Workload Protection Plans
Understanding the Concept
Defender for Cloud workload protection plans provide threat detection and advanced security for specific resource types. Plans include Defender for Servers, Defender for Storage, Defender for SQL, Defender for Containers, Defender for App Service, Defender for Key Vault, and Defender for Resource Manager.
Defender for Servers includes vulnerability assessment, just-in-time VM access, adaptive application controls, file integrity monitoring, and network hardening recommendations. Plan 1 covers core EDR features while Plan 2 adds full vulnerability management.
Security alerts from workload protection are integrated into Defender for Cloud's alerts view and can be forwarded to Microsoft Sentinel for SIEM correlation.
Key Points
- Individual plans per resource type (Servers, Storage, SQL, Containers, etc.)
- Defender for Servers: JIT access, adaptive application control, FIM
- Server Plan 1 (core EDR) vs Plan 2 (full features)
- Alerts integrate into Defender for Cloud and forward to Sentinel
- Multi-cloud support: Azure, AWS, GCP connectors
Why This Matters in Real Organizations
Cloud workloads face unique threats that traditional endpoint security doesn't address. Defender for Cloud provides purpose-built protection for each workload type, detecting threats specific to servers, databases, containers, and storage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Interview Tips
- Discuss which workload protection plans you have experience with
- Explain JIT VM access and its security benefits
Exam Tips (SC-200)
- Know the available workload protection plans
- Understand Server Plan 1 vs Plan 2 differences
- Know JIT VM access and adaptive application controls
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