Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Upfort: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)

Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Mid-market and enterprise teams already operating Microsoft 365 should standardize on Defender for Office 365 because the integration depth eliminates the detection gaps that plague bolt-on email security tools, particularly in Teams and SharePoint where most modern attacks now land. The platform's automated Business Email Compromise disruption with user disabling and device isolation actually stops lateral movement in real time rather than just flagging suspicious mail. Skip this if your organization runs primarily on Gmail or Slack; the advantage collapses outside the Microsoft ecosystem, and you'll find cheaper, more agile options elsewhere.

Upfort

SMBs and startups drowning in point tools should pick Upfort for its actual integration of security detection with cyber insurance underwriting, cutting your admin overhead in half. The platform covers nine NIST CSF 2.0 functions including continuous monitoring, incident response, and awareness training, deployed in weeks rather than months through modular architecture. Skip this if you need deep endpoint forensics or have complex multi-entity compliance requirements; Upfort trades investigative depth for speed and insurance-backed risk transfer, which works only if underwriting automation actually matters to your board.