Why CISOs under consolidation pressure are embracing Microsoft Security solutions

As a cybersecurity professional who’s walked alongside many CISOs and security practitioners being asked by their C-suites for recommendations on their security strategy, I deeply understand the weight of managing a tangled web of security tools. It’s not just about balancing budgets anymore—it’s about staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats while navigating a labyrinth of disparate systems.

If this pressure resonates with you, you’re not alone. It puts a much higher priority on leveraging the right partnerships to help you consolidate and set your organization up for future success.

The overwhelming reality of tool sprawl

One CISO compared managing their security tools to piecing together a puzzle without the finished image for reference. Each tool was excellent in its own right but collectively they created silos and complexities that drained the team’s resources. According to the 2024 CDW Cybersecurity Report, 68 percent of organizations use between 10 and 49 security tools or platforms. That’s staggering. No wonder security teams often feel stretched thin, spending more time managing tools than actively defending against threats.

Integration headaches, overlapping features, and the relentless need to update and maintain each system while watching the output from each leaves organizations vulnerable. It’s like trying to patch a sinking ship while navigating through a storm: you’re so busy keeping afloat that steering effectively becomes impossible.

Managing so many different security tools can be like piecing together a puzzle without the finished image for reference.

Why consolidation is your strategic ally

Agility and visibility aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential in the modern security operations center (SOC). Many arguments for consolidation have focused mostly on cost reduction but the conversation has evolved beyond merely cutting costs; it’s about empowering teams to focus on what truly matters. Reducing the clutter of disparate systems is becoming the only way out of the mire to empower you to shift from a reactive stance to a proactive defense.

Eliminating product silos provides a more unified view of your security posture. This holistic perspective is crucial for spotting patterns and threats that might slip through the cracks when buried under a pile of disconnected tools.

Along with the classic cost reduction argument (don’t lose sight of that!), this approach resonates from security analysts all the way up to the boardroom. It not only streamlines operations but also enhances security outcomes.

The advantage of Microsoft’s unified security workloads

Starting the consolidation journey without compromising security seems daunting. However, Microsoft’s suite of security solutions offers a compelling path forward. With the cybersecurity market leaning towards consolidation, aligning with a mega-vendor like Microsoft can future-proof strategies. They’re one of only a few key players driving this shift and their integrated approach can help you stay ahead.

Microsoft’s security workloads cover a lot of ground—from identity management with Microsoft Entra ID to advanced threat protection with the Microsoft Defender XDR suite to unified security management with Microsoft Sentinel. Deploying the full spectrum of Microsoft’s security offerings provides organizations with the best chance of achieving positive security outcomes. The comprehensive coverage and seamless integration between these tools leads to smoother operations and a clearer view of the security environment. It significantly reduces the learning curve for teams and helps close potential gaps in defenses.

A financial services company was overwhelmed by over 25 security tools. By consolidating with Microsoft’s platform, they didn’t just streamline operations; they cut their incident response time in half and saved around $600,000 annually. More importantly, their security team felt re-energized and more in control.

The unmatched support of Red Canary experts

While mega-vendors like Microsoft provide a solid foundation, their low-cost MDR add-on services are primarily designed to protect their own products—not your full security stack. To truly maximize your security posture, partnering with seasoned analysts, mentors, and coaches is essential. Red Canary stands out by delivering industry-leading managed detection and response services that go far beyond the basics.

Our team becomes an extension of your own, offering not just tools but deep relationships with professionals who act as an extension of your team. We don’t just ingest, monitor, and investigate Microsoft telemetry and alerts; we actively hunt for threats, analyze suspicious activities, and provide actionable insights to neutralize threats effectively.

Beyond MDR, Red Canary also offers comprehensive security solutions for Microsoft Sentinel. From tactical deployment to ongoing health checks and admin management support, our experts are here to help you achieve operational excellence wherever you are in your Sentinel journey.

One mid-sized healthcare organization was struggling under the weight of over 20 security tools. By consolidating with Microsoft’s platform and partnering with Red Canary, they saw a 35 percent reduction in security incidents and saved about $500,000 annually. But the real win was the transformation of their security team. With Red Canary’s guidance and support, they shifted from being overwhelmed operators to confident defenders, proactively managing their security posture.

Why Red Canary makes the difference

The personalized mentorship that Red Canary provides is unparalleled. We don’t just sign you up and step back; we work closely with your team to understand your unique environment and tailor our services accordingly. This hands-on partnership ensures that threats are not only detected but swiftly and effectively neutralized.

Our expertise helps you get the most out of Microsoft’s security tools, ensuring everything’s configured correctly and utilized to its full potential. By sharing insights and knowledge, we elevate your team’s capabilities, ensuring that your organization is not just reacting to threats but staying ahead of them. It’s like having a seasoned guide to navigate a complex landscape—you reach your destination more efficiently and securely.

Positioning for future success

The shift toward consolidation under mega-vendors doesn’t mean sacrificing specialized support. In fact, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your security posture by combining robust platforms with expert guidance. By embracing this combined approach, organizations are not just keeping up with trends in the security software industry; they’re setting themselves up to thrive as the cybersecurity landscape evolves.

Moreover, organizations that deploy all of Microsoft’s security workloads have the best chance of achieving positive security outcomes. The comprehensive coverage and integration of these tools provides a solid defense against evolving threats.

Looking ahead: enhancing identity and cloud security

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog where we’ll delve deeper into how Red Canary excels in partnership with Microsoft, particularly in the areas of endpoint, identity and cloud security. We’ll share insights on how this collaboration enhances security capabilities and offers even greater value. Subscribe here to get it sent to your inbox.

We’re here to support you every step of the way

Change can be daunting, especially when it comes to something as critical as your organization’s security. But you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Red Canary, we’re not just MDR providers; we’re your partners, mentors, and coaches in building a secure and resilient organization.

Red Canary’s Sentinel security solutions provide seamless setup, optimization, and ongoing management for Microsoft Sentinel, including deployment of analytics, custom playbooks, and threat hunting rules to bolster detection and response capabilities. Our co-managed Sentinel engagement offers hands-on guidance and health checks, while the subscription model ensures continuous support with threat-focused analytics updates and custom automation, tailored to your environment​.

If you’re considering consolidating your security tools and want to explore how Red Canary’s industry-leading MDR services and security solutions can enhance your defenses, let’s have a conversation. Together, we can build a security framework that’s robust, efficient, and tailored to your unique needs.