Blog - Channel Partner
Choosing the Right Microsoft 365 Licensing for Data Security: A Practical Guide

In today’s digital landscape, businesses face a critical challenge: how to modernize their systems while safeguarding sensitive data. As organizations transition to the cloud, finding the right licensing model becomes crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore a real-world scenario and guide you through the best licensing options for different user roles.
Scenario: Modernization with Data Control
Let’s meet our client, a mid-sized company that handles sensitive information. Their current setup involves a Windows local server, and they want to embrace the cloud while maintaining control over data flow. Here are the key requirements:
1. Restricted Users:
o These employees can receive files via USB ports but cannot copy files from their PCs to USB drives.
o They can only send files externally via the office email system (with an Untangle Firewall blocking access to other email services).
2. Privileged Users:
o These users have read and write access to USB devices.
o They need full productivity tools for collaboration and communication.
Licensing Recommendations
1. Restricted Users
a. Microsoft 365 Business Basic
- Features:
o Essential Office apps (Word, Excel, Outlook).
o No OneDrive for Business (restricts synchronization with personal PCs).
- Enhancements:
o Syntex (part of SharePoint Syntex):
- Automates content processing and classification.
- Automatically applies sensitivity labels based on content and metadata.
o Defender for Endpoint P1:
- Protects endpoints (including USB ports) from threats.
- Cloud-based solution (no additional “endpoint server” required).
2. Privileged Users
b. Microsoft 365 Business Standard
- Features:
o Full Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
o OneDrive for Business (collaboration and file storage).
o Advanced security features:
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents accidental data leaks.
- Encryption and compliance capabilities.
o Defender for Endpoint P1 (optional):
- Enhanced security against threats.
3. Considerations for Business Premium
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium:
o Includes everything in Business Standard.
o Adds advanced security features like Intune (for device management) and Azure Information Protection.
o Evaluate whether these additional features are necessary for restricted users.
4. Enterprise Licenses (E3/E5)
- For more robust security needs, consider Microsoft 365 E3/E5:
o Azure Information Protection: Classify, label, and protect data.
o Conditional Access: Control access based on conditions.
o Advanced Threat Protection: Enhanced security against cyber threats.
Choosing the right licensing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our SureStep Ambassadors love engaging with customers and partners via workshops, and as such we call upon you to reach us at channel@4sight.cloud today so that we can give you expert advice for your particular use case.
It’s important to assess your organization’s unique needs, budget, and long-term strategy, while also letting us help you tailor the solution effectively. With the right licenses, organizations can modernize their systems while keeping sensitive data under control.