boosting productivity and security efficiency. There were mentions of improvements in detection and response times, and entities perceived its bundled offerings as enhancing value. Some were uncertain about ROI or focused on basic functions for cost reduction.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers find Microsoft Defender for Office 365's pricing competitive, though it is considered expensive compared to some alternatives. It is typically bundled with Office 365 under E3 and E5 licenses, making it hard to isolate individual costs. Monthly and annual payment options are available; however, many users recommend annual payments due to Microsoft's licensing policies. While offering extensive functionality, some smaller organizations may find affordability a challenge. Negotiating prices is common practice.

"While Microsoft Defender for Office 365 necessitates pricier E3 or E5 subscriptions, the extensive functionality offered by these licenses across various Microsoft products justifies the investment."
"I know that the product is incredibly expensive."
"The product is very expensive."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily utilize Microsoft Defender for Office 365 for email security, including anti-phishing, malware protection, and data loss prevention. They employ it to secure Office 365 tools like OneDrive and Teams, monitor threats, and manage compliance tasks. This cloud-based service integrates with Azure, offering analytics and threat protection, particularly against spam and phishing attempts. Many choose it for its comprehensive threat detection across email attachments, links, and user behavior.

Service and Support

Technical support for Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is typically responsive and knowledgeable. Users appreciate documentation and support resources but note that getting advanced help can require escalation, leading to delays. Some highlight the efficiency with Premier Support, while others find entry-level assistance insufficient and time-consuming. Customers express that documentation can be overwhelming and out of date, impacting support effectiveness. Many rate support highly, emphasizing prompt issue resolution, especially with premium agreements.

Deployment

Microsoft Defender for Office 365's initial setup is generally straightforward and cloud-based, facilitating easy deployment with minimal staff. Most find it simple to assign licenses and configure settings via the cloud console. While small businesses experience fewer challenges, larger enterprises may encounter complexities during mergers. Comprehensive documentation aids the process. Organizations note ease of setup, though some experience prolonged deployments due to authentication issues or large-scale implementation needs. Maintenance is minimal, focusing on policy tuning.

Scalability

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is highly scalable, effectively expanding with user needs across diverse environments. It seamlessly manages thousands of users, allowing upgrades without hassle. Factors such as network bandwidth and cloud configurations are essential for proper scaling. As a cloud-based service, it scales dynamically with organizational growth, offering excellent stability and no user cap. It is widely used across multi-geographic regions, effortlessly integrating with existing infrastructures, and supports large enterprises without performance issues.

Stability

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is highly rated for stability, often described as "99.9 percent availability." While minor glitches occur occasionally, users report quick resolutions. Any disruptions are rare, bolstered by cloud-based infrastructure reducing downtime responsibilities. Some mention occasional network challenges; however, they rate its stability between eight and ten out of ten. Additionally, it's stated that subscriptions to alerts and cloud updates are seamless, indicating consistent performance and high reliability.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Government

Retailer

Healthcare Company

Comms Service Provider

University

Educational Organization

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Energy/Utilities Company

Legal Firm

Non Profit

Wholesaler/Distributor

Hospitality Company

Media Company

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Transportation Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Consumer Goods Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Logistics Company

Compare Microsoft Defender for Office 365 with alternative products

Learn more about Microsoft Defender for Office 365

With Microsoft Defender for Office 365, organizations can safeguard their email communication by detecting and blocking malicious links, attachments, and unsafe email content. It employs advanced anti-phishing capabilities to identify and prevent sophisticated phishing attacks that attempt to steal sensitive information or compromise user credentials.

This solution also offers robust protection against malware and ransomware. It leverages machine learning algorithms to analyze email attachments and URLs in real-time, identifying and blocking malicious content before it reaches users' inboxes. Additionally, it provides advanced threat-hunting capabilities, allowing security teams to proactively investigate and respond to potential threats.

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 goes beyond email protection and extends its security features to other collaboration tools like SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. It scans files and documents stored in these platforms, ensuring that they are free from malware and other malicious content. It also provides visibility into user activities, helping organizations detect and mitigate insider threats.

Furthermore, this solution offers rich reporting and analytics capabilities, providing organizations with insights into their security posture and threat landscape. It enables security administrators to monitor and manage security incidents, track trends, and take proactive measures to enhance their overall security posture.

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 was previously known as MS Defender for Office 365.