10 Security Tips for Microsoft 365

Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is one of the most effective ways to secure accounts. Users will be required to enter a code sent to their mobile device or use biometric authentication through the Microsoft Authenticator app. This added layer of security helps prevent unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.

Use Dedicated Admin Accounts

Admin accounts have elevated privileges and are prime targets for cybercriminals. Use these accounts strictly for administrative tasks and create separate standard user accounts for everyday activities, reducing the risk of attacks.

Disable Auto-Forwarding

Prevent unauthorized data sharing by disabling email auto-forwarding through mail transport rules. This protects sensitive information from being forwarded to external addresses without permission.

Utilize Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)

ATP safeguards users against malicious email attachments, such as ransomware and viruses. It scans all attachments in a secure environment, ensuring only safe files are delivered to users’ inboxes.

Employ Safe Links

The Safe Links feature scans and rewrites URLs in inbound email messages, verifying them at the moment of click. This adds an extra layer of protection against phishing attacks and harmful links.

Enable Mailbox Auditing

Mailbox Auditing allows administrators to track user actions within their own and others’ mailboxes. This feature is automatically enabled for accounts created after January 2019, but admins should verify its status for older accounts.

Implement Role-Based Access Control

This feature allows admins to assign specific roles to users, controlling what actions they can perform. For instance, a billing admin can access only billing information, minimizing the risk of excessive permissions being granted.

Disable Sharing in SharePoint and OneDrive

By default, users can share documents outside the organization. Admins should review and adjust sharing policies to limit external sharing and reduce the risk of data leaks.

Set Up Email Alerts

Configure alerts for suspicious activities, such as unusual data deletion from SharePoint sites. This enables admins to investigate potential threats promptly.

Leverage Microsoft Defender for Business

Microsoft Defender for Business offers cost-effective, enterprise-grade protection for businesses with up to 300 employees. It utilizes AI to detect and respond to cyber threats like phishing and ransomware. Included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, it provides robust endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and automated threat remediation, ensuring your organization’s security is always a step ahead.