Strengthening Your Cyber Security with Microsoft 365: A KBS Group Insight
At KBS Group, we believe that Microsoft 365 is more than just a productivity suite; it’s a powerful tool that significantly enhances your organisation’s cyber security posture. By leveraging Microsoft 365, organisations can meet and even exceed the Cyber Essentials scheme’s criteria, a UK government initiative designed to protect against common cyber threats.
Key Areas of Focus in the Cyber Essentials Scheme
The Cyber Essentials scheme emphasizes five critical areas:
- Secure Configuration
- Access Control
- Malware Protection
- Patch Management
How Microsoft 365 Supports Cyber Essentials Requirements
Secure Configuration
Microsoft 365 offers comprehensive tools for enforcing security policies and configurations across your devices. This includes setting strong password policies and enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), thereby enhancing the security of user accounts. Passwords in Microsoft 365 must meet stringent criteria, including uniqueness, a minimum length of 8 characters, and a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Access Control
With sophisticated user and group management functionalities, Microsoft 365 enables precise control over who can access what within your organisation. This ensures that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information, minimising the risk of data breaches.
Malware Protection
The Microsoft Defender suite, integrated within Microsoft 365, offers built-in antivirus and anti-malware solutions that actively protect your devices from various cyber threats right from the start, without the need for additional software.
Patch Management
Microsoft 365 simplifies the patch management process by automatically applying the latest security patches and updates to your devices, ensuring that vulnerabilities are promptly addressed.
Additional Support for Cyber Essentials Accreditation
OneDrive
In 2022, over 60% of corporate data was stored in OneDrive cloud, making it one of the most popular cloud storage apps for businesses. OneDrive ensures secure data configuration and encryption, implements stringent access controls, and integrates malware protection via Microsoft Defender. Its cloud-based nature guarantees that users benefit from the latest security features without manual updates, aligning with patch management practices. Additionally, OneDrive’s robust data backup and recovery capabilities are pivotal for maintaining operational resilience, a core aspect of Cyber Essentials.
Data Loss Prevention
Enhancing Microsoft 365 with Purview bolsters your cyber security framework with data loss prevention features. These capabilities help maintain GDPR compliance by allowing organisations to identify sensitive information and prevent its unauthorised distribution.
Microsoft 365: A Vital Ally for Cyber Essentials
Microsoft 365 is not just a productivity enhancer but a vital ally in your cyber security strategy. Its comprehensive security features facilitate compliance with the Cyber Essentials scheme and provide a foundation for a secure digital workplace. Regular updates and new security enhancements ensure that Microsoft 365 remains a reliable, cutting-edge solution for businesses aiming to achieve or maintain Cyber Essentials certification.
At KBS Group, we’re committed to helping you leverage Microsoft 365 to its fullest potential, ensuring your organisation stays secure and compliant.
Would you like to find out more, chat with me today.
Written by
Gauri Sapkota is a Digital Transformation Consultant at KBS Group.
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