Microsoft 365 includes useful security controls, but they need deliberate configuration and ongoing administration. Available features vary by licence and tenant, so treat this as a review framework rather than a promise that every setting is available in your subscription.
1. Protect every user identity
- Require multi-factor authentication, with stronger methods where practical.
- Disable or block sign-in for accounts that are no longer needed.
- Use separate administrator accounts and keep admin roles limited.
- Review sign-in and risk alerts on an agreed schedule.
2. Control email risk
- Review anti-phishing, anti-spam and malware protection settings.
- Protect important people and domains against impersonation.
- Check mail forwarding rules and investigate unexpected changes.
- Give staff a clear way to report suspicious messages.
3. Review sharing and data access
- Set sensible external-sharing defaults for SharePoint and OneDrive.
- Review guest users, anonymous links and access to sensitive sites.
- Use groups rather than one-off permissions where possible.
- Remove access promptly when a person changes role or leaves.
4. Manage devices and applications
Decide which devices can reach business data, how they are updated and what happens if one is lost. Review third-party applications connected to Microsoft 365 and remove consent that is no longer required.
5. Plan retention, backup and recovery
Microsoft service availability, retention and independent backup are different concepts. Document what must be recoverable, for how long and by whom. Test the recovery process rather than assuming deleted or encrypted data can always be restored.
6. Make security an ongoing process
Repeat access reviews, document configuration decisions and connect Microsoft 365 changes to staff onboarding and offboarding. Broader support is available through Microsoft 365 support in Sydney, cyber security services and managed IT services.
For a review of your current tenant and priorities, book a consultation or contact BizITsolutions.