Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps vs Microsoft Defender for Identity comparison

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is a comprehensive security solution that provides protection for cloud-based applications and services. It offers real-time threat detection and response, as well as advanced analytics and reporting capabilities. With Defender for Cloud Apps, organizations can ensure the security of their cloud environments and safeguard against cyber threats. Whether you're running SaaS applications, IaaS workloads, or PaaS services, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps can help you secure your cloud environment and protect your business from cyber threats.

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps Benefits:

• Provides comprehensive security for cloud applications
• Integrates with other Microsoft security tools
• Easy to use and deploy
• Provides real-time threat detection and response
• Strong protection against phishing attacks and other common threats
• Highly customizable to meet specific needs of different organizations

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps Use Cases:

• Governance, authentication, security, and compliance. 
• Detects shadow IT and anomalous user behavior
• Controls access to applications
• Provides auditing and filtering setups
• Used for end-user compute devices, file monitoring, user investigation, and activity
• Used for data governance, threat detection, and getting visibility over cloud applications
• Used to identify information about applications beyond organizational boundaries
• Prevent exfiltration and data filtration of corporate data
• Used to deal with spam emails and detect shadow IT

Reviews from Real Users

Ram-Krish, Cloud Security & Governance at a financial services firm, says that Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps "Integrates well and helps us in protecting sensitive information, but takes time to scan and apply the policies and cannot detect everything we need".

PeerSpot user, Senior Cloud & Security Consultant at a tech services, writes that Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps "Great for monitoring user activity and protecting data while integrating well with other applications".

Simon Burgess,Infrastructure Engineer at SBITSC, states that Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is "A fluid, intelligent product for great visibility, centralized management, and increased uptime".

Microsoft Defender for Identity offers real-time threat detection and protection for hybrid Active Directory environments. It integrates with Microsoft 365 components for seamless security and monitors advanced behaviors, enhancing identity protection across cloud and on-premises environments.

Microsoft Defender for Identity provides detailed threat insights and user behavior analytics to detect unauthorized access and notify anomalies. It allows setting custom detection rules, enhancing threat response automation. While it needs improvements in cloud security, SIEM integration, and access controls, users leverage its ability to mitigate identity threats like suspicious logins and ransomware. Enhanced integration with Microsoft security products ensures a coordinated threat response for identity control and privilege management.

• Active Directory Federation: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 for comprehensive security.
• Real-time Security Monitoring: Provides immediate insights into advanced user behaviors and potential threats.
• Threat Insights: Delivers detailed analysis of threats with the ability to customize detection rules.
• User Behavior Analytics: Analyzes user activities to detect anomalies and potential risks.
• Identity Protection: Offers comprehensive protection in both cloud and on-premises environments.

• Unauthorized Access Prevention: Identifies potential unauthorized activities with advanced detection mechanisms.
• Anomaly Notification: Alerts users to unexpected activities within their environments.
• Threat Response Automation: Facilitates rapid response to threats with automated solutions.
• Enhanced Cloud Security: Strengthens identity management across hybrid and cloud frameworks.

In specific industries, organizations implement Microsoft Defender for Identity to secure on-premises and hybrid Active Directory environments through user and entity behavior analytics, malicious activity detection, and integration with Microsoft security tools. This approach enhances security posture assessment and helps mitigate identity threats like identity harvesting and unauthorized access.