At Support Tree, we often encounter the same issue when supporting London-based businesses – many of them already have powerful cybersecurity tools within Microsoft 365. Still, they simply aren’t using them to their full potential. Whether you’re a finance firm in the City or looking for specialised IT Support for Insurance Companies, you may be overlooking crucial layers of protection already built into your Microsoft environment. In this article, we’ll walk you through key Microsoft 365 security features that are often underused—and show you how to turn them into a robust defence strategy for your business.
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Your First Line of Defence
If there’s one thing you implement today, make it Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It’s the most effective and widely available security measure in Microsoft 365, and it’s included at no extra cost in Business Standard and Business Premium plans.
MFA works by requiring a second method of identity verification beyond just a password, like a phone notification, fingerprint, or code. This dramatically reduces the risk of a compromised account.
Yes, it may feel like an extra step. But with modern options like push notifications, phone calls, or even biometric logins, it’s hardly disruptive, and the added security is well worth it.
Pro Tip: You use MFA with your banking apps, so why not apply the same protection to your business?
2. Conditional Access: Smart, Customisable Control
Once MFA is in place, it’s time to implement Conditional Access, a security feature included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Conditional Access lets you define how and where users can access company data. For example:
- Block sign-ins from countries your team doesn’t operate in.
- Restrict access to company-managed devices only.
- Limit access to work hours or company IP addresses.
These policies allow you to tailor access based on context, adding another critical layer to your cybersecurity strategy.
3. Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Email Protection You Need
Emails remain the #1 threat vector for phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers robust protection to reduce these risks.
Here’s how it works: