Ultimate Microsoft XDR for Full Spectrum Cyber Defence

Unify Your Cyber Defense, Hunt Smarter and Respond Faster with Microsoft XDR!

Key Features

● Learn every component of the Defender suite, Entra ID, and Microsoft Sentinel, from fundamentals to advanced automation.
● Build real-world detections, hunt threats, and automate response with guided labs and step-by-step workflows.
● Master KQL query design, cross-platform signal correlation, and threat-informed defense strategies.
● Design, deploy, and manage a mature, unified XDR strategy for organizations of any size.

Book Description

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is essential for unifying security signals, accelerating investigations, and stopping attacks, before they spread. This book, Ultimate Microsoft XDR for Full Spectrum Cyber Defence shows you how to harness Microsoft’s powerful XDR stack to protect identities, endpoints, cloud workloads, and collaboration platforms.

You will progress from mastering the core Defender products and Entra ID security features to unlocking Microsoft Sentinel’s SIEM and SOAR capabilities. Along the way, you will also build high-fidelity detections with KQL, automate responses with playbooks, and apply Zero Trust principles to secure modern, hybrid environments. Each chapter combines real-world scenarios with step-by-step guidance, so that you can confidently operationalize Microsoft XDR in your own organization.

Hence, whether you are a security analyst, architect, SOC leader, or MSSP team, this guide equips you to design, deploy, and scale a unified detection and response strategy—reducing complexity, improving visibility, and neutralizing threats at machine speed.

Thus, build a security operation that is proactive, resilient, and Microsoft-native.

What you will learn

● Design and deploy Microsoft XDR across cloud and hybrid environments.
● Detects threats, using Defender tools and cross-platform signal correlation.
● Write optimized KQL queries for threat hunting and cost control.
● Automate incident response, using Sentinel SOAR playbooks and Logic Apps.
● Secure identities, endpoints, and SaaS apps with Zero Trust principles.
● Operationalize your SOC with real-world Microsoft security use cases.

Who is this book for?

This book is tailored for SOC analysts/engineers, architects, Azure and MS 365 admins, and MSSP teams to design and run scalable Microsoft XDR defenses. Centered on Defender, Sentinel, and Entra ID, it teaches you to secure identities, endpoints, and cloud workloads with practical, Zero Trust–driven strategies for any organization size.

1. Understanding Microsoft XDR
2. Defender for Endpoint
3. Defender for Identity
4. Defender for Cloud Apps
5. Defender for Office 365
6. Entra ID Security
7. Introduction to Microsoft Sentinel
8. Microsoft Sentinel SIEM Capabilities
9. Microsoft Sentinel SOAR Capabilities
10. Efficient KQL Query Design and Optimization
11. Hands-On Lab Setup
12. Building and Operating a Mature Unified XDR Strategy
Index

Ian David Hanley is a seasoned Cybersecurity Architect, and the founder of Hanley Cloud Solutions. With a career dedicated to helping organizations — from ambitious startups to established Fortune 500 enterprises — secure their Microsoft cloud environments, Ian brings a pragmatic, results-driven approach to modern security challenges. His expertise spans Zero Trust architecture, SIEM/SOAR implementation, threat-informed defense, and enterprise-scale cloud security strategy. If it involves the Microsoft security stack, Ian has likely architected, automated, or optimized it.

A recognized leader in the Microsoft security ecosystem, Ian has architected MSSP-ready services, streamlined alerting through automation frameworks, and improved visibility across Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, Entra ID, and Azure platforms. His work has not only cut operational overhead and costs, but also helped security teams respond with clarity and confidence.

Ian is also the founder and technical voice behind DevSecOpsDad.com, where he shares actionable insights on cloud defense, detection engineering, and real- world application of MITRE ATT&CK tactics. His writing reflects a passion for mentorship, clarity, and enabling others to thrive in the fast-evolving landscape of cloud security.

About the Technical Reviewer

Nitish Kumar is an infrastructure and cloud specialist with two decades of experience in Microsoft ecosystem, including Active Directory, Microsoft 365 services, and IAM solutions. He has a proven track record in scripting, analytical, and interpersonal skills to deliver strategic IT solutions.

Nitish's key skills include PowerShell Scripting, Microsoft Graph, Microsoft 365/ Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Defender solutions, Active Directory/PKI, Windows DNS/DHCP/WSUS, and Hyper-V. He holds numerous Microsoft certifications, including Azure and Microsoft 365 expert and associate level certifications.

Currently, he is Lead Consultant at ATOS, where he worked on Entra ID, Co-Pilot, and Active Directory migration projects. Previously, as an Associate Consultant at Tata Consultancy Services, he managed packaging and automation teams and supported DevOps tool automation. During his tenure as Senior Consultant at Coforge Limited, Nitish gained extensive experience with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 services, including migration and security projects.