Microsoft Defender for Cloud
A unified security management and advanced threat protection platform for multicloud and hybrid environments.
| Category | Security Posture Management |
|---|---|
| Last page update | 19 days ago |
| Pricing Details | Free tier available for the first 30 days; charges apply according to selected plans thereafter. |
| Target Audience | Organizations using multicloud and hybrid environments seeking comprehensive security solutions. |
Microsoft Defender for Cloud addresses the complex security challenges in multicloud and hybrid environments by providing a unified security management and advanced threat protection platform. At its core, Defender for Cloud integrates cloud security posture management (CSPM), cloud workload protection (CWP), and DevOps security to secure resources across Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and on-premises environments.
The technical architecture of Defender for Cloud is built around several key components. It includes a development security operations (DevSecOps) solution that unifies security management at the code level, a CSPM solution that identifies and mitigates security risks, and a CWPP that offers specific protections for servers, containers, storage, databases, and other workloads. Defender for Cloud leverages Azure Arc to extend its protections to non-Azure resources, ensuring comprehensive coverage of hybrid environments.
Operationally, Defender for Cloud can be enabled at both the subscription and resource levels, allowing for granular control over which resources are protected. The platform provides continuous security assessments, recommendations, and compliance benchmarks mapped to major regulatory standards. It also integrates with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to offer endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities, particularly in the Defender for Servers Plan 2, which includes advanced threat analytics and vulnerability management.
Key operational considerations include the need to enable specific plans for different workloads, such as Microsoft Defender for Servers, Storage, or SQL, which can be done at the subscription or workspace level. The cost structure is based on the plans enabled, with a free tier available for the first 30 days, after which charges apply according to the selected plans.
Technically, Defender for Cloud provides a unified view into the security posture of hybrid cloud workloads through its overview page, which includes recommendations, asset inventory, and secure score metrics. The platform supports contextual cyberthreat analysis and prioritization of critical risks using cyberattack-path analysis and cloud security graph queries. However, the scalability and performance of these features can be impacted by the volume of resources being monitored, and costs can escalate with the addition of more advanced protection plans and larger data sets.