If your business is subscribed to Microsoft 365 Business Premium, you might be sitting on a goldmine of features you’re not even using—features that could save you money, boost your security, and streamline your IT operations.
Many business owners and IT decision-makers invest in Business Premium for the familiar Office apps and cloud services, but don’t realise it also includes enterprise-grade security and device management tools—tools that often replace the need for third-party antivirus, endpoint protection, and even some managed IT services.
Let’s unpack what you’re already paying for—and how to make the most of it.
🔐 Microsoft Defender for Business: Proven, Enterprise-Grade Protection Across All Devices
Many businesses still rely on third-party antivirus software, unaware that Microsoft Defender for Business, included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, offers comprehensive, enterprise-grade protection—and not just for Windows PCs.
Defender for Business is a full Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution that protects your organisation from modern threats like ransomware, phishing, and zero-day exploits. It includes:
- Real-time threat detection and response
- Automated investigation and remediation
- Attack surface reduction rules
- Threat and vulnerability management
- Integration with Microsoft 365 Security Center
What sets it apart is its cross-platform support. Defender isn’t limited to Windows—it also protects:
- macOS devices
- iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
This means your entire device ecosystem—whether it’s a Windows laptop, an iPhone, or a MacBook—is covered under one unified security platform.
📊 Independent Test Results
According to AV-TEST’s February 2025 evaluations, Microsoft Defender scored:
- 6/6 for protection
- 6/6 for performance
- 6/6 for usability
These scores place it among the top-tier endpoint protection solutions, on par with or exceeding many paid third-party alternatives.
🧠 Built-In Intelligence
Through the Microsoft 365 Security Center, you can:
- Monitor your organisation’s security posture
- Identify known vulnerabilities across your devices
- Take proactive steps to mitigate risks before they become incidents
This level of visibility and control is often only available in expensive enterprise-grade solutions—but with Business Premium, it’s already included.
So if you’re still paying for third-party antivirus, mobile security, or vulnerability scanning tools, it might be time to ask: why?
💻 Microsoft Intune: Automated, Consistent Setup for Every Device—Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Setting up new devices can be a time-consuming and error-prone process. Often, users receive a new laptop or phone, only to call IT support because something wasn’t installed, configured, or secured properly.
With Microsoft Intune, included in Business Premium, you can automate and standardise the setup and management of all your devices—not just Windows PCs, but also:
- Apple iPhones and iPads
- MacBooks and macOS desktops
- Android smartphones and tablets
⚙️ What Intune Can Do for You
- Zero-touch provisioning: Devices can be shipped directly to employees. When they sign in with their Microsoft 365 credentials, Intune automatically:
- Installs required apps
- Applies security policies
- Configures email, OneDrive, Teams, and more
- Consistent configuration: Every device is set up the same way, every time—no more “it works on mine” issues.
- Remote management: Push updates, enforce compliance, and wipe or reset devices remotely.
- Fresh Start & Autopilot: If a device needs rebuilding, you can reset it to your company’s standard configuration without needing an IT technician.
💡 Real-World Impact
This means:
- Fewer support tickets from users who find something missing or misconfigured
- Faster onboarding for new employees
- Lower costs by reducing the need for manual setup or outsourced device builds
In short, Intune gives you enterprise-level device management without the enterprise-level price tag—and it works across your entire device fleet, not just Windows.
🛡️ Advanced Threat Protection: Security That Works Behind the Scenes
Business Premium also includes Microsoft Purview and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) features that help secure your data and users:
- Safe Links & Safe Attachments: Protect users from malicious emails and downloads.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevent sensitive information from being shared outside your organisation.
- Information Protection: Classify and label documents to control access and sharing.
These tools are often overlooked but can be game-changers for compliance, especially if you’re working toward standards like ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials.
💡 Why Aren’t More Businesses Using These Features?
In many cases, it’s simply because they don’t know they’re there. Microsoft 365 Business Premium is often sold as “Office with extras,” but those extras are powerful tools that can:
- Reduce your IT support costs
- Improve your security posture
- Simplify compliance
- Empower your team to work securely from anywhere
📞 Let’s Talk—No Obligation, No Cost
If you’re wondering whether you’re getting the most from your Microsoft 365 licensing—or if you’re paying for third-party tools you no longer need—I’d love to help.
You can book a free, no-obligation exploratory meeting with me via my website:
Let’s make sure your technology is working as hard as you are.