Microsoft Secure

 

“Don’t bolt security on. Build it in.”  This succinct advice resonates deeply with the challenges faced by security teams today. As the digital landscape grows more intricate, security professionals grapple with a multitude of responsibilities. They must navigate vast data streams from diverse sources, leading to slower threat responses, increased learning curves, and the need for seamless integration.


Microsoft  recognizes these challenges and is committed to empowering security teams. By consolidating essential tools into a unified solution, by addressing a critical pain point in cybersecurity. The goal is to protect the entire digital estate while enhancing Security Operations Centre (SOC) efficiency. 


Let’s delve into the key components of the approach: 

  1. Microsoft Defender XDR:
    Formerly known as Microsoft 365 Defender, this comprehensive Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform equips SOC teams with unified visibility, investigation capabilities, and rapid response across various domains—endpoints, hybrid identities, emails, collaboration tools, cloud apps, and workloads. 

  2. Microsoft Sentinel: 
    A cloud-native Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution provides unparalleled visibility across the threat landscape. It extends coverage to every edge and layer of the digital environment. Sentinel seamlessly integrates with Defender XDR through bidirectional connectors, combining the strengths of both tools.

 

A Unified Platform for Defenders 

This comprehensive approach combines Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) capabilities with Extended Detection and Response (XDR) features, resulting in a powerful security operations (SecOps) platform. Let’s explore the key components: 

  1. Microsoft Sentinel Integration:
    Microsoft have seamlessly integrated Microsoft Sentinel into the Defender portal. This move empowers customers to significantly reduce tool switching, enabling context-focused investigations that expedite incident response and thwart breaches more effectively. By unifying capabilities like a single data model, advanced hunting, and incident management, workflow efficiency is enhanced. 

  2. Embedded Security Copilot
    Analysts play a crucial role, and copilot for security is here to support them. Security Copilot, powered by AI, is now part of the unified SOC platform. Directly integrates into the Defender portal, assisting analysts with complex daily workflows. From end-to-end incident investigation to actionable remediation guidance, Security Copilot optimizes SOC efficiency across Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR data. Copilot for Security even generates incident reports for non-security executives! 

  3. Automatic Attack Disruption
    This unified security operations platform prioritizes automation. For Microsoft Defender XDR customers, automated attack disruption is familiar—it swiftly halts active threats using high-confidence signals. Now, these capabilities are being extended beyond Microsoft data to include non-Microsoft sources, starting with SAP. 
     
  4. Tailored Recommendations 
    The new SOC optimization feature, available in private preview for Microsoft Sentinel customers, enhances data ingestion analysis. Whether in the unified SOC platform or the Azure portal, tailored recommendations empower defenders to stay ahead in an ever-evolving security landscape.

 

Tailored Recommendations

 

Microsoft Secure

Microsoft Secure 2024 is a two-hour digital event from 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM NZT where Microsoft experts share insights, practices, and most importantly—new technology—to safeguard your organization.   —it’s an opportunity to be the first to see what Microsoft is building to help you secure your organization. Whether you are new to security or a seasoned professional, you’ll find something valuable and relevant to help you take your security to the next level. AI, in the wrong hands, fuels sophisticated attacks exploiting system vulnerabilities. In the right hands, it empowers defenders, giving organizations a decisive advantage.  Expect some exciting announcements on the availability of Copilot for security. 

 So don’t wait. Register today and join me on March 14, 2024, from 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM NZT, for the ultimate AI security showcase.  

 

Want more after Secure?   

Practitioners can also join the Microsoft Secure Tech Accelerator post-event in the Tech Community on April 4, 2024. The 5 hour live event gives you deeper technical information on implementation and a chance to ask the team questions. Learn more, RSVP, and build your schedule.  3.00am -7.00am NZT.