With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect your company’s sensitive information. Microsoft 365 is a powerful tool that can help you enhance your company’s security.
However, many businesses fail to utilise the full potential of this software. With the right tips and tricks, you can optimise your Microsoft 365 security measures and keep your business safe from potential threats.
Protect and manage all user devices
Cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, and one of the easiest ways for them to gain access to sensitive information is through unmanaged devices. These can include smartphones, laptops, and tablets that are not properly secured or managed.
Microsoft 365 provides a comprehensive suite of tools that can help protect your business from cyber threats, including features such as device management and advanced threat protection. By using these tools, you can ensure that all of your employees’ devices are properly secured and managed, reducing the risk of a security breach.
A certified Microsoft Partner will implement and manage these advanced security tools and features, customising them to the needs and uses of your business to ensure your employees and their devices are fully protected, no matter where they are working.
Set sharing settings for OneDrive and SharePoint
OneDrive and SharePoint are two widely used tools in the Microsoft 365 suite for file sharing and collaboration. However, without proper permissions and sharing settings, these tools can pose a significant risk to your business’s data security. By default, OneDrive and SharePoint files are set to “anyone with the link can edit”. This can be a significant security risk for your business, as it allows anyone with the link to make changes to your files.
Setting sharing settings for OneDrive and SharePoint will help you ensure only authorised personnel can view, edit, and share your confidential information. This can prevent accidental or intentional data leaks, and protect your business from potential security breaches. Moreover, setting sharing settings for OneDrive and SharePoint is a simple yet effective way to comply with data protection regulations.
Set up Outlook email encryption
Email is one of the most common ways that sensitive information is shared between employees, customers, and vendors. However, email is also one of the most vulnerable channels for cyber attacks. By setting up Outlook email encryption, you can ensure that only users with the decryption key can read the information, rendering any intercepted messages undecipherable to malicious actors.
Use multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to provide two or more forms of authentication before they can access your Microsoft 365 environment. This can include a password, the Microsoft Authenticator app, or a text message with a one-time code. According to Microsoft, MFA can help prevent 99.9% of account attacks.
MFA enhances security in several ways. Firstly, it adds an extra layer of protection to your account. Even if cybercriminals manage to obtain your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second form of authentication. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.
Secondly, MFA is highly effective against phishing attacks – a common tactic used by malicious actors to trick users into divulging their login credentials. With MFA, even if a user falls for a phishing scam and provides their password, the hacker still won’t be able to access the account without the other forms of authentication.
Train your users
Your employees are your first line of defense against cyber threats, so it’s essential to ensure that they understand the importance of cyber security. Providing training sessions on best practices will help them recognise cyber threats like phishing, and what to do in the event of a cyber incident. Encourage your employees to report any suspicious activity or potential threats to your IT department.
Training sessions should be conducted not only when new policies or security solutions are implemented, but on a regular basis to keep their knowledge of current risks and cybercrime trends up-to-date.
By training your users on best practices for Microsoft 365 security, you can ensure that your employees are equipped to handle potential threats. This can help prevent unauthorised access to your data and keep your business running smoothly.
Implement the right Microsoft 365 security settings with expert assistance
Managing your users’ devices, setting sharing settings for OneDrive and SharePoint, setting up Outlook email encryption, implementing multi-factor authentication, and training your users on best practices for Microsoft 365 security will help ensure your business stays secure, and will keep your data safe from potential threats.
Certified Microsoft Partner Platform 24 will audit your business, recommend the ideal security settings and solutions for your business, train your users on best security practices and policies, and can fully manage your entire Microsoft 365 environment for maximum protection and optimal performance. Talk to them today and ensure your data is secure.
