What is Microsoft Defender for IoT?
Microsoft Defender for IoT is an agentless security solution for identifying IoT and OT devices, their vulnerabilities, and threats. The service secures IoT/OT environments, including existing devices without built-in security agents, through network-based monitoring via OT sensors. Microsoft is currently extending the service toward a unified IT/OT experience in the Microsoft Defender portal, complementing the existing management experience in the Azure portal.
Core Features
- Agentless asset discovery and inventory via OT network sensors
- Risk assessment and vulnerability management using machine learning, threat intelligence, and behavioral analytics
- Detection of advanced threats such as zero-day malware and living-off-the-land tactics, including historical traffic analysis with PCAP access
- Support for cloud, on-premises, air-gapped, and hybrid configurations
- Integration with Microsoft Sentinel and other SIEM, SOAR, and XDR solutions
Typical Use Cases
- Security for manufacturing plants, SCADA, and industrial control systems
- Protecting critical infrastructure such as energy and water utilities
- Extending protection to enterprise IoT devices such as printers, smart TVs, or conferencing systems in combination with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Benefits
- No changes to existing devices required thanks to agentless monitoring
- Central visibility across IT, IoT, and OT devices regardless of location
- Reduces risk through continuous vulnerability management
- Flexible deployment, including for regulated, air-gapped environments
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory supports you with Microsoft Defender for IoT: assessment of your IoT/OT environment, sensor architecture implementation, incident response, and compliance consulting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need agents on IoT devices?
No, Defender for IoT works agentlessly through network traffic analysis based on OT network sensors. Data from sensors, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and third-party sources is combined to identify devices and their communication behavior.
Can I also protect OT environments?
Yes, Defender for IoT is designed for OT networks with SCADA, ICS, and industrial control systems, and supports cloud, on-premises, and hybrid configurations, including air-gapped environments.
What does Microsoft Defender for IoT cost?
OT protection is licensed by device count per site; larger environments require individual licensing through sales. Enterprise IoT protection for devices such as printers or conferencing systems is billed per device or included under certain Microsoft 365 E5 or Defender Suite licenses.
How does asset discovery work?
Passive network monitoring via OT sensors identifies connected devices, their type, firmware, communication patterns, and vulnerabilities, using machine learning and threat analysis among other methods.
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.
