Discover how to transform Microsoft 365 from a security tool into a business advantage. This two-part series shows SMBs how to maximise this solution’s potential for boosting productivity and ROI while strengthening defences against cyber threats.

We are going to kick things off by exploring how Microsoft 365 services help to secure your SMB from cyber threats. The next blog will provide an in-depth discussion of tailored SMB offerings from Microsoft 365 aimed at helping your business grow while mitigating cyber attacks.

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What This Blog Covers:

• Setting the Cyber Security Scene
• Four Ways Microsoft for Business Helps Secure Your SMB
• Unveiling the Power of Microsoft 365 for SMBs

“‘Mastering Microsoft 365 for SMB Security’ isn’t just about fortifying cyber security – it’s also a strategic opportunity for business leaders to optimise ROI from their Microsoft licensing estate. Many SMBs overlook the extensive capabilities within the Microsoft 365 suite and lack the proper configurations and policies.” – Peter Graham, Partner Development Manager at Ingram Micro

As digital transformation continues to evolve at lightning speed, businesses of all sizes and across all industries have had to adapt to the world of modern work. From adopting new ways of working to keeping up with ever-changing customer demands, SMBs are operating in a challenging climate. In light of this dynamic environment, cyber security is more critical than ever: SMBs need reliable tools that will boost their productivity and collaboration while shielding them from impending cyber threats.

Source: SMB End to End Security Story 1.0 (microsoft.com)

Setting the Cyber Security Scene

Cyber security remains top of mind for all IT professionals, and for good reason. Over the last few years, the frequency of cyber attacks on businesses of all sizes has grown exponentially. The ‘Dark Web Marketplace’ has significantly increased in sophistication and prevalence, making cyber attacks a booming industry. Today, cyber criminals have a nuanced range of career paths such as freelancing as an attacker for hire, creating ransomware kits and password theft.

While all businesses are at risk, SMBs are specifically being targeted because their security measures are often less robust than larger companies. Added to this are more limited budgets, which result in SMBs usually not having the specialised security knowledge or resources needed to prevent, manage or respond to a cyber attack. Even if you have a dedicated team, the challenge remains unless they have the ever-evolving expertise needed to stay ahead of the cyber threat landscape.

Maximising the Value of Microsoft 365 for Enhanced SMB Security

At this point, it becomes evident that cyber security is a necessity – and not a luxury – for SMBs. This is where Microsoft 365 plans come in: not only do they keep your SMB safe, but they also help small businesses collaborate and scale their operations.

Here are four ways Microsoft 365 for Business helps secure your SMB:

Protect passwords and secure access

• Microsoft Defender for Business: This feature offers cross-platform endpoint protection to secure all devices within your organisation.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) (available in Microsoft 365 Business Premium): This adds an extra layer of security to logins by requiring a second verification factor, such as a code from your phone, in addition to a password.

Keep business data safe

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) (available in Microsoft 365 Business Premium): This feature helps prevent sensitive information from being accidentally or purposefully shared externally.
• Cloud Storage with Encryption: Microsoft cloud services include storing your data in the cloud, with encryption further minimising security risks.

Manage devices to stay secure

• Mobile Device Management (MDM) (available in Microsoft 365 Business Premium): Set security policies for company information that is accessed on mobile devices, such as requiring strong passwords and remote wipe capabilities in case of theft or loss.
• Conditional Access (available in Microsoft 365 Business Premium): Control access to company resources based on device type, user identity and location – this added security ensures that only authorised users and devices can access sensitive data.

Defend against cyber threats

• Microsoft Defender for Business: This solution has an endpoint detection and response (EDR) feature that proactively identifies and stops cyber attacks, including ransomware.
• Email Security: Outlook has advanced spam and phishing filters that flag suspicious and malicious emails before they reach your organisation’s inboxes.

Future-Proof Your Business: Unveiling the Power of Microsoft 365 for SMBs

In a nutshell, Microsoft 365 is your SMB’s one-stop shop for navigating the complex challenges of the modern workplace. By unifying teams, securing sensitive company information across various devices, and shielding your business from looming cyber threats, Microsoft 365 empowers your SMB to focus on growth while giving you peace of mind.

In our next blog in this series, we’ll dive deeper into the various Microsoft 365 for Business options to help you decide on which Microsoft 365 license best meets your SMB’s unique needs.

Further Reading:

• Microsoft 365 SMB Licensing Options Unpacked – Discover the Perfect Fit for Your Business – Babble
• Microsoft Partner – Babble
• Microsoft 365 Professional Services & Consultancy – Babble
• Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider – Babble
• Microsoft 365 – Microsoft Adoption
• Unleash the power of your small business with Microsoft 365 | Microsoft 365 Blog