Microsoft 365 Defender isn’t just an antivirus add-on or a compliance checkbox—it’s a powerful suite of security tools that can detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to threats across your organization.
But many IT admins only scratch the surface.
In this article, we explore advanced Microsoft 365 Defender features that every admin should start using today to elevate their organization’s security posture.
1. Threat Analytics
What it is: Real-time threat intelligence curated by Microsoft security researchers.
Why it matters: Instead of reacting blindly to alerts, Threat Analytics provides context about ongoing threat actors, attack techniques, and affected endpoints/users in your environment.
How to use it:
- Navigate to Microsoft 365 Defender Portal
- Go to Threat Analytics
- Review active incidents tied to current threats
- Implement mitigations directly from recommendations
2. Attack Simulation Training
What it is: A built-in phishing simulation and training tool for end users.
Why it matters: Human error causes more breaches than malware. This feature lets you test user behavior and train them in real-time.
Capabilities include:
- Simulate phishing, malware attachments, drive-by URLs
- Automatically assign awareness training if users fall for attacks
- Track user risk profiles and improvement over time
Use Case: Run quarterly phishing simulations to assess resilience and adjust security training accordingly.
3. Automated Investigation and Response (AIR)
What it is: Automation engine for triaging and responding to threats without manual involvement.
Why it matters: AIR reduces the burden on IT teams by auto-remediating threats like malware, credential leaks, or risky user behavior.
Key capabilities:
- Detects suspicious activity
- Investigates the root cause across endpoints, email, and identities
- Automatically isolates endpoints, removes malware, and alerts admins
Bonus: AIR integrates with Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Office 365, and Defender for Identity.
4. Advanced Hunting Queries
What it is: A powerful Kusto Query Language (KQL)-based engine to query telemetry data across M365 services.
Why it matters: Perfect for security analysts or IT admins who want to find hidden signals of compromise or policy violations.
Examples:
- Find users with frequent malware detections
- Hunt for suspicious PowerShell commands or file downloads
- Correlate phishing emails to credential usage
Start with built-in hunting queries in the Advanced Hunting tab, then customize as needed.
5. Defender for Identity (Azure ATP)
What it is: Monitors Active Directory for lateral movement, privilege escalation, and risky sign-ins.
Why it matters: Credential-based attacks are on the rise. Defender for Identity detects attacks like:
- Pass-the-Hash
- Golden Ticket
- Suspicious lateral movements
Tip: Pair this with Conditional Access and MFA for layered protection.
6. Unified Investigation Experience
What it is: A consolidated view that pulls together alerts from Defender for Endpoint, Office 365, and Identity.
Why it matters: Instead of switching tabs, you can see how an attack spread through email → endpoint → user session—all in one place.
This lets you respond faster and avoid duplication of effort.
Summary: Start Small, Scale Quickly
You don’t have to enable everything at once. Here’s a suggested rollout:
- Start with Attack Simulation Training (low effort, high impact).
- Enable AIR to reduce your response burden.
- Gradually explore Threat Analytics and Advanced Hunting.
- Integrate Defender for Identity if you’re using hybrid or on-prem AD.
Security Isn’t Set-and-Forget
Your Microsoft 365 licensing likely already includes many of these Defender features (especially if you have Microsoft 365 E5 or Defender for Business).
Explore them. Test them. And use them to secure your digital workplace proactively.
Need help configuring or optimizing Microsoft Defender?
Contact Techatix for a security assessment and implementation plan.