check before: 2026-01-15
Product:
Defender, Defender for Cloud Apps, Defender XDR, Entra
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps will update the Microsoft 365 connector configuration page in January 2026, adding clearer layouts and new default values for new connectors to reduce misconfigurations. Existing connectors remain unchanged. Admins should review current settings to ensure required Entra permissions are enabled.
Details:
[Introduction]
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is updating the Microsoft 365 connector configuration page with revised default values for new connector setups. These improvements are designed to help security administrators more easily understand the Microsoft Entra data signals required to support SaaS Identity-related security features. This update also reduces the likelihood of misconfigurations so that capabilities such as SaaS Identity Discovery, Threat Protection, Response, and Posture insights continue to receive the data they depend on.
This is also a good opportunity to verify that your existing connector configurations are set correctly for the security features in your environment.
[When this will happen]
We will begin rolling out in mid-January 2026 and expect to complete by late January 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-14
updated:
2026-01-14
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft plans to update the Microsoft 365 connector configuration page in Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps in January 2026, introducing a clearer layout and new default settings for new connectors to enhance user-friendliness and understanding of necessary data signals from Microsoft Entra.
Direct effects for Operations**
Misconfiguration Risk
The update may lead to misconfigurations if admins do not review existing settings, potentially reducing threat detection coverage and posture accuracy.
- roles: Security Administrators, IT Admins
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-cloud-apps/protect-office-365#connect-microsoft-365-to-microsoft-defender-for-cloud-apps
User Experience Degradation
If required Entra permissions are not enabled due to oversight, users may experience reduced security features, impacting their overall experience with Microsoft 365 services.
- roles: End Users, Security Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-cloud-apps/protect-office-365#connect-microsoft-365-to-microsoft-defender-for-cloud-apps
Configutation Options**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 2 days ago ago
