Ritchie Farr
Throughout this series, we’ve explored Microsoft 365’s productivity tools, from cloud storage and collaboration with Teams to task management with Planner. Now, in our final post, we’ll examine the robust security and device management tools in Microsoft 365. In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, securing data and managing devices are critical to maintaining a safe, efficient workplace. Microsoft 365 provides a range of security and device management solutions designed to protect businesses from data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other security risks.
Microsoft 365 includes advanced security tools that help businesses protect sensitive data, prevent unauthorised access, and comply with regulatory standards. Here are the key security tools available in Microsoft 365:
1. Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Defender for Office 365 provides comprehensive protection against malware, phishing, and other email-based threats. By scanning incoming emails, attachments, and links, it blocks malicious content before it reaches employees, preventing potential security breaches.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity using two or more authentication factors, such as a password and a mobile device code. MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even if a password is compromised.
3. Conditional Access
Conditional Access enables administrators to set policies that determine when and how users can access company resources. For example, access can be restricted based on factors like location, device type, or risk level. This tool helps control who has access to sensitive data, reducing the likelihood of unauthorised access.
4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
DLP policies help prevent accidental or intentional sharing of sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or personal data. Administrators can set rules that restrict the sharing of specific types of data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and protecting customer information.
5. Information Protection and Sensitivity Labels
Sensitivity labels allow businesses to classify and protect documents and emails based on their level of sensitivity. For example, confidential documents can be encrypted and restricted to certain users. Labels are customisable and help ensure data is handled appropriately, supporting compliance and internal policies.
6. Microsoft Secure Score
Secure Score is an assessment tool that provides recommendations to improve an organisation’s security posture. Based on your security configuration, it suggests actionable steps to reduce risk, such as enabling MFA or adjusting access policies.
In addition to data security, Microsoft 365 includes Intune, a cloud-based device management solution that helps businesses manage, secure, and monitor devices used by employees. Intune allows administrators to manage both company-owned and personal devices, providing flexibility and control in today’s mobile work environment.
Microsoft Intune Key Features:
Mobile Device Management (MDM): Intune enables administrators to manage mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops. They can enforce security policies, such as screen locks and password requirements, and remotely wipe data if a device is lost or stolen.
Mobile Application Management (MAM): For businesses with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, Intune offers application-level security that allows companies to protect business data without managing the entire device. MAM can restrict access to sensitive data within specific applications, ensuring that personal data remains private.
Zero-Touch Deployment: Intune supports zero-touch deployment for Windows devices, allowing administrators to configure devices remotely. Employees can receive a fully set-up device that’s ready for use as soon as they log in, simplifying onboarding.
Conditional Access and Compliance Policies: Intune integrates with Conditional Access to ensure that only compliant devices can access company resources. Administrators can enforce policies such as requiring antivirus protection or ensuring the latest operating system is installed.
Remote Wipe and App Protection: If a device is lost or an employee leaves the company, administrators can remotely wipe corporate data from the device, protecting sensitive information and maintaining data privacy.
Microsoft 365’s security and device management tools empower businesses to protect data, secure access, and maintain compliance without compromising productivity. Here’s how these features benefit businesses:
1. Enhanced Data Protection and Compliance
Tools like DLP, sensitivity labels, and Conditional Access protect sensitive information and support compliance with regulations like GDPR. By classifying and restricting access to data, businesses can ensure that customer and employee information is handled securely.
2. Reduced Risk of Cyber Threats
Defender for Office 365, MFA, and Secure Score work together to mitigate risks from phishing, malware, and unauthorised access. These tools reduce the likelihood of successful attacks, safeguarding company data and reputation.
3. Flexible and Scalable Device Management
Intune’s flexibility supports a range of devices, from company-owned to BYOD. Whether a business has ten employees or a thousand, Intune can scale to meet device management needs, ensuring that all devices comply with security policies.
4. Streamlined Onboarding and Offboarding
Intune’s zero-touch deployment and remote wipe capabilities make onboarding and offboarding efficient. Administrators can set up new devices quickly and securely remove data from departing employees’ devices, ensuring a smooth and secure transition.
5. Improved Productivity and Security with Conditional Access
Conditional Access allows employees to work securely from any location or device while ensuring that company resources are only accessible to those who meet specific security criteria. This feature balances security with the flexibility of modern work environments.
To get the most out of Microsoft 365’s security and device management features, consider these best practices:
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is one of the most effective ways to protect user accounts from unauthorised access. Encourage all employees to enable MFA and consider making it mandatory for high-risk accounts.
2. Set Up Conditional Access Policies
Use Conditional Access to restrict access to critical resources based on specific criteria. For example, you could require MFA for users accessing data from outside the office or block access from unapproved devices.
3. Use Intune’s Compliance Policies
Create compliance policies in Intune to enforce security measures on all devices. These policies help ensure that only compliant devices can access company resources, reducing the risk of data breaches.
4. Regularly Monitor Microsoft Secure Score
Review Secure Score regularly to identify areas where your organisation’s security can be improved. Following its recommendations can strengthen your overall security posture and ensure that your settings align with best practices.
5. Utilise Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies
Implement DLP policies to protect sensitive information and prevent accidental sharing of restricted data. DLP policies can help businesses stay compliant with data protection regulations and protect against data leaks.
Microsoft 365’s comprehensive security and device management tools help businesses protect data, secure devices, and manage compliance in an increasingly digital world. By combining these powerful features with user-friendly management tools, Microsoft 365 empowers organisations to balance flexibility with security, supporting both productivity and data protection.
As technology continues to advance, having a secure foundation is essential. With Microsoft Defender, Intune, Conditional Access, and a range of other tools, Microsoft 365 provides the resources businesses need to stay protected in a complex threat landscape.
Thank you for following our blog series! We hope this exploration of Microsoft 365 has given you insights into how this powerful platform can transform the way you work, communicate, and secure your organisation.
Cloud technology impacts us daily, from file storage to streaming box sets. We consume cloud without a second thought. It has transformed business operations in many aspects of business.
Microsoft has launched a new cloud service, we look into what this service looks like, what it can do, and why you might use it.
With multi factor authentication upping the anti of application security, in isolation passwords are now seen as a somewhat basic security feature. However they are still an important aspect of your data protection. After all, what’s the benefit of two-factor authentication if one level is overly simple to override.
We discuss the trend of moving to and the benefits of private cloud.
Microsoft announced it’s next-generation AI tool - Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Microsoft 365 is packed with powerful tools for modern businesses, but it’s often underutilized or misunderstood—a challenge we encounter frequently when working with new clients. In this series, we’ll demystify Microsoft 365, clear up misconceptions, and share tips to help you maximise your subscription. Let’s start by exploring what Microsoft 365 is, where it came from, and what it includes today.
In Part 1 of this series, we explored the evolution and scope of Microsoft 365. Today, we’re diving into one of the most crucial components for modern businesses: cloud storage. Microsoft 365 offers two powerful storage solutions—OneDrive and SharePoint—designed to make file storage, sharing, and collaboration seamless. In this post, we’ll cover what each tool offers, their key differences, and practical advice on using them to enhance productivity and data security.
Two years in the making, 3CX Version 20 Final is heralded as the future of business telephony.
World Backup Day, observed annually on 31st March, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of data backup in our digital age
In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, we covered the origins of Microsoft 365 and explored its cloud storage solutions, OneDrive and SharePoint. In Part 3, we’ll look at Microsoft Teams, the collaboration hub that brings communication, file sharing, and productivity tools together in one place. Since its launch, Teams has transformed how businesses communicate, making it a powerful asset for remote and in-office work alike.
In our previous posts, we explored Microsoft 365’s cloud storage, Microsoft Teams, and how they streamline collaboration. Now, in Part 4, we’ll dive into Microsoft Planner, a flexible and easy-to-use project management tool that integrates directly with Microsoft 365. Planner is ideal for tracking tasks, managing projects, and keeping teams aligned, making it a valuable addition to any modern workplace.
With countless apps and tools at our fingertips, it’s easy for data to end up in unexpected places. Shadow IT—unapproved tools and software used by employees—can make it harder than ever to keep track of your business information. So, do you really know where all your data is right now? If you’re not sure, it might be time to shine a light on Shadow IT.
Support for Microsoft Office 2013 will cease on 11th April 2023.
Empowering Small Businesses with Redloft Technology
Businesses can benefit from grants to purchase new IT equipment, as well as tax credits for research and development.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in the business world, offering tools that enhance efficiency, decision-making, and productivity. Among the growing suite of AI-driven technologies, Copilot and ChatGPT stand out as game-changers. These tools, designed to streamline workflows and augment human capabilities, have sparked both excitement and debate. Here’s a balanced look at the potential of these AI tools, the data privacy concerns they raise, and the considerations businesses need to keep in mind.