Boost Your Microsoft 365 Security

Protecting your Microsoft 365 environment requires more than strong passwords. From multi-factor authentication to app permissions, this guide breaks down the top security settings every organization should configure right now, plus how tools like Overe simplify ongoing protection.

Why Is Microsoft 365 Security So Important?

Microsoft 365 powers critical business functions such as email, collaboration, and cloud storage. Because it’s cloud-based, it’s also a frequent target for phishing, credential theft, and account takeovers.

Strengthening your configuration reduces the risk of data breaches, compliance issues, and costly downtime.

1. Strengthen Your Defense with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

What Is MFA?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra verification step, like a text code or app prompt, when signing in. Even if a hacker steals a password, MFA keeps your account secure.

Why It Matters

• Prevents unauthorized logins
• Blocks 99% of automated attacks
• Protects admin and high-privilege accounts

Pro Tip
Enable MFA for all accounts, especially administrators. Use the Microsoft Authenticator app for better security and fewer SMS-based vulnerabilities.

2. Control App Permissions to Reduce Data Risk

Why Review App Permissions?
Every integrated app requests access to your Microsoft 365 data. Overly broad permissions can open doors for attackers.

What to Do

• Audit app permissions monthly.
• Remove unused apps or those no longer maintained.
• Restrict user consent to new apps unless approved by an administrator.

Pro Insight
Focus on apps with high-risk permissions, such as those with “read/write all data” privileges. Restrict or sandbox these to prevent lateral movement after a breach.

3. Eliminate Dormant Accounts Before Attackers Find Them

What Are Dormant Accounts?
Dormant accounts are inactive user profiles that still have access rights. Attackers can exploit them as hidden backdoors.

How to Clean Them Up

• Schedule quarterly audits of inactive accounts.
• Disable or delete users inactive for 60+ days.
• Add account removal to your offboarding process.

Quick Win
Set automated policies to flag inactive users in Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD).

4. Implement Modern Authentication for Secure Access

Why Modern Authentication Matters
Legacy authentication protocols such as Basic Auth lack modern protections and are often targeted by brute-force attacks.

How to Enable Modern Authentication

• Disable legacy protocols (POP, IMAP, SMTP AUTH).
• Turn on token-based authentication or OAuth 2.0.
• Apply Conditional Access policies to enforce MFA for high-risk sign-ins.

This not only improves security but also offers users seamless, passwordless login experiences.

5. Simplify Microsoft 365 Security Management with Overe

Managing security configurations manually can be complex and time-consuming. That’s where Overe comes in.

What Overe Does

• Monitors your Microsoft 365 environment in real time
• Flags risky app permissions and inactive accounts
• Automates MFA policy enforcement
• Provides a single dashboard to visualize your security posture

By using Overe, your IT team can move from reactive security management to proactive protection with less manual effort.

6. Best Practices for Ongoing Microsoft 365 Security

Security isn’t “set it and forget it.” Keep your environment safe with a continuous improvement mindset.

Monthly

• Review admin roles and MFA coverage.
• Audit connected apps and permissions.

Quarterly

• Remove inactive accounts.
• Review compliance and security reports.

Annually

• Update your baseline security policy.
• Conduct user security training.

Quick FAQs

How do I check if MFA is enabled in Microsoft 365?
Go to Microsoft 365 Admin Center → Users → Multi-Factor Authentication. Review which accounts are enabled and enforce MFA for any that are not.

How can I tell if legacy authentication is still active?
Use the Azure AD sign-in logs to identify any Basic Auth traffic. Then disable legacy protocols under “Modern Authentication Settings.”

What’s the easiest way to automate Microsoft 365 security tasks?
Tools like Overe automate policy checks, permission audits, and MFA enforcement, saving hours of admin time and reducing errors.

Final Takeaway

Your Microsoft 365 environment holds your organization’s most valuable data. Protect it by:

• Enabling MFA
• Managing app permissions
• Removing dormant accounts
• Enforcing modern authentication
• Using automation tools like Overe

Security isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing strategy. Regular audits, updates, and user education keep your organization resilient and ready.