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Microsoft named a Leader in IDC MarketScape for Modern Endpoint Security for Enterprise and Small and Midsize Businesses

  • By Rob Lefferts, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Threat Protection

The security stakes have never been higher and, consequently, the protection of endpoints as a key component of any extended detection and response (XDR) strategy has never been more critical—for organizations of all sizes. Microsoft is thrilled to be recognized as a Leader in IDC’s MarketScape reports for Modern Endpoint Security for both enterprise1 and small and midsize businesses (SMB).2

The IDC MarketScape recognized Microsoft’s commitment to cross-platform support with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, noting that “As telemetry is the rocket fuel for AI- and machine learning-infused endpoint security solutions, Microsoft’s breadth and volume are unequaled geographically and across customer segments (enterprise, small and midsize businesses, and consumer). With the support of macOS, iOS, and Android, Microsoft’s telemetry pool is expanding and diversifying. Microsoft’s expanded platform support also chips away at the long-standing advantage of endpoint security independent software vendors (ISVs).”

Microsoft’s vision for XDR was also cited as a differentiator, as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a key component of Microsoft 365 Defender, extending protection from devices to a single, integrated solution across all assets. “Microsoft’s strategic vantage point is more than its Windows operating system. Directory service of Active Directory, web browser of Microsoft Edge, and the ubiquitous business productivity apps of Office 365 provide Microsoft native visibility and control across common endpoint attack vectors. These security building blocks available through Microsoft licensing agreements (E3 and E5) and as standalone options have contributed to Microsoft’s market strength and momentum in modern endpoint security.”

Security for all

Everyone expects hackers to target big, lucrative targets. Modern endpoint security is a key component for any XDR strategy for enterprise security teams, along with identity, email, application, and cloud security protection. However, small businesses are also a popular target even if they are less prevalent in the headlines.

According to a recent SMB cybersecurity report, 55 percent of SMBs have experienced a cyberattack. Many SMB companies hold valuable information that can be exploited, such as customer and employee personal information, payment information, and more. Next-generation threats, like human-operated ransomware, are a danger to organizations of all sizes but are too rarely addressed by traditional endpoint protection platform (EPP) solutions.

As part of our commitment to security for all, Microsoft has renewed its pledge to bring enterprise security to SMBs and nonprofits, boosting cloud security programs and expanding intrusion prevention and detection tech to cover Amazon Web Services (AWS).

With the launch of Microsoft Defender for Business, Microsoft delivers capabilities such as antivirus, threat and vulnerability management, and endpoint detection and response (EDR), across a broad range of desktop and mobile platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Built on the foundation of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, SMBs will be able to focus on addressing weaknesses that pose the highest risk to their environments, as well as to reduce attack surface with application control, ransomware mitigation, network and web protection, and firewall. The solution also provides next-generation protection (on devices and in the cloud) and automated investigation and remediation, while also allowing admins to automate workflows and integrate security data into existing solutions.

Defender for Business doesn’t require special security knowledge to install and use, and it comes with a simplified client configuration with recommended security policies enforced from the get-go

“We need to have security for all, security that protects everything,” said Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President for Security, Compliance, and Identity. “Security is a team sport, after all.”

Learn More

Read more about Microsoft Defender for Business, which offers enterprise-grade endpoint protection that’s cost-effective and easy to use—designed especially for businesses with up to 300 employees.

Readers seeking complete endpoint security can learn more about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft’s industry-leading, cloud-powered endpoint security solution offering vulnerability management, endpoint protection, EDR, and mobile threat defense. Sign up for a free trial today.

You can download the excerpts of the following reports for more details:

To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions, visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us at @MSFTSecurity for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity.

We thank our customers and partners for being on this journey with us.

 

IDC MarketScape chart for Worldwide Modern Endpoint Security for Small and Midsize Businesses Vendor Assessment. Features Microsoft in top right hand corner under Leader.

IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of information and communication technology (ICT) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. The Capabilities score measures vendor product, go-to-market, and business execution in the short term. The Strategy score measures alignment of vendor strategies with customer requirements in a three to five-year timeframe. Vendor market share is represented by the size of the icons.

IDC MarketScape chart for Worldwide Modern Endpoint Security for Enterprises Vendor Assessment. Features Microsoft in top right hand corner under Leaders.

IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of information and communication technology (ICT) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. The Capabilities score measures vendor product, go-to-market, and business execution in the short term. The Strategy score measures alignment of vendor strategies with customer requirements in a three to five-year timeframe. Vendor market share is represented by the size of the icons.

 

1IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Modern Endpoint Security for Enterprises 2021 Vendor Assessment, Doc #US48306021. November 2021.

2The IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Modern Endpoint Security for Small and Midsize Businesses 2021 Vendor Assessment, Doc #48304721. November 2021.