Microsoft Defender for Business vs PWM
Microsoft Defender for Business
microsoft.comPWM
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Defender for Business | PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0.25/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Self-Service Password Reset Software | 8.5 (#4) | 7.3 (#11) |
| Integrations | The product integrates with Microsoft 365 Lighthouse and can work with remote monitoring and management tools and professional services automation software. | PWM supports Basic Authentication, HTTP-header username injection, CAS, and OAuth client single sign-on options. |
| 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. | PWM is an open source password self-service application for LDAP directories. |
| Support | Microsoft's Defender for Business documentation provides a guide for getting help or contacting support. | The project asks users to seek assistance through the PWM-General Google Group and says question-only GitHub issues will be deleted. |
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
In their own words
Microsoft Defender for Business
Microsoft Defender for Business has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
PWM
PWM is a free, open-source password self-service application for LDAP directories. Its web configuration manager exposes more than 500 settings and lets administrators import or export configuration as one file. During password changes, rules are enforced while users type and password-strength feedback is shown. Forgotten-password verification can use email or SMS tokens, TOTP, remote REST, OAuth, or LDAP attributes. Listed directory support includes Generic LDAP, 389 Directory Server, NetIQ eDirectory, Microsoft Active Directory, and OpenLDAP. Authentication options include Basic Authentication, HTTP-header username injection, CAS, and OAuth client single sign-on. REST APIs cover password setting, recovery, policy reading and verification, and user-attribute updates. PWM is distributed as a Java WAR, an executable Java JAR with embedded Tomcat, or a Docker image. The version table lists Java 17 for PWM 2.1 and Java 11–17 for PWM 2.0. Configurable policies include syntax and regex rules, dictionary enforcement, remote REST checks, and shared password history. The listed plan is free.