What is Microsoft Defender for Cloud?
Microsoft Defender for Cloud is a Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP). The service provides unified security management for Azure as well as AWS and GCP environments connected via connectors.
Core Features
- Secure Score for continuous security assessment
- Paid Defender plans per workload type, such as Defender for Servers, Defender for Containers, or Defender for Databases
- Vulnerability assessment and remediation recommendations
- Just-in-time access to virtual machines to reduce the attack surface
- Multi-cloud support for Azure, AWS, and GCP via connectors
Typical Use Cases
- Central security management for cloud resources across multiple clouds
- Compliance monitoring against regulatory standards and benchmarks
- Detection and response to threats across VMs, containers, and databases
Benefits
- Unified view across all connected cloud environments
- Prioritized recommendations by risk instead of alert overload
- Granular billing for only the Defender plans you need
- Integration with Microsoft Sentinel and other SIEM solutions
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Microsoft Defender for Cloud: selecting the right Defender plans, implementation, policy configuration, incident response, and continuous optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the free and paid features?
The free foundational features (Foundational CSPM) provide Secure Score and basic security recommendations. Paid Defender plans, bookable separately per workload type such as servers, containers, databases, or storage, add threat detection, vulnerability scanning, just-in-time VM access, and advanced compliance dashboards.
Does Defender for Cloud also support AWS and GCP?
Yes, multi-cloud connectors let you onboard AWS and GCP accounts. You get a unified overview of the security posture across all connected cloud environments.
What is the Secure Score?
A percentage rating of your security posture based on implemented recommendations. A higher score means a better protection status; recommendations are prioritized by risk.
How does threat detection work?
Defender for Cloud uses machine learning and threat intelligence to detect anomalies, known attack patterns, and suspicious behavior across workloads such as VMs, containers, or databases. Alerts are consolidated centrally in the Defender for Cloud portal.
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Azure (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Azure.
