Osto vs Microsoft Security: Which Is Right for You?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Osto vs Microsoft Security compared. Microsoft secures your Microsoft estate across licence tiers. 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var(--line);border-radius:12px;padding:16px 18px;background:#fff}\n .rc .k{font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.1em;color:var(--brand-2);font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase}\n .rc a{font-weight:600;color:var(--ink);display:block;margin-top:6px;font-size:15.5px}\n @media(max-width:640px){.related-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\n\n .disclaimer{font-size:14px;color:var(--muted);background:var(--mist);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:12px;padding:16px 18px;margin:34px 0}\n\n .osto-cmp .fig{margin:28px 0}\n .osto-cmp .fig img{width:100%;height:auto;display:block;border-radius:14px;border:1px solid var(--line)}\n .osto-cmp .fig figcaption{margin-top:10px;font-size:14px;color:var(--muted)}\n .osto-cmp .tldr-lead{font-weight:600;margin:0 0 10px}\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n<article class=\"osto-cmp\">\n\n <span class=\"eyebrow\">Comparison<\/span>\n <p class=\"dek\">One secures the Microsoft estate you already pay for. The other secures the product you sell, and proves it for the audit.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"meta\">\n <span>Osto Team<\/span>\n <span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n <span>7 min read<\/span>\n <span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n <span>Platform Comparison<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"tldr\">\n <h2>TL;DR<\/h2>\n <p class=\"tldr-lead\">Osto vs Microsoft Security, in one line each.<\/p>\n <p><strong>Osto<\/strong> is the security stack and the compliance layer in one platform. Web and API protection, cloud posture, endpoint control, DLP and VAPT are modules Osto runs, and audit evidence comes out of them.<\/p>\n <p><strong>Microsoft Security<\/strong> is a set of products across Microsoft Defender, Entra, Purview, Intune and Sentinel, unlocked by licence tier and configured in separate admin centres. It centres on identities, devices and Microsoft 365 data.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <p class=\"lead-in\">The Osto vs Microsoft Security pitch is that you already own some of it. That is true, and it is the catch: what you own depends on the tier you bought.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"jump\">\n <h4>On this page<\/h4>\n <ol>\n <li><a href=\"#core\">The core difference<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#gap\">The gap Microsoft Security leaves that Osto fills<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#table\">What companies actually care about<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#who\">Which platform fits your team?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#osto\">Why growing teams pick Osto<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#faq\">Common questions<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/div>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"core\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: the core difference in one line<\/h2>\n <p>Microsoft secures the Microsoft estate. Osto secures the product your customers log into, and gets you audit ready at the same time.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"cards2\">\n <div class=\"vcard osto\">\n <span class=\"tag\">Osto<\/span>\n <h4>One platform, one tier<\/h4>\n <p>Web and API protection, cloud posture, endpoint control, ZTNA, DLP, VAPT and code security, with compliance on top. No feature matrix and no second console.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"vcard\">\n <span class=\"tag\">Microsoft Security<\/span>\n <h4>A suite priced by tier<\/h4>\n <p>Six product lines sold standalone and inside Microsoft 365 bundles. Endpoint detection, DLP and SIEM each depend on the tier you hold, and each has its own portal.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"gap\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: the gap Osto fills<\/h2>\n <p>In an Osto vs Microsoft Security comparison this is the decisive point. The suite protects users, devices, mailboxes and Microsoft 365 data, but it does not stand in front of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/application-security-for-saas-startups\/\">web application your customers use<\/a>, or produce the evidence an enterprise buyer asks for.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"split\">\n <div class=\"sp\">\n <h4>Buy Microsoft Security and you still buy this separately<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>A web application firewall for your app and APIs<\/li>\n <li>Azure services for multicloud posture, billed apart<\/li>\n <li>A penetration testing firm, per cycle<\/li>\n <li>A compliance platform for audit evidence<\/li>\n <li>Security questionnaire responses, done manually<\/li>\n <li>Higher tiers to unlock detection and DLP<\/li>\n <li>An admin to configure several consoles<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"sp fill\">\n <h4>Buy Osto and this is already included<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Reverse proxy WAAP blocking OWASP Top 10 and bots<\/li>\n <li>CSPM across AWS, Azure and GCP in the platform<\/li>\n <li>Expert led VAPT plus an AI scanner<\/li>\n <li>Compliance across 200 plus frameworks<\/li>\n <li>AI security questionnaires from live platform state<\/li>\n <li>Endpoint antimalware and File Access DLP<\/li>\n <li>One console, one tier, one owner<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"note\">\n <strong>The question that decides it.<\/strong> Most Osto vs Microsoft Security decisions turn on one question. Are you protecting how your team works, or what your company sells? A suite built around identities, devices and mailboxes covers the first. The second is a different platform.\n <\/div>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"table\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: what companies actually care about<\/h2>\n <p>Seven criteria decide most Osto vs Microsoft Security evaluations. Each verdict below is followed by the reason behind it.<\/p>\n <div class=\"tablewrap\">\n <table>\n <thead>\n <tr><th>Criteria<\/th><th class=\"ostocol\">Osto<\/th><th>Microsoft Security<\/th><\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr><td><strong>Who is it for?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>Startups and lean teams.<\/strong><br>No security function required.<\/td><td><strong>Organisations standardised on Microsoft.<\/strong><br>Assumes IT admins to configure it.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>What does it cover?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>The whole surface, plus compliance.<\/strong><br>Cloud, apps, APIs, endpoints, code, testing.<\/td><td><strong>Mainly the Microsoft estate.<\/strong><br>Identities, devices and Microsoft 365 data.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>Is the product we ship protected?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>Yes, at the edge.<\/strong><br>WAAP filters OWASP Top 10, bots and DDoS.<\/td><td><strong>Not in the suite.<\/strong><br>App firewalling is a separate Azure service.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>Do I need a security team?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>No.<\/strong><br>Controls run on the platform, vCISO if needed.<\/td><td><strong>Usually yes.<\/strong><br>Six product lines, each with its own console.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>How predictable is what we get?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>One tier, everything included.<\/strong><br>No feature matrix between plans.<\/td><td><strong>Depends on the licence.<\/strong><br>Detection, DLP and SIEM sit behind tiers.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>What does compliance look like?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>Built in.<\/strong><br>200 plus frameworks, evidence from Osto’s controls.<\/td><td><strong>Tenant scoped assessments.<\/strong><br>No pen testing or questionnaire answering.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>What happens after the audit?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>Security keeps running.<\/strong><br>Same platform protects and keeps evidencing.<\/td><td><strong>The estate stays covered.<\/strong><br>The app and testing stay with other vendors.<\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n <p><strong>The practical difference:<\/strong> In an Osto vs Microsoft Security decision it comes to this. Microsoft secures how your team works. Osto secures what your company sells, and the compliance behind it.<\/p>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"who\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: which platform fits your team?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"cards2\">\n <div class=\"vcard\">\n <span class=\"tag\">Microsoft Security may fit when<\/span>\n <h4>Your risk sits inside Microsoft 365<\/h4>\n <p>You are standardised on Microsoft, hold a tier with the controls you need, and have admins to configure them. Your app, testing and compliance are covered elsewhere.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"vcard osto\">\n <span class=\"tag\">Osto is the stronger default when<\/span>\n <h4>You want security and compliance solved together<\/h4>\n <p>You need cybersecurity, compliance automation, VAPT and questionnaires without decoding a licence matrix or adding a provider for every requirement.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"osto\">Why growing teams pick Osto in an Osto vs Microsoft Security decision<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"whygrid\">\n <div class=\"wc\"><span class=\"n\">1<\/span><h4>The product you ship is covered<\/h4><p>A self configuring WAF applies positive security policy without hand written rules.<\/p><\/div>\n <div class=\"wc\"><span class=\"n\">2<\/span><h4>One tier, not a feature matrix<\/h4><p>Everything is in the platform. No comparing plans to find the control you need.<\/p><\/div>\n <div class=\"wc\"><span class=\"n\">3<\/span><h4>Compliance comes with the security<\/h4><p>Evidence is pulled from controls Osto runs and mapped to 200 plus frameworks.<\/p><\/div>\n <div class=\"wc\"><span class=\"n\">4<\/span><h4>No security hire needed<\/h4><p>One console instead of several admin centres, and nobody to assign to them.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <h3>Secure what you sell, not just how your team works.<\/h3>\n <p>If your Osto vs Microsoft Security shortlist came down to coverage, see how Osto brings cybersecurity, compliance automation, VAPT and security operations together for fast-moving teams.<\/p>\n <a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/osto.one\/book-demo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book a Demo<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"faq\" id=\"faq\">\n <h2 class=\"sec\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: common questions<\/h2>\n <details><summary>Osto vs Microsoft Security: what is the main difference?<\/summary><p>Microsoft Security spans Defender, Entra, Purview, Intune and Sentinel, with capability unlocked by licence tier and configured in separate admin centres, centred on identities, devices and Microsoft 365 security. Osto combines cybersecurity across cloud, apps, APIs, endpoints and code with compliance automation, VAPT and questionnaires in one platform.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>We already pay for Microsoft 365. Do we still need Osto?<\/summary><p>It depends what your tier includes and what you are protecting. A Microsoft subscription does not put a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/do-you-need-a-waf\/\">web application firewall<\/a> in front of your app, run <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/what-is-vapt\/\">penetration testing<\/a>, or answer inbound <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/security-questionnaires-for-startups\/\">security questionnaires<\/a>. If your enterprise deal asks for those, they sit outside the bundle, which is why teams start looking for a Microsoft Security alternative.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>Does Microsoft Security protect our web application and APIs?<\/summary><p>Not as part of the security suite. Application firewalling is delivered through separate Azure networking services, billed on Azure consumption and configured independently. Osto includes reverse proxy web and API protection with automatic application and API discovery.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>Will Microsoft Security get us SOC 2 ready?<\/summary><p>It provides assessment tooling scoped to your Microsoft tenant, which is not the same as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/compliance-vs-security\/\">audit readiness across your whole environment<\/a>, and it does not include penetration testing or questionnaire responses. Osto includes compliance automation across 200 plus frameworks, with the audit performed by an accredited independent auditor.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>Which is better for a startup, Osto vs Microsoft Security?<\/summary><p>Microsoft security for startups works when risk is concentrated in email, identities and managed devices and you hold a tier that covers them. If your exposure is the application you ship and the audit in front of you, one platform covering the whole surface is the better fit.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>How long does SOC 2 take with Osto?<\/summary><p>Roughly 115 days end to end: seven days to readiness including VAPT, a mandatory three month evidence window, then around ten days of external CPA audit by an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/resources\/landing\/system-and-organization-controls-soc-suite-of-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AICPA<\/a> accredited firm. The evidence window is set by the standard, so no platform can remove it.<\/p><\/details>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"related\">\n <h3>Keep reading<\/h3>\n <div class=\"related-grid\">\n <div class=\"rc\"><span class=\"k\">Guide<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/application-security-for-saas-startups\/\">Application security for SaaS startups<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"rc\"><span class=\"k\">Guide<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/security-questionnaires-for-startups\/\">Answering security questionnaires<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"rc\"><span class=\"k\">Guide<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/soc-2-for-startups\/\">SOC 2 for startups<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"rc\"><span class=\"k\">Comparison<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/comparison\/osto-vs-crowdstrike\/\">Osto vs CrowdStrike<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"disclaimer\"><strong>Methodology:<\/strong> this Osto vs Microsoft Security comparison was reviewed against publicly available Osto and Microsoft Security product pages, current to September 2026. Capabilities may change. Osto gets you audit ready and maps controls; the audit is performed by an accredited independent auditor.<\/div>\n\n<\/article>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n \"mainEntity\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\n \"name\": \"Osto vs Microsoft Security: what is the main difference?\",\n \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n \"text\": \"Microsoft Security spans Defender, Entra, Purview, Intune and Sentinel, with capability unlocked by licence tier and configured in separate admin centres, centred on identities, devices and Microsoft 365 security. Osto combines cybersecurity across cloud, apps, APIs, endpoints and code with compliance automation, VAPT and questionnaires in one platform.\"\n }\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\n \"name\": \"We already pay for Microsoft 365. Do we still need Osto?\",\n \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n \"text\": \"It depends what your tier includes and what you are protecting. A Microsoft subscription does not put a <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/do-you-need-a-waf\/\\\">web application firewall<\/a> in front of your app, run <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/what-is-vapt\/\\\">penetration testing<\/a>, or answer inbound <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/security-questionnaires-for-startups\/\\\">security questionnaires<\/a>. If your enterprise deal asks for those, they sit outside the bundle, which is why teams start looking for a Microsoft Security alternative.\"\n }\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\n \"name\": \"Does Microsoft Security protect our web application and APIs?\",\n \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n \"text\": \"Not as part of the security suite. Application firewalling is delivered through separate Azure networking services, billed on Azure consumption and configured independently. Osto includes reverse proxy web and API protection with automatic application and API discovery.\"\n }\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\n \"name\": \"Will Microsoft Security get us SOC 2 ready?\",\n \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n \"text\": \"It provides assessment tooling scoped to your Microsoft tenant, which is not the same as <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/compliance-vs-security\/\\\">audit readiness across your whole environment<\/a>, and it does not include penetration testing or questionnaire responses. 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{"id":1277,"date":"2026-09-15T10:39:29","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T10:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/?p=1277"},"modified":"2026-09-15T10:39:29","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T10:39:29","slug":"osto-vs-microsoft-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/comparison\/osto-vs-microsoft-security\/","title":{"rendered":"Osto vs Microsoft Security: Which Is Right for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\nOsto vs Microsoft Security: Which Is Right for You?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Osto vs Microsoft Security compared. Microsoft secures your Microsoft estate across licence tiers. 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22px;border-radius:10px;font-size:15px;margin-right:10px}\n .callout a.btn:hover{text-decoration:none;background:#eef0ff}\n .callout a.btn.ghost{background:transparent;color:#fff;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.5)}\n\n .faq{border-top:1px solid var(--line);margin-top:48px;padding-top:8px}\n .osto-cmp details{border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);padding:6px 0}\n .osto-cmp summary{cursor:pointer;list-style:none;padding:16px 4px;font-weight:600;font-size:17px;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:16px}\n .osto-cmp summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}\n .osto-cmp summary::after{content:\"+\";color:var(--brand-2);font-size:22px;font-weight:400}\n .osto-cmp details[open] summary::after{content:\"\\2013\"}\n .osto-cmp details p{padding:0 4px 18px;color:var(--muted);margin:0}\n\n .related{margin:42px 0 0}\n .related h3{margin-bottom:14px}\n .related-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px}\n .rc{border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:12px;padding:16px 18px;background:#fff}\n .rc .k{font-size:11px;letter-spacing:.1em;color:var(--brand-2);font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase}\n .rc a{font-weight:600;color:var(--ink);display:block;margin-top:6px;font-size:15.5px}\n @media(max-width:640px){.related-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}}\n\n .disclaimer{font-size:14px;color:var(--muted);background:var(--mist);border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:12px;padding:16px 18px;margin:34px 0}\n\n .osto-cmp .fig{margin:28px 0}\n .osto-cmp .fig img{width:100%;height:auto;display:block;border-radius:14px;border:1px solid var(--line)}\n .osto-cmp .fig figcaption{margin-top:10px;font-size:14px;color:var(--muted)}\n .osto-cmp .tldr-lead{font-weight:600;margin:0 0 10px}\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n<article class=\"osto-cmp\">\n\n <span class=\"eyebrow\">Comparison<\/span>\n <p class=\"dek\">One secures the Microsoft estate you already pay for. The other secures the product you sell, and proves it for the audit.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"meta\">\n <span>Osto Team<\/span>\n <span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n <span>7 min read<\/span>\n <span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n <span>Platform Comparison<\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"tldr\">\n <h2>TL;DR<\/h2>\n <p class=\"tldr-lead\">Osto vs Microsoft Security, in one line each.<\/p>\n <p><strong>Osto<\/strong> is the security stack and the compliance layer in one platform. Web and API protection, cloud posture, endpoint control, DLP and VAPT are modules Osto runs, and audit evidence comes out of them.<\/p>\n <p><strong>Microsoft Security<\/strong> is a set of products across Microsoft Defender, Entra, Purview, Intune and Sentinel, unlocked by licence tier and configured in separate admin centres. It centres on identities, devices and Microsoft 365 data.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <p class=\"lead-in\">The Osto vs Microsoft Security pitch is that you already own some of it. That is true, and it is the catch: what you own depends on the tier you bought.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"jump\">\n <h4>On this page<\/h4>\n <ol>\n <li><a href=\"#core\">The core difference<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#gap\">The gap Microsoft Security leaves that Osto fills<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#table\">What companies actually care about<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#who\">Which platform fits your team?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#osto\">Why growing teams pick Osto<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#faq\">Common questions<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/div>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"core\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: the core difference in one line<\/h2>\n <p>Microsoft secures the Microsoft estate. Osto secures the product your customers log into, and gets you audit ready at the same time.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"cards2\">\n <div class=\"vcard osto\">\n <span class=\"tag\">Osto<\/span>\n <h4>One platform, one tier<\/h4>\n <p>Web and API protection, cloud posture, endpoint control, ZTNA, DLP, VAPT and code security, with compliance on top. No feature matrix and no second console.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"vcard\">\n <span class=\"tag\">Microsoft Security<\/span>\n <h4>A suite priced by tier<\/h4>\n <p>Six product lines sold standalone and inside Microsoft 365 bundles. Endpoint detection, DLP and SIEM each depend on the tier you hold, and each has its own portal.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"gap\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: the gap Osto fills<\/h2>\n <p>In an Osto vs Microsoft Security comparison this is the decisive point. The suite protects users, devices, mailboxes and Microsoft 365 data, but it does not stand in front of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/application-security-for-saas-startups\/\">web application your customers use<\/a>, or produce the evidence an enterprise buyer asks for.<\/p>\n\n <div class=\"split\">\n <div class=\"sp\">\n <h4>Buy Microsoft Security and you still buy this separately<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>A web application firewall for your app and APIs<\/li>\n <li>Azure services for multicloud posture, billed apart<\/li>\n <li>A penetration testing firm, per cycle<\/li>\n <li>A compliance platform for audit evidence<\/li>\n <li>Security questionnaire responses, done manually<\/li>\n <li>Higher tiers to unlock detection and DLP<\/li>\n <li>An admin to configure several consoles<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"sp fill\">\n <h4>Buy Osto and this is already included<\/h4>\n <ul>\n <li>Reverse proxy WAAP blocking OWASP Top 10 and bots<\/li>\n <li>CSPM across AWS, Azure and GCP in the platform<\/li>\n <li>Expert led VAPT plus an AI scanner<\/li>\n <li>Compliance across 200 plus frameworks<\/li>\n <li>AI security questionnaires from live platform state<\/li>\n <li>Endpoint antimalware and File Access DLP<\/li>\n <li>One console, one tier, one owner<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"note\">\n <strong>The question that decides it.<\/strong> Most Osto vs Microsoft Security decisions turn on one question. Are you protecting how your team works, or what your company sells? A suite built around identities, devices and mailboxes covers the first. The second is a different platform.\n <\/div>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"table\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: what companies actually care about<\/h2>\n <p>Seven criteria decide most Osto vs Microsoft Security evaluations. Each verdict below is followed by the reason behind it.<\/p>\n <div class=\"tablewrap\">\n <table>\n <thead>\n <tr><th>Criteria<\/th><th class=\"ostocol\">Osto<\/th><th>Microsoft Security<\/th><\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr><td><strong>Who is it for?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>Startups and lean teams.<\/strong><br>No security function required.<\/td><td><strong>Organisations standardised on Microsoft.<\/strong><br>Assumes IT admins to configure it.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>What does it cover?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>The whole surface, plus compliance.<\/strong><br>Cloud, apps, APIs, endpoints, code, testing.<\/td><td><strong>Mainly the Microsoft estate.<\/strong><br>Identities, devices and Microsoft 365 data.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>Is the product we ship protected?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>Yes, at the edge.<\/strong><br>WAAP filters OWASP Top 10, bots and DDoS.<\/td><td><strong>Not in the suite.<\/strong><br>App firewalling is a separate Azure service.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>Do I need a security team?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>No.<\/strong><br>Controls run on the platform, vCISO if needed.<\/td><td><strong>Usually yes.<\/strong><br>Six product lines, each with its own console.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>How predictable is what we get?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>One tier, everything included.<\/strong><br>No feature matrix between plans.<\/td><td><strong>Depends on the licence.<\/strong><br>Detection, DLP and SIEM sit behind tiers.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>What does compliance look like?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>Built in.<\/strong><br>200 plus frameworks, evidence from Osto’s controls.<\/td><td><strong>Tenant scoped assessments.<\/strong><br>No pen testing or questionnaire answering.<\/td><\/tr>\n <tr><td><strong>What happens after the audit?<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"ostocol\"><strong>Security keeps running.<\/strong><br>Same platform protects and keeps evidencing.<\/td><td><strong>The estate stays covered.<\/strong><br>The app and testing stay with other vendors.<\/td><\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <\/div>\n\n <p><strong>The practical difference:<\/strong> In an Osto vs Microsoft Security decision it comes to this. Microsoft secures how your team works. Osto secures what your company sells, and the compliance behind it.<\/p>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"who\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: which platform fits your team?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"cards2\">\n <div class=\"vcard\">\n <span class=\"tag\">Microsoft Security may fit when<\/span>\n <h4>Your risk sits inside Microsoft 365<\/h4>\n <p>You are standardised on Microsoft, hold a tier with the controls you need, and have admins to configure them. Your app, testing and compliance are covered elsewhere.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"vcard osto\">\n <span class=\"tag\">Osto is the stronger default when<\/span>\n <h4>You want security and compliance solved together<\/h4>\n <p>You need cybersecurity, compliance automation, VAPT and questionnaires without decoding a licence matrix or adding a provider for every requirement.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <h2 class=\"sec\" id=\"osto\">Why growing teams pick Osto in an Osto vs Microsoft Security decision<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"whygrid\">\n <div class=\"wc\"><span class=\"n\">1<\/span><h4>The product you ship is covered<\/h4><p>A self configuring WAF applies positive security policy without hand written rules.<\/p><\/div>\n <div class=\"wc\"><span class=\"n\">2<\/span><h4>One tier, not a feature matrix<\/h4><p>Everything is in the platform. No comparing plans to find the control you need.<\/p><\/div>\n <div class=\"wc\"><span class=\"n\">3<\/span><h4>Compliance comes with the security<\/h4><p>Evidence is pulled from controls Osto runs and mapped to 200 plus frameworks.<\/p><\/div>\n <div class=\"wc\"><span class=\"n\">4<\/span><h4>No security hire needed<\/h4><p>One console instead of several admin centres, and nobody to assign to them.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"callout\">\n <h3>Secure what you sell, not just how your team works.<\/h3>\n <p>If your Osto vs Microsoft Security shortlist came down to coverage, see how Osto brings cybersecurity, compliance automation, VAPT and security operations together for fast-moving teams.<\/p>\n <a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/osto.one\/book-demo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book a Demo<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"faq\" id=\"faq\">\n <h2 class=\"sec\">Osto vs Microsoft Security: common questions<\/h2>\n <details><summary>Osto vs Microsoft Security: what is the main difference?<\/summary><p>Microsoft Security spans Defender, Entra, Purview, Intune and Sentinel, with capability unlocked by licence tier and configured in separate admin centres, centred on identities, devices and Microsoft 365 security. Osto combines cybersecurity across cloud, apps, APIs, endpoints and code with compliance automation, VAPT and questionnaires in one platform.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>We already pay for Microsoft 365. Do we still need Osto?<\/summary><p>It depends what your tier includes and what you are protecting. A Microsoft subscription does not put a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/do-you-need-a-waf\/\">web application firewall<\/a> in front of your app, run <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/what-is-vapt\/\">penetration testing<\/a>, or answer inbound <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/security-questionnaires-for-startups\/\">security questionnaires<\/a>. If your enterprise deal asks for those, they sit outside the bundle, which is why teams start looking for a Microsoft Security alternative.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>Does Microsoft Security protect our web application and APIs?<\/summary><p>Not as part of the security suite. Application firewalling is delivered through separate Azure networking services, billed on Azure consumption and configured independently. Osto includes reverse proxy web and API protection with automatic application and API discovery.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>Will Microsoft Security get us SOC 2 ready?<\/summary><p>It provides assessment tooling scoped to your Microsoft tenant, which is not the same as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/compliance-vs-security\/\">audit readiness across your whole environment<\/a>, and it does not include penetration testing or questionnaire responses. Osto includes compliance automation across 200 plus frameworks, with the audit performed by an accredited independent auditor.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>Which is better for a startup, Osto vs Microsoft Security?<\/summary><p>Microsoft security for startups works when risk is concentrated in email, identities and managed devices and you hold a tier that covers them. If your exposure is the application you ship and the audit in front of you, one platform covering the whole surface is the better fit.<\/p><\/details>\n <details><summary>How long does SOC 2 take with Osto?<\/summary><p>Roughly 115 days end to end: seven days to readiness including VAPT, a mandatory three month evidence window, then around ten days of external CPA audit by an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicpa-cima.com\/resources\/landing\/system-and-organization-controls-soc-suite-of-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AICPA<\/a> accredited firm. The evidence window is set by the standard, so no platform can remove it.<\/p><\/details>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"related\">\n <h3>Keep reading<\/h3>\n <div class=\"related-grid\">\n <div class=\"rc\"><span class=\"k\">Guide<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/application-security-for-saas-startups\/\">Application security for SaaS startups<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"rc\"><span class=\"k\">Guide<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/guides\/security-questionnaires-for-startups\/\">Answering security questionnaires<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"rc\"><span class=\"k\">Guide<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/soc-2-for-startups\/\">SOC 2 for startups<\/a><\/div>\n <div class=\"rc\"><span class=\"k\">Comparison<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osto.one\/resources\/comparison\/osto-vs-crowdstrike\/\">Osto vs CrowdStrike<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"disclaimer\"><strong>Methodology:<\/strong> this Osto vs Microsoft Security comparison was reviewed against publicly available Osto and Microsoft Security product pages, current to September 2026. Capabilities may change. Osto gets you audit ready and maps controls; the audit is performed by an accredited independent auditor.<\/div>\n\n<\/article>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n \"mainEntity\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\n \"name\": \"Osto vs Microsoft Security: what is the main difference?\",\n \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n \"text\": \"Microsoft Security spans Defender, Entra, Purview, Intune and Sentinel, with capability unlocked by licence tier and configured in separate admin centres, centred on identities, devices and Microsoft 365 security. Osto combines cybersecurity across cloud, apps, APIs, endpoints and code with compliance automation, VAPT and questionnaires in one platform.\"\n }\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Question\",\n \"name\": \"We already pay for Microsoft 365. 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