When it comes to technology giants, two names that always come to mind are Google and Microsoft. Both companies have had a significant impact on the tech industry over the years, with their products and services being used by millions of people around the world. However, despite their similar fields of operation, there are many differences between the two companies that have led to a long-standing rivalry. RCS hosted a webinar where they highlighted some of the the security features available in both Google and Microsoft suite. So buckle up and let's dive into the world of these two tech titans.
Google Security:
- Google provides a selection of email plans that are organized in a simplified manner, offering good, better, and best options. Of particular note is the 'Google Workspace Business Plus' plan, which is designed with comprehensive security and protection features. It is important to understand that Google's email plans require all users within a company to be on the same plan, meaning that a mixed use of basic and plus plans is not possible.
- While Google does not currently offer an endpoint security option, it has forged a strategic partnership with a company named 'Cyber Reason' to provide this service.
- Google's 'Google Cloud Identity' is integrated into the Business Plus plan and serves as an enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution. This product incorporates the identity services and endpoint administration features that are also available in Google Workspace as a stand-alone service. Administrators can manage their users, applications, and devices from a central location through the Google Admin console when utilizing Cloud Identity.
- Google provides a robust Data Loss Prevention solution called 'Google Endpoint Management'. This feature allows you to enhance data security by enforcing mandatory screen locks, implementing strong passwords, and enabling selective account wipe or device wipe to remove confidential data from specific devices. Moreover, it simplifies the distribution of business applications from the Admin console, providing enhanced control over your company's devices.
Microsoft Security:
- Microsoft's purchasing options may be considered more intricate in comparison, as basic and standard licenses do not inherently include security features. However, Microsoft does offer comprehensive plans that provide additional security measures, and allows for the assignment of varying licenses to different personnel within an organization if desired. Notably, Microsoft features 'Safe Links' and 'Safe Attachments' to safeguard computers from potential harm when opening email spam containing links and attachments, which may elude antivirus software.
- Microsoft offers a 'User Security Awareness Training' program that involves the distribution of simulated phishing emails to users. This system allows for the monitoring of user responses, including instances where a recipient may have unwittingly provided personal information. When a user falls prey to a simulated phishing attack, they will subsequently receive training aimed at preventing similar mistakes in the future.
- Microsoft offers 'Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 & 2', which are installed directly onto the user's device. Plan 1 provides a comprehensive suite of management tools while Plan 2 offers an array of advanced investigative features. Utilizing these capabilities can serve to safeguard other systems and prevent future security breaches.
- Microsoft Security features 'Azure Active Directory' (Azure AD), an identity and access management service that operates in the cloud. Azure AD empowers employees with the ability to access external resources, including Microsoft 365, the Azure portal, and an extensive array of third-party SaaS applications. Moreover, Azure Active Directory also facilitates the accessibility of internal resources such as corporate intranet apps, and any custom cloud apps created for an organization's exclusive use.
- Microsoft offers 'Microsoft Intune', a cloud-based endpoint management solution that streamlines user access and simplifies the management of apps and devices across a wide range of platforms, including mobile devices, desktop computers, and virtual endpoints.
- With regards to data loss prevention, Microsoft offers 'Microsoft Purview', which provides a comprehensive data governance solution to effectively manage and govern on-premises, multicloud, and software as a service (SaaS) data. This feature allows you to effortlessly create a holistic, up-to-date map of your data landscape, leveraging automated data discovery, sensitive data classification, and end-to-end data lineage capabilities. Furthermore, Purview enables data consumers to securely access valuable and trustworthy data management, providing peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
In conclusion:
In conclusion, both Google and Microsoft offer a range of security features and solutions for organizations to protect their data and systems from potential security breaches. Ultimately, it is essential for organizations to evaluate their specific security needs and consider the available features and solutions offered by Google and Microsoft to ensure the best protection for their data and systems. If you would like to see the full Livestream where we point out the security features of the two click here.
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