Free Email Security Solutions
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step (such as an SMS code or authenticator app) when logging in. For Microsoft 365 users, enabling MFA drastically reduces the risk of unauthorised access.
2. Enforce Strong Password Policies
Ensure employees use complex passwords and change them every 90 days. Microsoft 365 admins can enforce password policies within the security settings.
3. Educate Employees on Phishing Awareness
Regular security awareness training helps employees recognise phishing emails and avoid clicking on malicious links. Microsoft 365’s Security & Compliance Centre offers insights into phishing attempts.
4. Set Up Email Filtering Rules
Configuring email filtering rules in Microsoft 365 can help detect and block suspicious emails, reducing the risk of phishing and spam.
5. Disable Auto-Forwarding of Emails
Cybercriminals often set up auto-forwarding rules to steal data unnoticed. Ensure this feature is disabled in Microsoft 365’s admin settings.
6. Regularly Monitor Sign-In Activity
Administrators should check sign-in logs in Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center to detect unusual login attempts.
Paid Email Security Solutions for Advanced Protection
1. Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Microsoft Defender provides advanced threat protection, including real-time scanning for phishing, malware, and zero-day threats.
2. Email Backup & Recovery
Microsoft 365 does not offer built-in long-term backup. Investing in a third-party cloud backup solution ensures business continuity and compliance.
3. Endpoint Security
Endpoint security solutions, such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, help protect devices against malware and ransomware, reducing the risk of email-borne attacks.
4. Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
ATP provides advanced email security, including sandboxing, AI-driven threat detection, and real-time link scanning to prevent malicious attachments and URLs from being executed.
5. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies
DLP tools help prevent sensitive data from being shared outside the organisation. Microsoft 365 allows administrators to set up policies that detect and block unauthorised data transfers.
How Microsoft 365 Email Accounts Are Compromised
Cybercriminals use various methods to compromise Microsoft 365 email accounts. Here are the most common threats businesses face:
1. Phishing Attacks – Deceptive emails trick users into entering credentials on fake login pages.
2. Credential Stuffing – Hackers use stolen credentials from other breaches to access 365 accounts with reused passwords.
3. Business Email Compromise (BEC) – Attackers impersonate executives or suppliers to manipulate employees into transferring funds or sharing sensitive data.
4. Malware & Keyloggers – Malicious attachments or links infect devices, capturing keystrokes or hijacking email sessions.
5. Brute Force Attacks – Automated tools attempt to guess weak passwords, gaining unauthorised access.
6. Session Hijacking – Attackers exploit stolen cookies or tokens to access an authenticated session without credentials.
7. OAuth Token Attacks – Malicious apps request excessive permissions to access 365 email and data.
8. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks – Hackers intercept login credentials over unsecured networks.
9. Lack of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Without MFA, a single compromised password grants full access.
10. Auto-Forwarding Exploits – Attackers set up rules to secretly forward emails, stealing sensitive data unnoticed..
Conclusion
Implementing free security measures is a great first step, but for businesses handling sensitive data, paid solutions offer essential protection against advanced threats. At ITCS Global, we help businesses secure their Microsoft 365 environment with tailored cybersecurity solutions.
Looking for expert guidance on securing your email? Contact us today for a consultation.
