What is Microsoft Defender for Business?
Microsoft Defender for Business is a device security service created for smaller companies that need more control over cyber risk than a standard antivirus product can provide. It is meant to help protect business endpoints while keeping setup and day-to-day administration manageable for lean IT teams.
In practice, the service gives organisations a way to watch for suspicious activity, reduce exposure to known weaknesses, and respond when a device shows signs of compromise. That makes it useful not only for blocking threats, but also for understanding what happened and what should be fixed next. Microsoft positions Defender for Business for organisations with up to 300 users, and it can protect Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. The platform includes next-generation protection, vulnerability management, endpoint detection and response, and automated remediation. From a licensing perspective, Microsoft 365 Business Premium already includes Defender for Business, while businesses using Business Basic or Business Standard can buy it separately.