Introduction
Microsoft M365 E5 continues to grow in market acceptance and feature capabilities, offering an integrated suite of tools designed to address evolving cybersecurity and data governance needs. At a time when cybersecurity is both a growing challenge and a significant IT budget consideration, organizations often find the adoption journey complex.
Drawing on extensive experience with M365 E5 engagements, BDO has developed a structured approach to help organizations adopt and optimize their use of M365 E5. This approach emphasizes achieving measurable ROI through vendor consolidation and risk reduction.
Brett Benson, BDO Microsoft Security Lead, explains, “Key success factors for adopting M365 E5 include thoughtful deployment, driving user adoption, and retiring redundant solutions. M365 E5 enables organizations to manage security threats through a centralized platform, supporting both cost management and enhanced risk mitigation.”
Leveraging the Full Potential of M365 E5
Microsoft’s approach to technology often evolves from standalone products to comprehensive suites that address broader business challenges. M365 E5 exemplifies this progression by integrating Office 365, Defender, Sentinel, and Purview into bundles designed to support cybersecurity and data governance efforts.
By adopting M365 E5, organizations can align their security tools to address emerging threats while supporting enhanced data governance and compliance needs. This alignment provides opportunities to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
| Protect and Govern Data | M365 E5 Compliance / Purview | BDO Active Assure Configuration Validation | ||||
| Defend Against Threats | Defender for Identity | Defender for O365 | Defender for Cloud Apps | Defender for Endpoint | Entra ID Identity Protection | |
| Microsoft Sentinel with BDO Active Protect | ||||||
| Zero Trust Foundation | Conditional Access Zero Trust Identity/Device Policies | |||||
| Devices Joined to Entra ID | ||||||
| Intune Device Management | ||||||
| Continuous improvement with Active Insights | ||||||
Getting Started with M365 E5
BDO takes a strategic approach to M365 E5 adoption, starting with a clear understanding of an organization’s objectives and challenges. Benson notes, “By identifying what organizations want to achieve and why, we can map out effective timelines and deployment strategies.”
Active Secure 365 Packages | |||
| Basic (Device) | Standard - BP (Device, Apps, Data, Identity) | Advanced - E5 (Device, Data, Apps, Email, Identity) | |
| Managed XDR / Endpoint, Identity, Mail | x | x | x |
User Awareness Training | x | x | x |
24x7 SOC | x | x | x |
Microsoft Licensing, Cost Management & Cybersecurity Insights | x | x | x |
| Usage & Insights Reporting | x | x | x |
| Email Protection Management | x | x | |
| Identity Management | x | x | |
| Data Loss Prevention & Email Encryption Management | x | x | |
| Endpoint Management & Patching | x | x | |
| Managed XDR / Endpoint, Identity, Mail | x | x | |
| Shadow IT Reporting (MDCA) | x | ||
| Access Control Management | x | ||
| User Onboarding/Offboarding | x | ||
| Vulnerability Reporting | x | ||
| Security Validation – Attack Simulation | x | ||
A phased journey is often necessary for successful M365 E5 implementation, ensuring that each initiative builds on the last to deliver measurable results. Organizations typically experience security improvements as they progress through the adoption journey.
- Identity: O365 provides basic MFA for Email services or Security Defaults are leveraged
- Email: Exchange Online Protection for spam filtering is leveraged
- Endpoint: Base Windows Defender is leveraged for all
- Identity: Entra ID P1 provides Conditional Access and SSPR
- Email: Defender P1 provides robust security filtering
- Endpoint: Defender P1 provides full EDR
- Identity: Security E5 provides Identity Protection in cloud and on premises with Defender for Identity
- Email: Security E5 provides training, Automated investigation and response.
- Endpoint: Security E5 adds threat analytics, hunting and vulnerability management.
- Cloud: Leverage Defender for Cloud Apps for CASB
- Monitoring: Leverage Microsoft Sentinel for XDR
The Path to M365 E5 Adoption
Outlined below are the typical stages organizations follow during M365 E5 adoption. Each step is designed to help ensure a smooth and effective transition:
1. Envisioning and Planning
- Define goals and objectives, aligning business and technical needs.
- Assess the current security posture and compliance requirements.
- Engage stakeholders from IT, security, and business units to ensure alignment.
2. Onboarding and Preparation
- Develop a detailed deployment plan, including timelines and resource allocation.
- Configure Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for identity management.
- Prepare devices with necessary updates and patches.
3. Configuration and Implementation
- Implement security policies such as conditional access and data loss prevention (DLP).
- Configure Microsoft Defender tools to enhance threat protection.
- Use Intune for mobile device and application management.
4. Pilot and Testing
- Conduct a pilot deployment with a small group of users to test configurations.
- Gather feedback, make adjustments, and resolve identified issues.
5. Full Deployment
- Gradually expand deployment to all users, minimizing business disruption.
- Provide ongoing support and promptly address issues as they arise.
6. Driving Value and Adoption
- Offer training and resources to support user adoption of new practices.
- Regularly review and update security policies to maintain effectiveness.
7. Ongoing Management and Optimization
- Use tools like Microsoft 365 Security Center and Microsoft Sentinel to monitor security.
- Continuously assess and enhance security measures based on evolving threats.
Why M365 E5 Matters
M365 E5 offers a unified platform that helps organizations manage cybersecurity risks, strengthen data governance, and support ongoing operational improvements. By taking a structured approach to adoption, businesses can align their technology investments with their strategic goals, enabling improved resilience and efficiency.
BDO's Approach to M365 E5 Adoption
BDO is dedicated to assisting organizations in navigating the complexities of M365 E5 adoption. Through structured planning, thoughtful deployment, and ongoing management, BDO helps organizations achieve measurable outcomes while adapting to the evolving technology landscape.
Contact BDO today to learn how our tailored approach can help your organization make the most of Microsoft M365 E5.