MICROSOFT 365 SECURITY BEST PRACTICES

Microsoft 365 Security is a cloud-based application that serves as a solution for many companies. Its widespread availability has made it a target for Cyber-attackers. For this reason, data security and asset protection are crucial when using cloud-based office apps.

This article highlights major threats that Microsoft 365 users face and recommends best security practices.

Is Microsoft 365 Secure? 

Microsoft 365 is a data-centric system. Like other cloud-based applications, Microsoft 365 is susceptible to attacks from external sources. These attackers can destroy user defences, gain access to confidential data, disrupt operations, and cause data loss. 

Statistics show that up to 85% of organizations that subscribe to Office 365 were victims of an email data loss in 2021, while 15% of subscribed organizations suffered over 500 breaches in the same year. Meanwhile, only 4% of organizations that do not subscribe to Office 365 reported the same data loss event.

Microsoft 365 Security Features 

Microsoft 365 security features are accessible through the Security and Compliance Center on Microsoft Accounts. This portal aids users in choosing various security functions that suit their needs. These functions include:

1. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Microsoft’s IAM solution allows for the set-up of digital identities for all Office users. The digital identity of every user contains their authentication details and authorization information. It helps administrators add authentication for all log-ins, manage passwords effectively, onboard, and dispel users when necessary.

Identity and Access Management (IAM) allows you to manage authorization options for all users. With this, administrators can set privileges based on roles and specific requirements. This feature gives the app access to users with appropriate permissions, restricting unauthorized users from intrusion. 

2. Risk management

Microsoft 365 security suite helps to manage risks and ensure compliance. They identify risks, categorize them, and allow for data protection across Microsoft’s cloud resources.

Risk management tools assist security teams in locating insider threats, managing insecure communications risks, and fine-tuning advantages for administrator accounts. On the other hand, audit tools help users dig into compliance issues until all data security weaknesses are taken care of.

3. Information security

Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MIP) allows users to manage data across Microsoft’s cloud resources and on remote work devices. These data are classified to ensure they only reach authorized devices. Also, various sensitivity levels are defined to make data available and protect it when due.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Microsoft Information Governance (MIG) tools create durable security controls for confidential data and establish lifecycle controls to discard irrelevant data.

4. Threat defenses

Microsoft offers Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) features that nullify cyber threats and identify security weaknesses by tracking traffic.

Microsoft Sentinel is an SIEM system that uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to monitor the Microsoft cloud. It tracks every active Office application and device. On the other hand, Microsoft Defender and Office 365 Defender are examples of XDR tools. These tools extend threat detection to all areas, like email accounts and cloud applications.

Common Microsoft 365 Security Concerns

Despite the availability of Microsoft 365 security tools, users should create their security setup and choose the best methods that fit their direct needs. Microsoft 365 security tools use machine learning algorithms and threat detection. However, gaps can be created from human error. These gaps can pave the way for attackers to work. Some threats that security managers need to assess include:

1. Unauthorized access and Credential theft
2. Data Loss
3. Complacency
4. Unsafe advantages 
5. Anomalies in patterns
6. Password change and constant MFA attacks.

Microsoft Security Best Practices

After noting the dangers of using Microsoft 365 applications, there is a need to recommend security best practices to tackle these lapses. We have coined some Microsoft 365 security best practices in the cloud into the ‘nine Es’ listed below. 

1. Educate the users on Microsoft 365 security.
2. Ensure secure collaboration
3. Establish anti-phishing protection
4. Enable Identity and Access Management (IAM)
5. Encourage the use of anti-malware solutions
6. Engage in better data security controls.
7. Ensure compliance check.
8. Emphasize the need for stronger passwords and changing passwords.
9. Enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 Security tools are flexible and comprehensive. However, the user has to maximize these security measures to utilize Office Cloud resources. To do this, one must understand the available tools and identify the best security measure fit for the organization’s requirements.  

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