Microsoft Defender for Business vs Nmap
Microsoft Defender for Business
microsoft.comNmap
nmap.orgSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Defender for Business | Nmap |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0.25/mo | $9,980/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 7 |
| Spec score · Vulnerability Scanning Software | 8.8 (#4) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Integrations | The product integrates with Microsoft 365 Lighthouse and can work with remote monitoring and management tools and professional services automation software. | For OEM integration, the project recommends running Nmap and parsing its XML-formatted output, and also permits other approaches such as parsing normal output or processing its data files. |
| Purpose | Microsoft Defender for Business is an endpoint security solution for small and medium-sized businesses with up to 300 users that helps protect devices from ransomware, malware, phishing, and other threats. | Nmap is a free and open-source utility for network discovery and security auditing. |
| Support | Microsoft's Defender for Business documentation provides a guide for getting help or contacting support. | The free version has no warranty and is supported by a community, while active OEM maintenance subscriptions include commercial technical support. |
Plans
Microsoft Defender for Business
- Microsoft Defender for Business$3 a month
- Microsoft Entra Internet Access$5 a month
- Microsoft Entra Suite$12 a month
- Microsoft Defender for Business$3 a year
Nmap
- Nmap free end-user licenseFree
- Nmap OEM Small/Startup Company Redistribution License (quarterly term)$9,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Mid-Sized Company Redistribution License (quarterly term)$13,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Enterprise Redistribution License (quarterly term)$17,980 a month
- Nmap OEM Small/Startup Company Redistribution License (perpetual)$59,980, paid once
- Nmap OEM Mid-Sized Company Redistribution License (perpetual)$89,980, paid once
- Nmap OEM Enterprise Redistribution License (perpetual)$119,980, paid once
In their own words
Microsoft Defender for Business
Microsoft Defender for Business has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Nmap
Nmap is a free, open-source utility for discovering networks and auditing security. It uses raw IP packets to identify available hosts, services and versions, operating systems, and packet filters or firewalls. Scanning options include TCP and UDP ports, OS and version detection, and ping sweeps. Network administrators can use it to inventory systems, plan service upgrades, and monitor host or service uptime. The Nmap Scripting Engine runs bundled or user-written scripts in parallel for networking tasks such as discovery and vulnerability checks. The suite also includes Zenmap, a graphical interface and results viewer; Ncat for data transfer and debugging; Ndiff for comparing scan results; and Nping for packet generation and response analysis. Most port-scan types require privileged access to send and receive raw packets, although unprivileged users can run connect and FTP bounce scans. Nmap is not a comprehensive vulnerability scanner. End-user use is free, but redistribution in commercial products requires an OEM license. Quarterly OEM licenses start at $9,980.00 per 3 months for eligible small or startup companies.