We now know that just because your business is small, it doesn’t mean you are definitely immune from cyberattacks. Since most small firms have considerably fewer expenditures than their larger competitors, you are really more likely to be targeted.
This inspired us to research ways to protect our 365 settings. Due to the fact that the success of the bulk of our businesses depends on the power of 365, we concentrated on some of the most often used tactics used by cybercriminals to target your system.
The subsequent sections will go over various security steps you can take to protect your system from breaches, as well as the likely consequences of one.
What might occur if there is a successful breach?
- Business masking – If a hacker was able to access your entire Microsoft 365 environment, that would be devastating! They could acquire sensitive information about your business since they would have full access to your contacts and email history. They are entirely aware of who you do business with as well as the sums of money that are transferred with those companies, and they have full access to delete or disseminate that information.
- Data theft – The file data in your OneDrive and SharePoint libraries could get lost, stolen, or corrupted. This would be disastrous for your company, not only would you be liable to get into legal trouble, but it would also be challenging to regain the faith of the customers whose data was stolen.
- Theft of sensitive data – You undoubtedly retain records that include login credentials for external systems and, potentially, customer or corporate financial information. It could be disastrous and even fatal for the organisation if specific information was stolen.
Microsoft 365 – The tool that makes it all possible
Millions of people worldwide can work thanks to the Microsoft 365 cloud ecosystem. It has been a part of our lives for many years, our everyday chores cannot be completed without its regular uses. Its functionality has developed and has been used to account for almost every situation. But, because it permits a flood of emails, harmful emails will unavoidably get through. You must always be secure; safeguarding that environment is essential.
Securing Microsoft 365
Two crucial issues must be resolved for your system to be as secure as possible, including:
- A detailed policy outlining how users can access and use Microsoft 365.
- Implementing technology safeguards and controls inside your organisation.
Tech defences
Technical defences are available against cyberthreats. They provide protection from:
- A “spoofing” attack when cybercriminals pose as your company and target your domain.
- Receiving or clicking on links in emails that are part of phishing campaigns.
- Receiving or downloading harmful file attachments from emails, including ransomware and other types of malware.
- Unauthorized parties intercepting or seeing email content or attachments.
Your Users
Users are without a doubt the system’s most vital line of defence. Your system is vulnerable, regardless of how much money you spend on technology protection, all it takes is one click for your business to potentially fail.
Several risks your users may present while using Microsoft 365 rely on:
- Sharing files and documents is possible.
- Email messages’ capacity for sharing potentially sensitive information.
- The assigned rights and level of system access.
- How difficult their password is and whether it is exclusive to Microsoft 365, or used as a generic password for other services.
Microsoft 365 security defaults – what are they?
You can define security settings for your users and activate them to automatically enforce a number of regulations wherever they are on the planet. Since security defaults are part of your membership fee, users who have used Office 365 for some time but have never used them may believe that they are a free addition to a product that is already feature-rich. Security defaults are free provided you are an organisation that utilises at least the free tier of the Azure Active Directory service.
Some of the security defaults…
- Demand that all users sign up for MFA (Multi Factor Authentication)
- Make MFA a requirement for all system administrators.
- Demand MFA actions from users after specific actions.
- Disallow older types of authentication.
Need help securing your Microsoft 365?
Because Microsoft 365 is so crucial to businesses, Blucando is here to help you secure it. Please get in touch with us right away if you need assistance.
This Article was written by Ben F
As one of our co-founders, Ben has a strong passion for helping companies achieve greater alignment between their business and technology. With his expertise, he helps businesses overcome operational goals and hit their growth ambitions by delivering clear, jargon-free language that is commercially focused. With a keen eye for risk and compliance challenges, Ben’s dedication to his craft has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to many organizations. His ability to simplify complex technical concepts into practical and actionable insights has enabled him to make a positive impact on businesses of all sizes.
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From our base in Farnborough, Hampshire; we are a full-suite IT provider offering technology support, management and consultancy to businesses across Surrey, Hampshire, London and the wider southeast region. We pride ourselves on delivering robust, dependable IT systems our clients can rely on, coupled with strategic guidance that helps unlock business potential through technology. Get in touch today to find out how Blucando could help level up your business through technology.