One Powerful Security Suite to Protect and Defend
Your Microsoft License Has the Tools—We Provide the Security Experts to Use Them.
Ascend Defend bridges the critical gap between Microsoft licensing and real-world security. Purchasing Business Premium, E3, or E5 licenses gives you access to powerful built-in security tools—but without expert configuration and around-the-clock management, they leave your business exposed. That’s where we come in.
With two security package options, Shield and Guardian suites, our Microsoft-certified experts and 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) turn your licensing into a fully managed, actively defended environment. From essential protection to advanced threat response, Ascend Defend ensures your Microsoft stack works as a true security solution—keeping you protected, compliant, and focused on growth.
Ascend Defend Core Capabilities
Ascend Defend activates and manages the essential Microsoft security services that form the foundation of modern cyber defense. These include services like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Microsoft Entra ID Protection for identity security, and Defender for Office 365 for email security and phishing defense. While these tools are often bundled within Microsoft Business Premium, E3, or E5 licenses, they require expert configuration and ongoing management to be truly effective. Our 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) continuously monitors your environment, proactively hunts threats, and ensures these tools are not only deployed—but fully optimized to work together.
-
24/7 Security Operation Center
Our Security Operations Center (SOC) provides expert configuration, continuous monitoring, and incident response across your Microsoft environment—leveraging built-in tools like Defender and Sentinel to detect and contain threats before they impact your business.
Learn More about 24/7 Security Operation Center -
Identity Protection
By analyzing trillions of signals daily, this technology continuously updates its detection mechanisms to shield against identity-based threats such as anonymous IP address usage, password spray attacks, and leaked credentials.
Learn More about Identity Protection -
Multi-Factor Authentication
Managed Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to provide multiple authentication factors for system access, such as a password and a unique code sent to their mobile device.
Learn More about Multi-Factor Authentication -
Endpoint Detection & Response
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) detects and mitigates cyber threats on endpoints like desktops, laptops, and servers. EDR solutions provide real-time visibility into potential security incidents, threat hunting, and behavioral analysis.
Learn More about Endpoint Detection & Response -
Email Security
This managed service is a comprehensive solution that provides protection against various email-based threats such as Business Email Compromise (BEC) phishing attacks, malware, and spam. Our experts provide continuous monitoring and analysis of security events.
Learn More about Email Security -
Security Information Event Management (SIEM)
Security Information Event Management (SIEM) solutions centralize and analyze security data across your environment. It analyzes activity, flags suspicious behavior, and helps our experts detect threats faster and respond with confidence.
Learn More about Security Information Event Management (SIEM)
download your free guide for EACH aSCEND dEFEND Security Suite
Whether you’re starting with baseline coverage in Shield or advancing into deeper, automated protection with Guardian, Ascend Defend bridges the gap between simply owning Microsoft security tools and actively protecting your business with them.
shield
Ascend Defend Shield completes the essential Extended Detection & Response (XDR) layer of protection for your Microsoft-powered business. Built for organizations using Business Premium, this suite transforms your licensing into a fully managed security foundation—covering endpoints, identities, email, and apps. With 24/7 expert monitoring and response, it delivers cohesive defense and actionable insights, giving your business the baseline security it needs to operate with confidence and scale securely.
Guardian
Ascend Defend Guardian is your next-level security solution—designed for organizations that need maximum protection across their Microsoft environment. Guardian delivers deeper threat detection, automated response, and full-spectrum visibility across endpoints, identities, cloud apps, and email. With 24/7 expert monitoring and rapid threat containment, it’s built for businesses that demand stronger control, airtight compliance, and total peace of mind—without the hassle.
Benefits of a foundational suite vs. Standalone Services
Wondering how it all works? Here are some key features you’ll benefit from Ascend Defend:
Cost Efficiency
Many organizations already pay for powerful Microsoft tools included in their licensing—but don’t fully use them. With expert guidance and 24/7 SOC support, you can maximize built-in security features, cut third-party costs, and use exactly what you need—nothing more, nothing less.
Integrated Ecosystem
Bundling services fosters seamless integration and interoperability between different products, ensuring they work together effectively without compatibility issues.
Enhanced Security & Compliance
A comprehensive suite comes with security features and tools built into all services, ensuring consistent security standards and making it easier to meet regulatory requirements without buying extra security solutions separately.
What Sets Ascend Apart?
tailored
protection
As a Microsoft Solutions Security Partner, Ascend seamlessly incorporates premier solutions such as Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel into your IT infrastructure. Leveraging our expertise within the Microsoft ecosystems, our team configures and optimizes these solutions to fit your specific environment and security needs.
Microsoft-Certified Support
Ascend’s Security Operation Centers provide 24/7 monitoring and support. Our talented SOC team is backed by multiple prestigious Microsoft certifications, including Security Operations Analyst, Identity and Access Administrators, and Microsoft 365 Security Administration, among others. A high level of expertise ensures excellent service, as reflected in our glowing client testimonials.
Expedited Priority
Support
Our exclusive partnership with Microsoft support automatically ensures expedited issue resolution with preferred status. This means your tickets are handled with priority, starting at Level 2 (or Level 3 with justification), and providing comprehensive case management, escalation, and technical consultations for complex cases.
Need Microsoft Licensing Solutions? We’ve Got You Covered.
Navigating the complexities of Microsoft licensing can be challenging, but our expert team is ready to provide tailored solutions to meet your needs. From initial consultation to full implementation, we ensure you have the right licenses to optimize your software investments and enhance productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications ensure the security and reliability of Ascend’s security services?
Our UCS/SOC 2 Type 2 Certification guarantees the highest trust and peace of mind. We prioritize security through robust IT consulting and cybersecurity measures.
Why should our organization leverage the Microsoft security tools?
Microsoft’s security tools are already included for their most popular license, business premium, which means many organization already have the tools at their disposal. Our team can help you leverage those tools for unified protection, threat intelligence, automating security tasks, ensure compliance with industry standards, and it integrates seamlessly with your other solutions. Adopting these tools maximizes your security posture.
Harness The Power of Endpoint Detection & Response
Don’t allow IT disruptions to impede your success. Team up with Ascend and unleash the potential of our 24/7 Operations Center to enhance your IT support, security, and efficiency. Connect with us now to initiate the journey!
