Is Windows Defender Enough for Small Business Security?

If you have Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE), definitely utilize that! You need at least Business Premium, E3, or E5 licenses, or it can be purchased standalone. It’s a comprehensive security solution.

Honestly, adding software isn't always the key solution. It's crucial to limit user access on work devices, like disabling local admin rights, managing browser add-ons, and properly configuring Windows Defender. Plus, consider routing all internet traffic through a proxy to tighten security.

Windows Defender can actually be quite effective if you set it up correctly. Many users undervalue it because it comes with default settings that aren't ideal. For enhanced security, consider upgrading to Defender for Business; it's a solid end-point protection solution. You could also check out other EDR options like SentinelOne if you're looking for something more robust.

We faced issues with Malwarebytes when it spiked our CPU usage, so we switched to CrowdStrike, which has worked well for us. It’s worth considering if you continue to run into problems with other options.

There are various avenues to explore! If you’re running Windows 10 or 11, you’ll find Defender has improved a lot. Pairing it with a tool like Huntress can give a significant security boost, as they help with management as well. SentinelOne is our go-to in the office, especially when combined with Huntress.