Enterprise Mobility Security E3 vs E5: Comprehensive Comparison

Enterprise Mobility Security E3 vs E5: Comprehensive Comparison
Enterprise Mobility Solutions - 14 August, 2023

Enterprise Mobility Security E3 vs E5

Enterprise Mobility Security E3 vs E5

Enterprise Mobility Security E3 vs E5: Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) is a suite of Microsoft products and services designed to enhance the security and management of mobile devices, apps, and data within an organization. EMS offers different plans with varying levels of features and capabilities, with E3 and E5 being two of the options.

As businesses embrace digital transformation, the need for robust security solutions becomes paramount. Enterprise Mobility Security (EMS) is an integrated suite of tools designed to safeguard data, devices, and identities in a mobile-first, cloud-first world.

In this comprehensive article, we will compare two popular tiers of Enterprise Mobility Security E3 and E5.

 

Enterprise Mobility Security E3

Enterprise Mobility Security E3 vs E5Enterprise Mobility Security E3 (EMS E3) is a powerful offering from Microsoft that provides a wide array of security features to protect your organisation’s resources. Let’s explore the key aspects of EMS E3:

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM)

IAM is the foundation of any security framework. EMS E3 offers robust identity and access management features, including:

    • Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Premium: Centralised user management, conditional access policies, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhance identity security.
    • Azure AD Identity Protection: Detects and prevents risky sign-ins and potential identity threats in real-time.
    • Privileged Identity Management (PIM): Control and monitor elevated access rights within your organisation.
  • Device Management

In today’s mobile-centric world, securing devices is crucial. EMS E3 provides comprehensive device management capabilities, such as:

    • Microsoft Intune: Manage and protect company data on both company-owned and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) devices.
    • Mobile Application Management (MAM): Safeguard business data in mobile apps without managing the entire device.
  • Information Protection

Protecting sensitive information is of utmost importance. EMS E3 offers features to secure data across various platforms:

    • Azure Information Protection (AIP): Classify, label, and protect documents and emails based on their sensitivity level.
    • Windows Information Protection (WIP): Control data leakage by separating personal and business data on Windows devices.
  • Threat Protection

EMS E3 comes with robust threat protection features that safeguard your organisation from cyber threats:

    • Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA): Detects and investigates advanced persistent threats and malicious activities.
    • Windows Defender Antivirus: Protect devices from malware, viruses, and ransomware.
  • Cloud App Security

Monitoring and controlling cloud applications are vital for data security. EMS E3 includes:

    • Microsoft Cloud App Security: Gain visibility and control over cloud applications to prevent data breaches.

Enterprise Mobility Security E5

Enterprise Mobility Security E5Enterprise Mobility Security E5 (EMS E5) is an advanced offering that builds upon the capabilities of EMS E3. It provides additional features and functionalities to further enhance your enterprise’s security posture:

  • Identity and Access Management (IAM)

EMS E5 enhances IAM features with:

    • Azure AD Premium P2: Advanced identity protection and identity governance capabilities.
    • Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for Azure AD roles: Granular control over privileged access.
  • Device Management

EMS E5 extends device management capabilities with:

    • Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): Detects, investigates, and responds to advanced threats on Windows devices.
  • Information Protection

EMS E5 enhances information protection with:

    • Azure Information Protection (AIP) Premium P2: Automated data classification, labelling, and protection.
    • Office 365 Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevent the accidental sharing of sensitive information via email and other Office 365 services.
  • Threat Protection

EMS E5 introduces comprehensive threat protection features:

    • Azure Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): Detects and investigates advanced threats in cloud and hybrid environments.
  • Cloud App Security

EMS E5 strengthens cloud app security with:

    • Azure AD Identity Protection for Azure AD B2C: Protect customer identities in B2C applications.
    • Microsoft Cloud App Security: Discover and control Shadow IT, and assess cloud app risk.

Comparison: EMS E3 vs. E5

Now that we have explored the features of both EMS E3 and E5, let’s compare them side by side to help you make an informed decision:

Aspect

EMS E3

EMS E5

Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  • Azure AD Premium, Azure AD Identity Protection, Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
  • Azure AD Premium P2, Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for Azure AD roles
Device Management
  • Microsoft Intune, Mobile Application Management (MAM)
  • Microsoft Intune, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
Information Protection
  • Azure Information Protection (AIP), Windows Information Protection (WIP)
  • Azure Information Protection (AIP) Premium P2, Office 365 Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Threat Protection
  • Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA), Windows Defender Antivirus
  • Azure Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
Cloud App Security
  • Microsoft Cloud App Security
  • Azure AD Identity Protection for Azure AD B2C, Microsoft Cloud App Security

 

FAQs

What is the difference between EMS E3 and E5?

EMS E3 is the standard tier, while EMS E5 is the advanced tier of Microsoft’s Enterprise Mobility Security suite. E5 includes additional features such as Azure AD Premium P2, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, and Office 365 Data Loss Prevention.

Which one is better for small businesses EMS E3 and E5 ?

For small businesses with basic security needs, EMS E3 may suffice. However, if the budget allows, EMS E5 offers enhanced security features that can provide better protection against advanced threats.

Can I upgrade from E3 to E5?

Yes, you can upgrade from EMS E3 to E5 at any time. Microsoft provides a straightforward process to transition between the two tiers based on your organisation’s requirements.

Is Microsoft Cloud App Security included in both E3 and E5?

Yes, Microsoft Cloud App Security is available in both EMS E3 and E5. It helps organisations monitor and secure cloud applications, providing valuable insights into cloud app usage and potential risks.

Does EMS E3 support multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Yes, EMS E3 includes Azure AD Premium, which supports multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security to user sign-ins, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

Can I mix and match E3 and E5 licences within my organisation?

Yes, you can mix and match EMS E3 and E5 licences based on your organisation’s security requirements. This flexibility allows you to provide the right level of security to different user groups within your enterprise.

In conclusion, Enterprise Mobility Security E3 and E5 are both excellent choices for securing your organisation’s data, devices, and identities. While EMS E3 offers a comprehensive set of security features suitable for many businesses, EMS E5 takes it a step further with advanced threat protection and additional information protection capabilities. Assess your organisation’s specific needs and budget constraints to determine the best fit for your enterprise.

You may also like to know more about

Stay connected with EXCEED ICT

Stay connected with EXCEED ICT by joining our social networks (given at footer). Get the latest updates, news, and tips for enterprise device deployment. Follow us on TwitterFacebook, and LinkedIn for the best enterprise device deployment solutions.

Help us to improve our enterprise by rating us on Google Maps. Your feedback and comments are valuable to us and will be used to make our services even better.