Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps

What is Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps and how does it work?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is a cloud-based security solution from Microsoft that helps protect your organisation's cloud applications from threats such as malware, phishing and other cyberattacks.

It works by continuously monitoring your organisation's cloud applications and their associated data, detecting suspicious activity and blocking or remediating any threats as they occur.

Assess your cloud apps and services to ensure they meet and comply with applicable legislation and compliance regulations and industry-specific laws.

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps use case

Imagine a company that uses multiple cloud applications and services, including Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Dropbox. You want to ensure that employees use these applications securely and that sensitive company data is protected from cyber threats and data leaks.

To achieve this, your organisation implements Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps. With this tool, you get an overview of how these applications are being used by employees. They can identify which employees are accessing which applications, which files are being shared and whether sensitive data is being exposed.

Based on this visibility, policies and rules are set up to control access to these applications and to protect sensitive data. For example, they may restrict access to certain files or applications based on an employee's job role or require multi-factor authentication to access sensitive data.

In addition, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps provides protection against cyber threats, such as malware and phishing attacks. The tool uses advanced threat detection and response capabilities, including machine learning and behavioural analysis, to identify and respond to potential threats in real time.

Overall, by implementing Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, you can ensure that your cloud applications and services are used securely and that sensitive data is protected from cyber threats and data leaks.

Which cloud apps does Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps protect?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps provides protection for a wide range of cloud applications, including popular services such as Office 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365, as well as third-party applications used by an organisation.

Which third-party applications does Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps protect?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps provides protection against a wide range of cloud apps, including AWS, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack and many others. You can see the list of connectors here: List of connectors for Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps

How does Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps detect and prevent threats?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps uses a combination of machine learning, behavioural analysis, and signature-based detection to identify and prevent threats. It continuously monitors network traffic, analyses user behaviour and looks for patterns of suspicious activity that could indicate a potential attack.

Can Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps be customised for specific security needs?

Yes, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps can be customised to fit a company's specific security needs. Administrators can configure security policies, whitelist or blacklist specific applications or URLs, and configure custom alerts and notifications to suit their business requirements.

How does Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps integrate with other Microsoft security solutions?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft security solutions, including Azure Active Directory, Azure Security Centre and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. This allows for a comprehensive, end-to-end security solution across the entire enterprise IT environment.

What kind of reporting and analytics does Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps provide?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps provides detailed reporting and analysis on security incidents and threats, including the ability to view threat logs and investigate suspicious activity. It also provides customisable dashboards and reports to help businesses monitor their IT security.

How does Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps protect against insider threats?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps uses a variety of techniques to protect against insider threats, including behavioural analysis, anomaly detection and access control. It can detect if a user is behaving suspiciously or accessing resources they shouldn't have and can act to prevent data loss or other security breaches.

Can Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps detect and prevent zero-day attacks?

Yes, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps uses machine learning and behavioural analytics to detect and prevent zero-day attacks. It can identify suspicious behaviour and patterns that may indicate a new or unknown threat and can take proactive measures to stop the attack before it causes damage.

How does Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps help organisations with compliance?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps can help businesses meet compliance requirements by providing detailed security reports and logs, as well as customisable compliance policies and controls. It also integrates with other Microsoft compliance solutions, such as Microsoft Compliance Manager, to provide a comprehensive compliance management solution.