In a move that brings enterprise-grade security within reach of growing businesses, Microsoft has announced that its E5 Security features are now available as an add-on for Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
This update could be a game-changer for professional services firms seeking to enhance protection without overcomplicating their IT environment. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the Microsoft 365 E5 Security Add-on?
The E5 Security add-on is a bundle of Microsoft’s most advanced security tools. Previously reserved for large enterprise plans, the add-on makes these accessible to Business Premium users (the plan for SMEs with under 300 seats).
This means your firm can take advantage of features like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Office 365, and Insider Risk Management, all while keeping your familiar setup.
What’s Included?
With the E5 Security add-on, you gain access to:
- Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 – for advanced phishing, malware and ransomware protection.
- Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 – delivering endpoint detection and response (EDR).
- Microsoft Entra ID Protection – to detect identity risks and automate response.
- Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention – to stop sensitive data from being shared inappropriately.
- Insider Risk Management – to detect and respond to internal threats.
Will I Need to Configure Anything?
To get the full benefits (and stay compliant with industry regulations), you’ll need to properly configure the settings.
That’s where a strategic IT partner like Intalex comes in. We take the complexity out of setup, ensuring your policies are aligned with regulatory standards and your day-to-day operations remain seamless.
How Much Does the E5 Add-On Cost in the UK?
The E5 Security add-on is priced at $12 USD, or a little over £9 per user/month, making it a cost-effective way to gain enterprise-level protection without a full upgrade to the E5 licence.
Is It Worth Getting the E5 Security Add-on If You’re a Microsoft Business Premium Customer?
If you’re already using Microsoft 365 Business Premium, this add-on is a powerful step up. While Business Premium includes solid security features, the E5 add-on takes it to another level with deeper visibility, proactive threat response, and stronger data loss prevention.
For professional service firms handling sensitive client data, reputational risk is high. The E5 Security add-on helps reduce that risk with automated, intelligent protection – without requiring your team to become cyber experts overnight.
How Do I Know If Microsoft E5 Security Is Right for My Business?
If you’re unsure whether your current setup is doing enough to protect client data, now’s the time to ask. With cyber threats evolving daily, it’s no longer enough to rely on “good enough” security.
At Intalex, we help professional services firms make sense of Microsoft’s advanced tools, translating technical capability into business confidence.
Ready to find out if Microsoft 365 E5 Security is the right fit?
Book a 30-minute chat with our director, James. We’ll walk through your current setup, identify potential risks, and help you decide whether this add-on makes sense for you.
