The Best Microsoft 365 Security Features You’re Probably Not Using

Microsoft 365 (M365) is packed with powerful security features designed to protect your business from cyber threats, data breaches, and compliance risks. However, many organizations fail to take full advantage of these built-in tools, leaving vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Are you making the most of your Microsoft 365 security features? Here are some of the best M365 security tools that you might not be using but should be:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for All Users

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to secure your business. It adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity through a second method, such as a mobile app or text message, in addition to their password. While many organizations enforce MFA for administrators, enabling it for all users significantly reduces the risk of compromised accounts.

How to Enable MFA:

• Go to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center
• Navigate to Users > Active Users
• Select Multi-Factor Authentication settings and enable it for all users

2. Conditional Access Policies

Conditional Access helps enforce security policies based on user behaviors, device status, and location. For example, you can restrict access from untrusted locations, require MFA for high-risk sign-ins, or block outdated devices from logging in.

Why It Matters:

• Blocks unauthorized access from unknown locations
• Ensures only compliant devices can access company data
• Enhances security for remote work environments

3. Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Phishing and malware attacks are among the biggest threats to businesses today. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 provides advanced protection against email-based threats, including phishing, malware, and zero-day vulnerabilities.

Key Features:

• Safe Links: Scans and rewrites URLs in emails to prevent malicious links from being accessed.
• Safe Attachments: Scans email attachments for potential threats before delivering them.
• Anti-Phishing Policies: Uses AI to detect and block phishing attempts.

4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies

Many businesses unknowingly expose sensitive data through email, file sharing, and cloud applications. Microsoft 365's Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies help prevent accidental data leaks by monitoring and restricting the sharing of confidential information.

How DLP Works:

• Identifies and labels sensitive data such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or proprietary business information.
• Prevents unauthorized sharing of protected files outside the organization.
• Sends alerts to administrators if a potential data leak is detected.

5. Privileged Identity Management (PIM)

Administrative accounts are a prime target for cybercriminals. Privileged Identity Management (PIM) in Microsoft 365 provides just-in-time access to high-level permissions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and privilege escalation.

Benefits of PIM:

• Assigns temporary administrative privileges instead of permanent ones.
• Requires approval workflows for elevated access requests.
• Provides activity logs and alerts for unusual behavior.

6. Secure Score

Not sure how secure your Microsoft 365 environment is? Secure Score provides a real-time security assessment and recommends actions to strengthen your security posture.

How to Access Secure Score:

• Log in to Microsoft Defender Security Center
• Navigate to Secure Score under the Reports section
• Review and implement security recommendations

7. Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management

Data breaches often come from within—whether intentional or accidental. Microsoft Purview Insider Risk Management helps detect, investigate, and mitigate internal threats by analyzing user activities and identifying potential risks.

Features Include:

• User activity monitoring: Identifies unusual data access or transfer behavior.
• Automated alerts: Notifies security teams about risky activity.
• Compliance tracking: Ensures compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.

Strengthen Your Microsoft 365 Security with TotalBC

Are you confident in your Microsoft 365 security setup? Many businesses overlook these essential security features, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats. TotalBC's M365 Management services ensure that your Microsoft 365 environment is optimized for security, compliance, and performance.

Why Choose TotalBC?

• Expert setup and configuration of M365 security features
• Continuous monitoring and threat detection
• Customized security policies tailored to your business
• Ongoing support and compliance management

Don't wait for a cyberattack to test your defenses. Contact TotalBC today at 866-673-8682 or schedule a consultation to learn how our M365 Management services can help safeguard your business!