Gartner Recognizes Microsoft as a Leader in Cybersecurity Innovation through Endpoint Protection Platforms. Recently, Microsoft announced that it would be a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms for the 5th year.
In May 2024, Microsoft was also selected as the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) leader and is now chosen as the Leader in Cybersecurity Innovation. Nowadays, cybersecurity is critical on all platforms, and according to Microsoft, 2.75 times more organizations are facing ransomware attacks.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has a huge role in reducing the number of successful attacks. We know how important Microsoft Defender Endpoint is for organizations; it always prevents cyber threats and detects and investigates them across various devices.
One of Microsoft’s notable efforts is to help organizations protect their devices from advanced attacks while improving security efficiency. Microsoft has many innovations to make to enhance endpoint security and help organizations protect against new cyber threats. Let’s take a quick look at these details.
Table of Contents
What is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an essential security feature that protects networks from cyber threats. This security platform’s main highlight is its ability to investigate, detect, and prevent security threats from many devices.
Gartner Named Microsoft Endpoint Protection Platforms as a Leader in Cybersecurity Innovation 2024
Above, we discussed the recent Gartner report that Named Microsoft a Leader in Cybersecurity Innovation Through Endpoint Protection Platforms. Our May blog post also mentioned that Microsoft was selected as the leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).
| Leaders | Challengers | Visionaries | Niche Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crowdstrike | ESET | Check Point Software Technologies | Fortinet |
| Microsoft | Trellix | Bitdefender | Withsecure |
| SentinelOne | Cisco | Broadcom | |
| Palo Alto Networks | Cyberason | ||
| Sophos |
- Microsoft AVD Windows 365 Tops the Gartner Magic Quadrant Report
- Gartner Research Paper on Microsoft Copilot and DEX Digital Employee Experience
- 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Container Management Recognize Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service as Leader
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a security platform that protects digital information. It’s designed to be secure, reduce Windows system dependence, and enhance real-time user protection.
- It prefers AI-driven detection and response across various devices, including Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, and IoT.
- It is a part of the most extensive system called XDR
- XDR uses data from the 78 daily signals and insights from more than 10,000 security experts.
- It will be beneficial in dealing with complicated security threats.
- The Microsoft Doc reveals 6 innovations. they are;
| No | 6 Innovations in Endpoint Protection Platforms |
|---|---|
| 1. | Automatic Attack Disruption |
| 2. | Microsoft Copilot for Security |
| 3. | A New Linux Agent |
| 4. | Simplified Settings Management, |
| 5. | Unified Security Operations Platform |
| 6. | Microsoft Defender Experts for XDR |
Automatic Attack Disruption
Microsoft always prefers the self-defence feature for preventing cyber attacks. Automatic Attack Disruption figured out the aim of attackers, found which devices or users were affected, and quickly isolated or disabled them.
- According to the Microsoft Report, a vulnerability called CVE-2024-37085 was found in July 2024.
- That was a ransomware attacker, and the Automatic Attack Disruption system blocked these attacks across all devices in just about 3 minutes.
Microsoft Copilot for Security
The next innovation is the new Microsoft Copilot for Security, available as of April 2024. Microsoft defines this security protection platform as a new AI for the best security enhancement. It is now part of the Defender XDR system. It speeds up investigating and fixing security issues by providing clear, step-by-step instructions.
- What is Microsoft Defender XDR?
- Microsoft Copilot for Security is Generally Available
- New Capabilities in Microsoft Copilot for Security
A New Linux Agent
This is a new Security innovation called Linux Agent, and this new tool for Linux has been made using a special technology called eBPF. This tool plays an essential role in security tasks that are essential specialities that will run smoothly and safely.
- Microsoft focuses on this tool to improve security for all devices, such as Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and IoT, to protect organisations.
Simplified Settings Management
This is a new Security innovation that aims to reduce security risks. It now has simpler settings so SOC analysts can handle security rules directly in the Defender XDR portal.
Unified Security Operations Platform
This is another security innovation in endpoints. It integrates all the essential tools that a Security Operations Center (SOC) needs into one easy-to-use system. This will help SOCs close security gaps, work better, and react quickly to threats, allowing stronger protection.
- It integrates with Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender XDR to ensure the best security for an organization.
- Security analysts can use a single set of automation rules and playbooks.
Microsoft Defender Experts for XDR
This innovation is very helpful. It provides 24/7 access to Microsoft’s help for the security team. Cyber threats are complicated and will affect more than just a single device. This service helps organizations by improving their security operations centre.
- The screenshot below is from the deception capability in Microsoft Defender XDR.
- Microsoft Defender XDR has introduced an integrated deception capability to enhance cybersecurity defences.
See More: What is Microsoft Defender XDR?
Video
Are you new to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint? You have the best option to learn more about it. The video is by Anoop C Nair; you can check it out on our YouTube channel. There are other parts to this video. This will help you learn more about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
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Author
Anoop C Nair has been Microsoft MVP from 2015 onwards for 10 consecutive years! He is a Workplace Solution Architect with more than 22+ years of experience in Workplace technologies. He is also a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group Community leader. His primary focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM and Intune. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security, Career, etc.