Introduction
Microsoft has announced a major shift in its cloud-native security information and event management (SIEM) approach by integrating Microsoft Sentinel into the Unified Security Operations Platform (USOP) within the Microsoft Defender ecosystem. As a Cyber Security Engineer working closely with organisations to modernise their security posture, I’ve been guiding clients through this transition and helping them understand both the strategic and operational implications of this move.
This blog is designed to give IT leaders, CISOs, and security engineers a clear picture of what’s changing, why it matters, and how to prepare for a successful migration from Microsoft Sentinel to USOP.
What Is the Unified Security Operations Platform?
The Unified Security Operations Platform (USOP) is Microsoft’s new centralised platform that brings together SIEM and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) into a single, integrated experience. It combines capabilities previously split between Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, and various management consoles.
Key Benefits of USOP:
- Unified Analyst Experience
A single interface for both SIEM and XDR tasks, reducing context switching and improving efficiency. - AI-Powered Incident Management
Deep Copilot integration and automated incident correlation across signals from endpoints, identities, cloud, email, and applications. - Streamlined Licensing and Deployment
New, simplified pricing models and out-of-the-box integrations with Microsoft security solutions. - Reduced Time to Detect and Respond
Enhanced signal correlation, attack path analysis, and prebuilt automated response playbooks.
More information: Microsoft’s Announcement
Why Is Microsoft Making This Change?
Microsoft’s vision is to reduce the fragmentation that security teams face when jumping between SIEM, XDR, and other tools. The transition to USOP aligns with this goal by bringing everything into the Microsoft Defender portal, removing barriers to detection and response.
While Microsoft Sentinel will not be deprecated immediately, Microsoft has clarified that it will retire the standalone Sentinel portal in July 2026, and that users should begin transitioning operations to USOP now to ensure continuity.
Understanding the Migration Path
Let’s break down what this migration means at a technical and operational level.
1. Portal Consolidation
| Current State | Future State |
|---|---|
| Azure Portal: Sentinel blade | Microsoft Defender Portal: USOP section |
| Multiple consoles for Defender, Sentinel, M365 Defender | One experience for SIEM + XDR |
Action: Train analysts on the new Defender portal (https://security.microsoft.com) where SIEM and XDR data now converge.
2. Log Analytics Integration Remains
Despite the portal shift, Log Analytics workspaces still remain the core of data ingestion and storage.
- Workspaces continue to collect data from existing connectors.
- Queries using KQL (Kusto Query Language) are still valid.
- Microsoft Sentinel tables are accessible within USOP.
However, some workbook dashboards, legacy playbooks, or alerts may need reconfiguration in the USOP interface.
3. New Features in USOP
a. Unified Incident Queue
- Sentinel and Defender alerts are now correlated into a single incident queue.
- AI will group related alerts from different sources (e.g., identity + endpoint + cloud) automatically.
b. Copilot Integration
Microsoft Copilot helps analysts with:
- Summarising incidents
- Explaining queries
- Suggesting mitigation steps
💡 Tip: Ensure Copilot is enabled for your Microsoft Defender portal and that users have appropriate licensing (e.g., Microsoft 365 E5 or Defender for Endpoint P2).
c. Integrated Attack Path Analysis
- Graph-based visualisations show lateral movement and attacker intent.
- Combines signals from Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, Entra ID, and Defender for Cloud.
4. Licensing Changes
Previously, Microsoft Sentinel was charged by GB of data ingested into Log Analytics.
In USOP:
- Some detection and response capabilities are covered under Defender suite licenses (e.g., Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Cloud).
- Microsoft Sentinel’s ingestion charges still apply for custom data sources, but more native Microsoft signals can now be used at no extra ingestion cost.
For more: Sentinel Pricing Guide
5. Changes to Automation and SOAR
Logic Apps still underpin automation workflows, but now integrated directly into incidents via the Defender portal.
- USOP introduces response templates and recommended playbooks.
- Some older playbooks may need migration or refactoring if they rely on deprecated APIs or Sentinel-only triggers.
Steps for a Smooth Migration
Here’s a step-by-step guide that I recommend to clients:
Step 1: Audit Your Existing Sentinel Environment
- Inventory all data connectors, analytic rules, workbooks, playbooks, and custom tables.
- Identify any non-Microsoft sources (e.g., Fortinet, Palo Alto, Okta) that may need attention.
Step 2: Review Defender Licensing and Enable USOP
- Ensure that Defender licenses (e.g., M365 Defender, Defender for Cloud) are in place.
- Turn on Unified Portal Preview if not already enabled.
Step 3: Begin Testing in Defender Portal
- Access
https://security.microsoft.com - Navigate to Operations → Incidents
- Ensure incidents are flowing and queries function as expected
Step 4: Migrate Dashboards and Playbooks
- Rebuild critical dashboards using the Workbooks feature in Defender portal.
- Refactor Logic Apps with new incident triggers if needed.
Step 5: Train Your Team
- Schedule training workshops or tutorials for analysts and SOC managers.
- Use Microsoft Learn: Security Operations with Microsoft Defender
Considerations and Risks
Data Retention Policies
Ensure that Log Analytics retention settings remain intact, especially if you’re subject to regulatory or compliance standards (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR, NIST).
Custom Connectors
USOP may not yet support all custom data sources or analytics that Sentinel did. Evaluate third-party or custom ingestion pipelines and test them thoroughly.
Compliance Impacts
While USOP enhances Microsoft’s compliance alignment, businesses must ensure their internal policies (e.g., DLP, data sovereignty, audit logs) are equally enforced in the new setup.
When Should You Migrate?
Microsoft has set July 2026 as the deadline for retiring the standalone Sentinel portal, but early migration is encouraged to:
- Avoid last-minute disruption
- Take advantage of new AI-driven features
- Streamline analyst workflows
Final Thoughts
The shift from Microsoft Sentinel to the Unified Security Operations Platform marks a major evolution in how Microsoft envisions modern SOC operations. For security engineers and business leaders alike, the message is clear: the future of detection and response is unified, AI-powered, and seamless.
By preparing early and methodically, organisations can unlock the full potential of this new platform, streamlining incident response, reducing alert fatigue, and improving their security posture in the face of ever-evolving threats.