Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR from Pluralsight

This course teaches you how to manage security reports and alerts by using the Microsoft 365 Defender portal. You'll learn to implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection.

In order to protect M365 accounts and resources, you’ll need to implement robust security measures, respond to threats, and manage endpoint protection efficiently. In this course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, you’ll learn how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection, all configured and managed using Defender for Microsoft 365. First, you’ll explore how to manage the Microsoft Secure Score, and respond to security incidents, issues, threats, and alerts in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal. Next, you’ll discover how to implement policies and rules, review and respond to threats, and perform attack simulations. Finally, you’ll learn how to configure Defender for Endpoint settings, review and respond to endpoint vulnerabilities, as well as risks identified in the Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management dashboard. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to successfully implement security and threats, respond to those threats, implement policies and rules, unblock users, and manage endpoint protection using Microsoft Defender, which is all needed to protect your M365 accounts and resources.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Managing Security Reports and Threats Using the Microsoft 365 Defender Portal

Implementing and Managing Email and Collaboration Protection

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Teaches how to effectively use M365 security features, including security score, threat investigation, threat simulation, and vulnerability management

Provides skills for managing endpoint protection settings, reviewing endpoint vulnerabilities, and managing risks using Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management

Suitable for professionals responsible for protecting M365 accounts and resources, such as IT administrators and security analysts

Offers no prior prerequisites, making it accessible to learners without extensive background knowledge

Reviews summary

Practical microsoft 365 defender xdr administration

According to learners, this course provides a solid and practical foundation for managing security with Microsoft Defender XDR. Many commend the knowledgeable instructor for clear explanations and the hands-on labs and exercises as particularly useful for solidifying understanding, especially in email and endpoint protection. While generally well-received for its comprehensive approach and real-world applicability, some found the depth sometimes superficial for experienced administrators, suggesting it's better for those newer to M365 security. The presentation was occasionally described as dry, and a few felt the pace was inconsistent.

More recent reviews show consistently high satisfaction.

"This course exceeded my expectations. The instructor was very knowledgeable and explained complex concepts of Microsoft Defender XDR clearly."

"An excellent deep dive into Microsoft 365 Defender. The section on managing security reports and alerts was incredibly insightful..."

"Fantastic course! The instructor breaks down complex security concepts into digestible modules. The hands-on exercises for managing endpoint protection were invaluable."

Covers key aspects of Microsoft 365 security administration.

"It covers the core aspects of M365 security with Defender XDR."

"The coverage of email and collaboration protection was thorough."

"Comprehensive and clear."

"This course significantly improved my skills in M365 security administration."

Instructor provides clear and comprehensive explanations.

"The instructor was very knowledgeable and explained complex concepts of Microsoft Defender XDR clearly."

"The instructor's expertise shines through."

"The instructor breaks down complex security concepts into digestible modules."

"The instructor's explanations for managing secure score and using the M365 Defender portal were top-notch."

Emphasizes real-world application through practical labs.

"I particularly appreciated the hands-on labs which solidified my understanding of managing security incidents and email protection policies."

"The section on managing security reports and alerts was incredibly insightful, providing practical steps for real-world scenarios."

"The hands-on exercises for managing endpoint protection were invaluable."

"The modules on responding to incidents and threats were very practical."

Some found presentation dry or pace inconsistent.

"I found the presentation a bit dry. Could use more interactive elements or challenge labs."

"The pace was inconsistent, sometimes too fast, sometimes too slow."

"It's an alright course. The material is there, but I found the presentation a bit dry."

Strong foundation, but limited depth for advanced users.

"I found some parts moved a bit too quickly, especially if you're not already familiar with some M365 security fundamentals."

"I was hoping for more advanced configurations and troubleshooting tips... It's a decent overview but might not be enough for experienced admins."

"Disappointed with the depth. While it introduces the concepts, it lacks the detailed practical implementation I was looking for."

"I would recommend it for those starting to work with M365 security, though advanced users might find it basic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR with these activities:

Gather and organize course materials

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Staying organized throughout the course will help you retain knowledge and save time during the course and after.

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Gather lecture materials including videos, slides, assignments, and practice questions
Organize and review lecture materials regularly

Review Microsoft Defender for Endpoint settings

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Reviewing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint settings will make it easier to configure endpoint protection after the course.

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Review Microsoft Defender for Endpoint settings documentation

Learn or review email threat protection concepts

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Having strong familiarity with email threat protection will help you better understand the concepts taught throughout the course.

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Review email protection concepts from Microsoft's documentation

Two other activities

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Practice responding to simulated security incidents

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This course teaches you to respond to security incidents. Practicing on simulated incidents will prepare you for real incidents on the job.

Browse courses on Security Incident Response

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Find resources for practicing responding to simulated security incidents
Practice responding to simulated security incidents

Connect with cybersecurity professionals as mentors

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Mentors can provide guidance, support, and opportunities to expand your knowledge of this topic beyond this course.

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Seek out cybersecurity professionals on networking platforms
Build professional connections with potential mentors

Career center

Learners who complete Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems from cyber attacks. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's security systems. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

IT Security Specialist

An IT Security Specialist is responsible for managing an organization's IT security systems and infrastructure. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Specialist

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's network security systems. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cloud Security Architect

A Cloud Security Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's cloud security systems. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant is responsible for providing security advice and guidance to organizations. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for providing organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their data and systems from cyber threats.

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Security Manager

A Security Manager is responsible for managing an organization's security program. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Manager

Security Architect

A Security Architect is responsible for designing and implementing an organization's security strategy. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for overseeing an organization's security program. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to manage security reports and alerts, implement and manage email and collaboration protection, and implement and manage endpoint protection. These skills are essential for protecting an organization's data and systems from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for overseeing an organization's technology strategy. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can be helpful in preparing for this role by providing a foundation in security management.

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of an organization, including its security strategy. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can be helpful in preparing for this role by providing a foundation in security management.

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Chief Operating Officer (COO)

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization, including its security strategy. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can be helpful in preparing for this role by providing a foundation in security management.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems and networks. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can be helpful in preparing for this role by providing a foundation in security management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Computer Network Architect

A Computer Network Architect is responsible for designing and implementing an organization's computer networks. This course, Microsoft 365 Administration: Managing Security Using Microsoft Defender XDR, can be helpful in preparing for this role by providing a foundation in security management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect