Microsoft 365 offers companies a broad collection of communication and collaboration tools, productivity apps, and even AI assistants. With more than 345 million paying customers worldwide, it’s one of the most popular work suites available. But like any digital platform, it comes with risks.
For businesses transitioning into Microsoft’s platform in today’s digital world, it’s crucial to ensure their data, employees, and even customers are protected. After all, over the last few years, cybercrime has increased at an incredible rate, putting more companies at risk than ever before.
Fortunately, there are ways to effectively secure and protect your Microsoft 365 environment, defending both your data, and your commitment to compliance.
Step 1: Implement Secure Access Control
One of the most valuable ways to keep business data safe in today’s digital environment, is to ensure only the right people can access it. Fortunately, Microsoft 365 already offers companies resources they can use to streamline and enhance user access management.
With Azure AD single sign-on, companies can manage authentication across on-premises apps, cloud tools, and devices. This also increases productivity and efficiency, by reducing the number of credentials employees need to remember. Microsoft also allows organisations to leverage multi-factor authentication and conditional access policies for more comprehensive user control.
There’s even the option to use biometric technology, like “Windows Hello”, to minimise the risk caused by stolen passwords or lost devices. A comprehensive approach to access control should ensure that your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands, even if devices or passwords are lost.
Step 2: Introduce Stringent Data Protections
Even with comprehensive access control strategies in place, data leaks and breaches can still happen. When distributing technology to your employees, make sure you’re applying Microsoft’s security best practices. Install recommended security solutions in Microsoft 365 apps, Windows PCs, and the Microsoft Edge browser ecosystem.
You can also leverage Microsoft’s Endpoint management tools to implement protection policies for mobile workers. Business leaders can also identify, monitor, and automatically defend sensitive data across Microsoft 365 apps and Teams, with data loss prevention policies, set up by administrators.
Plus, you’ll be able to tap into useful features for critical documents, like sensitivity labels in Office apps, and secure sharing features in Microsoft’s Outlook email client. On Outlook, you can even implement safe links, safe attachment, and anti-spam, malware, and phishing protection tools.
Step 3: Take a Proactive Approach
When it comes to protecting your business from security threats, a proactive approach is crucial. The key to defending yourself from significant losses is stopping issues before they occur. With that in mind, carefully analyse cloud applications and their potential risks. Ensure every app you install is configured with the correct security settings and policies.
Consider working with a leading Microsoft partner, such as Daisy Corporate Services, to assess your risk landscape, and get a real-time insight into your security posture. You can also leverage real-time monitoring tools and solutions for data loss prevention, to give your team additional peace of mind.
Moreover, taking a proactive approach to security also means ensuring your team are trained on security best practices. Ensure employees know which apps are safe to use, and how data should be stored and shared throughout your business ecosystem. Provide consistent up-to-date training as new threats to your business or industry emerge.
