More companies than not, in the UK and globally, use Microsoft 365 in one way or another. Emails, cloud storage, Teams meetings, shared documents, etc etc, and with so much important information going through one system, it’s also a big target for cyber criminals.
But there’s no need for businesses to panic, Microsoft 365 comes with a whole toolbox of security features. The problem is, many of them aren’t switched on by default or aren’t set up properly and that is where things can start to go wrong. The resident Geeks here at Dialageek in Bristol, have put together a quick checklist of essential Microsoft 365 security tips to put into practice for your office, and if this isn’t enough, we are here to help.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication As The Norm
Passwords get guessed, stolen or reused all the time. Adding an extra step, like a code sent to a phone, makes any hacker’s job so much harder. Microsoft 365 lets you turn this on across the whole business. It’s quick to set up and should be seen as standard, not optional.
Keep Email Secure
Most phishing attacks still come through email. Microsoft 365 has options to encrypt messages and spot dodgy attachments before they land in someone’s inbox. If you’re sending contracts, invoices or anything with client details, this is worth setting up properly. A quick example – one Bristol firm we worked with thought their messages were safe until a client forwarded them on, unencrypted. A small tweak fixed that risk overnight.
Don’t Hand out Access To Everyone
It can be tempting to give everyone in the office full access to everything just in case it’s useful, and that is definitely an area that can potentially backfire. Through no bad intentions, the more people that have access, then the higher the likelihood is of someone being coming compromised. Microsoft 365 lets you limit permissions so people only see what they need for their job. It’s safer, and it keeps things simpler too.
Update, Update, Update
Cyber criminals rely on businesses running outdated software. Microsoft releases patches all the time, but unless someone is checking, they can be missed. A missed update might not sound like a big deal, until you realise it’s the exact weakness hackers are exploiting.
Go Beyond the Basics
Microsoft 365 has tools like Advanced Threat Protection that can pick up suspicious behaviour before it spreads. Think of it as a smoke alarm – you might never need it, but you’ll be very glad it’s there if there does happen to be a fire!
Backups Still Matter
So, you may be thinking that Microsoft 365 automatically backs everything up forever, sadly this is not the case. If someone deletes a file, either by accident or on purpose, it can be gone for good. A proper backup plan makes sure you can get back on track without hours of lost work.
Train Your Team To be Cyber Security Aware
No matter how strong the tech is, people are still going to be the weakest link. Staff who can spot a phishing attempt or know not to click that “urgent” invoice email will save you more headaches than any software. A short training session can make all the difference.
Is Microsoft 365 Actually Secure?
Microsoft 365 is a brilliant platform, and ye sit is secure, but only if it’s secured properly. Switching on the right features, keeping things updated, and making sure staff know what to look out for will take you a long way. For businesses that don’t have the time or expertise to manage it all, local Microsoft 365 support is often the easiest route. It keeps data safe, systems running smoothly, and lets you get back to doing what you do best – running the business.
How Dial A Geek Can Support Microsoft 356 Security
Getting Microsoft 365 security right isn’t necessarily a one-off job. It needs monitoring, fine-tuning and a clear plan for when things go wrong and that’s where professional IT support can be invaluable with professional Microsoft 356 support.
Dial A Geek are a managed IT service provider (MSP) based near Temple Meads in Bristol. We’ve helped hundreds of Bristol businesses get the most out of Microsoft 365. For some, that means setting up a brand-new system with security built in from the start. For others, it’s been about auditing existing setups, closing the gaps and providing ongoing support so nothing slips through the net.
Our team of Geeks know Microsoft 365 inside out – from managing licences and user access to configuring advanced security features. We also understand how local businesses work, whether you’re a start-up in the city centre or a more established firm with offices across the South West. By combining technical expertise with a down-to-earth approach, we make sure your Microsoft 365 setup is secure, reliable and easy for your team to use.
Choosing a local IT support partner for your business means you get more than just a helpdesk. We’re here in Bristol, ready to provide hands-on support when you need it, and proactive advice to keep your systems one step ahead of evolving cyber security threats. That could be anything from training your staff to avoid phishing scams, getting your business a Cyber Essentials Certification, setting up regular backups, or giving you a recovery plan that keeps downtime to a minimum.
If your business relies on Microsoft 365 then having the right IT support in place is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Get in touch with Dial A Geek to find out how we can help keep your data secure, your team productive, and your systems working the way they should.
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