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How to Maximize Your Microsoft Security 365 A5 Investment

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Don't overspend on a one-size-fits-all solution

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity threats continue to increase in sophistication and frequency. Educational institutions are not immune to these threats and actually take on over 68% of all malware threats. They must take proactive measures to safeguard their systems and data. This has led many institutions to invest in various cybersecurity tools and solutions. However, a common issue faced by educational institutions is investing in tools like Microsoft Security 365 A5 without removing bespoke tools, effectively complicating their security environment and overpaying for unneeded tools.

Overlapping and Unused: The Costly Dilemma of Unoptimized Cybersecurity Tools in Educational Institutions 

Investing in cybersecurity tools is a necessary expense for educational institutions to protect their systems and data from cybersecurity threats. However, many institutions are spending money on multiple tools that have overlapping features or capabilities. This results in a waste of resources and can leave the institution vulnerable to cyberattacks. In some cases, institutions may not even be aware that they are paying for overlapping tools, as different departments within the institution may have purchased them independently. 

Another issue faced by educational institutions is the underutilization of cybersecurity tools. Institutions may have purchased these tools but may not be using them to their full potential. This is often due to a lack of training or resources to effectively deploy and manage these tools. As a result, the institution is not getting the full value of the investment made in these tools. 

To overcome these challenges, educational institutions need to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. One way to do this is by conducting a comprehensive audit of all the cybersecurity tools and solutions currently in use. This will help identify any overlapping tools and enable the institution to eliminate unnecessary expenses. Additionally, the audit will identify any underutilized tools, allowing the institution to reallocate resources and focus on maximizing the value of the cybersecurity tools in use. 

Learn more about the value of consolidation and simplification of cybersecurity tools in the white paper.

How to Maximize Your Microsoft 365 A5 Investment 

As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, educational institutions need to ensure they have the right cybersecurity tools and solutions in place to protect their sensitive data and resources. Microsoft Security 365 A5 is a comprehensive security suite that offers advanced threat protection, identity and access management, information protection, and security management capabilities. 

However, many educational institutions are paying for cybersecurity tools that are either overlapping or not being used effectively, leading to a waste of resources and increased security risks. This is where Difenda’s customizable MXDR (Managed XDR) solution comes in. 

Difenda’s MXDR solution is designed to help educational institutions maximize their Microsoft Security 365 A5 investment by providing customized threat detection and response capabilities. With MXDR, institutions can leverage their existing Microsoft Security tools and supplement them with additional security controls and threat intelligence to create a comprehensive defence strategy. 

MXDR also offers flexible deployment options and pricing models, allowing institutions to choose the level of protection and support that best suits their needs and budget.  

A modular approach to cybersecurity with Difenda MXDR

This approach allows institutions to tailor their cybersecurity solutions to meet their specific needs and only pay for the services they need, rather than overspending on a one-size-fits-all solution. By providing the ability to choose the level of protection and support that best suits their needs and budget, institutions can optimize their investment in cybersecurity and focus on their core mission of providing education to their students. 

In addition, Difenda’s team of cybersecurity experts provides 24/7/365 monitoring, alerting, and incident response support to ensure that institutions are always protected from cyber threats. The team can also work closely with institutions to customize their MXDR solution and provide ongoing guidance and support. 

Maximizing your Microsoft Security 365 A5 investment with Difenda’s MXDR solution can help you achieve a more effective and efficient cybersecurity program while reducing costs and improving your overall security posture.  

The demand for regulatory compliance and robust security programs in education is on the rise. Don’t miss our webinar with Microsoft and Difenda, where you’ll learn how to proactively protect your institution against cyber threats 24/7.

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Megan Miller’s energy and passion for learning flow into all aspects of her work. As the Growth Manager, North America, she brings a background in sciences which she has transitioned to the tech sector in her role at Difenda.

With a Bachelors of Science in Geology, Megan is a lifelong learner who is voracious about learning anything she can get her hands on about cybersecurity. Her positive energy has built a sales strategy with a focus on expanding in the United States while nurturing the Canadian presence. She is responsible for recruiting and training the sales team. Together with the company’s leadership, she creates the sales process and the company’s product strategy in order to better serve the customer base. This ensures that our customers have a highly trained and highly motivated team to help them every step of the way, Megan has completed Microsoft SC-900 training and working towards mastering Microsoft.

Whether at work or play, Megan is fully committed. She took her love of hockey all the way to the semi-professional level as a competitive hockey player. Megan loves all things sports including water skiing, scuba diving, cycling, and snowboarding. She also enjoys time with family and reading about alternative energy, innovation, and cybersecurity.

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As the Microsoft Partner Manager at Difenda, Natasha Phanor is responsible for driving growth within our Microsoft Partnership. With six years in the industry, she offers a fresh, energetic approach, and the ability to focus on our customer’s needs throughout the entire process. Natasha has the innate ability to foresee customer needs and solve problems before they arise, which creates a smooth road for each customer she encounters.

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Lisa Templeton is the perfect combination of human empathy and technological prowess. In her role as People Services Manager, she takes care of our team members to support them in their daily work, as well as on their personal life paths. Happy employees make for happy customers, and Lisa excels in giving our employees the tools they need for success in order to become the best possible versions of themselves. Along with employee formation, she shines in the service delivery support domain to continuously improve the process. Her 24 years of experience in IT Operations and Service Management help her create quality and efficiency at Difenda.

Having attended the Information Systems Management certificate program at Ryerson University, and with various other certifications to her credit, Lisa is perceptive and innovative when it comes to information technology, but also sensitive to the needs of her human constituents. Responsible for achieving the first privately owned company HDI Support Center certification in Canada, she has also designed and implemented Service Management excellence programs and 24×7 IT Operations departments for multiple IT organizations, and has created corporate rewards and recognition programs to keep her employees engaged and motivated.

On the personal side, Lisa passionately supports the cause of breast cancer research, having lost her mother to the disease. She reads voraciously in her spare time, and enjoys the art of home renovation. The summer months also bring time on her boat and exploring new hiking trails.

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Miranda McCurdy uses her myriad super powers in all aspects of her job and personal life. As the Marketing Director at Difenda, Miranda McCurdy brings over a decade of experience to the table, which includes expertise in all facets of operations, brand management, and content marketing, as well as a multitude of successful strategies for the ever-expanding digital world. She is an expert at simplifying the message the company is trying to send, filling in gaps in the information, and strengthening the content in order to create compelling narratives that strengthen the brand and developing programs that bring teams together.

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When she is not building a brand, she shares her ability to fill the gaps in her community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics, and the Charleston Food Bank. In her spare time, Miranda spends time with her family, enjoys fitness and health, paddle boarding, reading, and arts and crafts.

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Connections are the name of the game for Juliana Zaremba. As Strategic Partnerships Director, she is responsible for Difenda’s channel partnerships and the development and ownership of the channel partner program. She is also responsible for the global Microsoft Partnership, including the creation of strategic plans with MSFT contacts that will facilitate the continued growth of the business and establish certification and training protocols in all security technologies. Her role is multifaceted, as she acquires partners, manages relationships with them, and develops strategies that will provide cutting edge security solutions to our customer base. Another integral aspect of her job is to facilitate growth.

With a Bachelor’s in Math from the University of Waterloo and 14 years of experience from her previous roles at Herjavec Group and CDW, her cutting edge focus and ability to develop long-lasting relationships and strategies provides world class security solutions to our customer base.

Juliana thrives on connections outside of work as well. She is a philanthropist and contributor with Women4Change based in Hamilton. This group of local women is passionate about supporting local causes, and she focuses her efforts around Women in STEM. She is also a member of Club Italia in Niagara Falls and supports their youth events throughout the year.

When not managing the Microsoft Global partnership, Juliana enjoys reading, often reading several books at once. Juliana enjoys exploring the Niagara Escarpment with her family, as well as sharing meals and experiences with her extended family. Juliana’s competitive nature has her always trying new things, like Whoop band challenges and Peloton.

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