The annual IT and development conference of Microsoft has begun, with several updates being made to Microsoft 365. Most of these updates are security focused and geared toward protecting Microsoft 365 users against attacks. Microsoft has also highlighted that "the average cost of data breaches increased to $4.35 million in 2022, a year high."
Microsoft has developed six interconnected product categories that will enable users to get access to a comprehensive, yet simplified security solution. This year, Microsoft is launching five new innovations across all of the technologies already established, which will protect users against data breaches.
First up, is the Microsoft Defender for DevOps, which is in place to help security teams improve, while maintaining security in DevOps at the same speed. Undoubtedly, cloud misconfigurations as well as vulnerabilities are reduced significantly. Ultimately, allowing better prioritization and remediation in code across multi-pipeline environments.
Microsoft is also launching a public preview of the Microsoft Defender Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) that will then assist with time management and the resolution of the most critical threats assessed. Defender for DevOps, coupled with Defender CSPM, will help users identify potential threats easier than previously.
The new Microsoft Entra Identity Governance is in public preview. It is designed to ensure that members in your organization have access to resources that are appropriate for their designated position at the correct time. It also includes a couple of features like Lifecycles, which automate the ever-recurring tasks at the workplace as well as separation of duties in entitlements management as a way to avoid compliance issues. The release is a continuation of Microsoft''s previous offerings, which includes entitlements management, privilege management, and access certification.
Microsoft is launching Microsoft Purview Information Protection for Adobe Document Cloud in public preview to mitigate insider risk and furthermore prevent sensitive data from being shared. The tool also includes granular policy management and contextual evidence for policy matches on endpoint devices to prevent sensitive credentials from landing in the wrong hands.
Microsoft promised to make a few changes to Endpoint Manager in an attempt to simplify organization management thanks to a new cloud-based Microsoft 365 plan. Microsoft Intune, however, is now in place to provide additional support for endpoint security and reduces ownership costs while simultaneously improving the user experience.
Microsoft is launching an automatic attack disruption in Microsoft 365 Defender in public preview that helps organizations at machine speed. This tool makes use of Extended Detection and Response, Microsoft Defender, email, documents, and cloud applications to detect and treat ongoing attacks like ransomware. This way users will be able to effectively and effectively identify and deal with such situations, both internal and external attacks. These attacks will now be controlled because the affected assets are automatically isolated upon detection preventing further spread.
Delaying the use of both Microsoft 365 Defender and Microsoft Sentinel, investigations will now be easier. Microsoft''s 50% discount on Microsoft Defender for P1 & P2 licenses is also available for existing and new users.