Advanced Microsoft 365 Security Settings for Enhanced Business Protection

It is critical for organizations not to lose sight of the fact that cyber threats are constantly evolving. New methodologies and new technology are the fuel feeding the growing need for better security measures to maintain organizational IT infrastructure. Microsoft 365 has a suite of security settings, allowing organizations to not only prevent but also detect and respond to cyber threats. It is important to note that these settings need to be properly installed and configured, to provide the intended protection. 

If your organization relies on Microsoft 365, it is time to optimize your cybersecurity and implement a security solution unique to your organizational environment.

Enhanced Microsoft 365 Security

As more organizations take advantage of Microsoft 365, more cybercriminals take note. Whether it be through phishing efforts or identity theft, they continue to develop sophisticated methods. They will try to compromise the organizational computer infrastructure by any means. In most cases, standard security protocols are simply inadequate against these attacks. Unbound Digital can help with updating security protocols for your network.

While Microsoft 365 provides multiple layers of security, most organizations simply use the default configuration. These are not enough. The default settings do not conform to your organization’s risk profile or compliance requirements. Through fine-tuning the advanced security features, only then can your organization be considered secure.

Core of Advanced Security

The most significant security areas within the Microsoft 365 suite are listed below. Organizations should focus on these to step up their security endeavors.

Microsoft Defender

Providing a frontline defense against phishing and malware, Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a must-have for your organization. 

• Safe Attachments: Providing scanning ability for all attachments prior to allowing them to enter the environment. This helps ensure no malicious attachments can infiltrate the system.
• Safe Links: This process not only rewrites URLs but also scans them in real-time. This protects users from malicious websites.
• Anti-Phishing Policies: An AI-driven process that detects account impersonation and spoofing attempts. This function is fully customizable.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Considered to be one of the most effective methods to prevent unauthorized access, MFA was once a vital aspect of any cybersecurity framework. However, Microsoft 365 has changed that mindset. Conditional Access allows for complete control over who is able to access environment resources, as well as when and under what circumstances. 

• Per-User MFA vs. Conditional Access MFA: Providing unparalleled flexibility, Conditional Access boasts a policy-based enforcement ability rather than relying on blanket requirements.
• Smart Lockout: If suspicious sign-in patterns are identified, the account is automatically locked.

Azure Active Directory Protection

Relying on machine learning, Azure AD Identity Protection identifies cyber threats by detecting abnormal behavior across the environment. Using risk-based conditional access, it automatically challenges sign-ins or blocks them depending on the user risk level. With user risk policies, it can flag or block high-risk user activities until the risk is removed.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

One of the most significant concerns of any IT professional is data loss. Microsoft 365 DLP has the ability to prevent malicious or unintentional sharing of sensitive data.

• Sensitive Info Types: Organizations predefine templates to detect sensitive content such as Social Security numbers and credit card numbers.
• Policy Tips: Provides real-time notifications to users, alerting them when they are about to violate a DLP policy.
• Endpoint DLP: Provides protection at the network’s physical endpoints where data may be stored and accessed.

Microsoft Information Protection

A vital component to maintaining confidentiality and compliance is proper classification and encryption of data. By applying labels to emails and documents, the system can determine how sensitive the material is and when it’s being viewed. Using encryption and rights management allows the system to control access even once the information leaves your environment.

Audit Logging and Threat Analytics

Employing proactive monitoring is vital to identifying and mitigating threats before they have a chance to escalate.

• Unified Audit Log: This provides both user and admin activity across all Microsoft 365 services.
• Advanced Microsoft Defender: Allows the system to uncover suspicious behavior through customizable queries.

Unlocking the Full Potential

Organizations all want the same thing: to maximize their protection. With Microsoft 365, they are provided with a robust strategic approach to secure their entire environment.

The powerful security tools that Microsoft 365 comes with will help secure your environment. But in order to unlock their full potential, they will need to be proactively managed and properly configured. 

Cyber Threat Evolution

By implementing advanced settings such as Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Conditional Access, and Azure AD Identity Protection, organizations are taking proactive steps to better secure their environment. 

Organizations can never lose sight of the fact that cyber threats are constantly evolving. The same mindset should be applied to solutions. They should never remain static. Whether you are a small business or a growing enterprise, safeguarding your data and your environment has to be a top priority.

Contact Unbound Digital today to fortify your cloud security. We can help keep your business protected from cyber threats.