Managing security across your organization's tech footprint presents unprecedented challenges as threat actors continuously evolve their tactics. With economic pressures tightening IT budgets, organizations must optimize their existing Microsoft 365 investments rather than acquiring additional security tools to address vulnerabilities in their security posture.
Many organizations already possess powerful security controls within their Microsoft 365 subscriptions but fail to use them effectively against emerging threats and potential attacks. A recent webinar hosted by security experts explored how businesses can leverage built-in features across Entra ID, Intune, Microsoft Defender, and Purview to establish a security approach that identifies and mitigates risks before they lead to security incidents.
Foundational Tools in M365 You Should Be Managing Today
Microsoft 365 security management begins with understanding the core security tools already available in your Microsoft 365 subscription. As the webinar experts of our recent webinar on Microsoft 365 highlighted, many organizations already possess powerful security tools but aren't using them effectively to address vulnerabilities and mitigate cyber threats.
-
Entra ID (formerly Azure AD): Serves as your identity foundation with conditional access policies, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access controls. As Nicholas Wallace explained, "Entra ID would be identity and access management... This is where we're going to secure all of our identities."
-
Intune: Provides comprehensive endpoint management with device compliance policies and mobile application management for BYOD scenarios.
-
Defender Suite: Delivers layered threat protection including endpoint detection and response, identity monitoring, and email security. The speakers described it as "your video cameras, your security system" that actively monitors for threats.
-
Purview: Enables data governance through classification, data loss prevention, and lifecycle management. As Nicholas noted, when it comes to compliance and customer satisfaction, "I want to identify my data... I want to classify that data, and then I want to protect that data."
For organizations unsure where to begin their security journey, Business Premium provides an excellent entry point that includes these essential tools. As John Ho stated during the Q&A, "Business Standard does not have too much regarding security, mainly for productivity apps... when it comes to Business Premium, that's where you're able to get Entra ID P1 and Intune as well as some of the EDR suite.”
Real World Scenarios Shared in the Webinar
There are several security challenges organizations face when implementing more security services to protect against cyber threats. A few real-world scenarios outlined in the webinar show how security gaps can emerge even when basic security tools are in place, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive security strategy to address vulnerabilities.
Enterprise Security Features Now Available for Small Businesses
Small businesses with fewer than 300 users can now enhance their security posture without enterprise-level licensing costs. "Microsoft actually has just recently announced a change where business premium users are now qualified to be able to add the E5 security license add-on," noted John Ho during the webinar.
This development enables small businesses to implement data security solutions that were previously inaccessible, helping them stay ahead of potential threats. Organizations can better secure their attack surface without the full enterprise licensing commitment.
Mobile Application Management Challenges
When improperly managed through appropriate security controls, mobile devices pose a significant security risk. IT teams often struggle to balance user privacy concerns with the organization's need for data security on personal devices.
As Afif Achmad directly warned in the webinar, "If users are leveraging company data on personal devices, you definitely need to leverage app protection policies and mobile application management." He emphasized the severity of neglecting this area, stating plainly: "That's a vulnerability and a risk right there."
Security in Hybrid Work Environments
The constantly evolving nature of hybrid work has dramatically expanded the attack surface that security teams must monitor and secure. Organizations now face the challenge of implementing consistent security controls across both traditional office networks and various remote locations.
The threat landscape we experience requires automated security workflows and continuous monitoring to identify potential attack paths before hackers can exploit them. A proactive cybersecurity approach must account for this distributed network infrastructure to effectively mitigate risk.
Penetration Testing Exposes Hidden Vulnerabilities
Many organizations believe their security tools provide adequate protection until penetration testing reveals critical security gaps. Several webinar speakers shared how security assessments revealed vulnerabilities in their environments, despite having implemented basic security measures.
These penetration tests simulate how threat actors attempt to breach an organization's defenses by providing valuable threat intelligence. Regular penetration testing and incident simulation help organizations discover security opportunities and develop a more resilient security strategy focused on prevention rather than just response.
Use Microsoft Secure Score to Guide Your Security Management
Microsoft Secure Score serves as an invaluable dashboard that quantifies your organization's security health and identifies specific areas where improvements can strengthen your defenses against cyber threats. The score evaluates user identity security through:
-
MFA and conditional access
-
Device protection via endpoint security policies
-
Threat protection with Defender solutions
-
Information protection using DLP and Purview policies.
A continuous monitoring approach enables your organization to easily accelerate customer security by tracking security improvements over time. That data gives you a measurable framework that allows security teams to prioritize vulnerability remediation before hackers can exploit potential attack paths.
Organizations often believe they are adequately protected because they have invested in Microsoft 365 security tools, but many have not tested their security configurations under stress. As John Ho mentioned during the webinar, "I do recommend doing a pen test so that way you guys can get a litmus test for a simulated malicious actor and it gives you an idea of how the tools that you already have stack up and highlight areas of improvement for your 2025 road map."
While Microsoft's built-in security solutions offer excellent native protection against common attack vectors, the webinar highlighted that, depending on your specific risk profile and network infrastructure complexity, third-party tools can provide more specialized protection. An integrated approach helps small businesses address vulnerabilities and maintain a strong data security posture without overtaxing limited IT resources.
Strengthening Your Microsoft 365 Security
Microsoft 365 security management requires total utilization of the integrated security tools already available in your M365 environment. With the proper configuration of Entra ID for identity protection, Intune for endpoint management, Defender for threat detection, and Purview for data governance, businesses of all sizes can significantly reduce their attack surface while maintaining security across hybrid work environments.
Don't just rely on implementing the right tools; invest in continuous monitoring, regular testing, and adapting to the constantly evolving threat landscape. Whether you're managing security for a small business or an enterprise organization, the principles remain the same: verify identity, secure endpoints, protect customers and their sensitive data, while staying vigilant against potential threats that could compromise your network infrastructure.
Contact Trusted Tech Team today for a free Microsoft 365 security consultation to identify gaps in your current implementation.
