Introduction to Microsoft Defender for Identity

In this starter chapter, we’ll start boarding ourselves on the journey of Microsoft Defender for Identity (MDI) and its critical role within the evolving threat landscape. We’ll get insights into the strategic importance of MDI within the broader cybersecurity ecosystem, learning how it serves as a fundamental tool in Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR), which is a term from Gartner. This chapter will explore how MDI fits within the broader cybersecurity ecosystem, providing vital tools for protecting against identity-based threats.

Instead of jumping straight into the technical setup, we’ll take time to explore the why behind MDI. Understanding these foundational aspects will give you a solid grasp of how MDI fits into a comprehensive security strategy. By the end of this chapter, you’ll not only appreciate the capabilities of MDI but also how it helps to fortify your defenses against identity...