Top 6 security features in Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based suite of productivity and collaboration tools that also offers powerful security features to protect your data and devices from various cyber threats. In this article, we will explore some of the top security features in Microsoft 365 that you should know and use.

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1. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a feature that adds an extra layer of security to your login process. MFA requires you to verify your identity using two or more factors, such as your password, a code sent to your phone, or a biometric scan. MFA helps you prevent unauthorized access to your account, even if your password is compromised. You can enable MFA for your Microsoft 365 account and apps, and customize the verification methods and frequency according to your preferences.

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2. Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is a comprehensive security solution that covers your Microsoft 365 apps and data. It uses multiple layers of protection to prevent, detect, and respond to different types of attacks, such as malware, phishing, and business email compromise. Some of the key features of Microsoft Defender are:

• Email analysis and filtering: Microsoft Defender blocks over 25% of malicious messages before they reach your network, and scans all incoming and outgoing emails for suspicious content and sender authenticity.
• OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams and Office applications protection: Microsoft Defender monitors and secures your files and collaboration tools, and isolates any compromised files to prevent further damage.
• Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): Microsoft Defender uses ATP to provide real-time threat intelligence, automated investigation and response, and attack simulation and training.

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3. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a feature that helps you protect your sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, personal identification, or confidential documents. DLP allows you to:

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• Flag and track sensitive data: You can use predefined or custom policies to identify and classify your sensitive data, and monitor how it is stored and shared across your organization.
• Control data sharing: You can use information protection policies to restrict how you and your employees share sensitive data over email or other apps. For example, you can prevent copying, pasting, forwarding, or printing certain messages or documents.
• Encrypt and wipe data: You can use BitLocker encryption to protect your data in case of device theft or loss, and remotely wipe or reset any device if needed.

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4. Cloud App Security

Cloud App Security is a feature that gives you visibility and control over your cloud apps and services. Cloud App Security allows you to:

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• Discover and assess your cloud apps: You can use Cloud App Security to identify and evaluate the cloud apps that are used in your organization, and get detailed information about their risk level, usage, and compliance.
• Monitor and protect your cloud data: You can use Cloud App Security to detect and respond to anomalous activities, such as data leaks, ransomware attacks, or unauthorized access, and apply policies and actions to protect your data.
• Manage and secure your cloud devices: You can use Cloud App Security to inventory and manage the devices that access your cloud apps, and enforce security policies and settings to ensure compliance and prevent threats.

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5. Secure Score

Secure Score is a feature that helps you measure and improve your security posture in Microsoft 365. Secure Score analyzes your security settings and activities, and assigns you a score based on how well you align with best practices. Secure Score also provides you with recommendations and guidance on how to increase your score and enhance your security. You can use Secure Score to track your progress, compare your performance with other organizations, and prioritize your actions.

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6. Direct Access

Direct Access is a feature that allows you to access your corporate network resources without using a VPN connection. Direct Access provides you with a seamless and secure connection to your work files and applications, even when you are working remotely. Direct Access also reduces the network latency and bandwidth consumption, and improves the user experience and productivity. To use Direct Access, you need to have Windows 10 Enterprise or Education edition, and a compatible device that supports IPv6. You also need to configure your network and firewall settings to allow Direct Access traffic.

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Conclusion

Microsoft 365 offers a range of security features that can help you protect your data and devices from cyber threats. By using these features, you can improve your security posture and reduce your risk of compromise. To learn more about Microsoft 365 security, you can visit the Microsoft 365 Security Center.