Unlocking the Power of Full Mailbox Auditing in M365: A Must-Have for MSPs

In the constantly evolving landscape of IT security, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are on the front lines, guarding against cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of their clients' data. A recent survey we conducted asked a crucial question: "What setting is needed in M365 to trace the who, when, where, and what of missing emails?" Surprisingly, many seasoned MSPs are under the impression that the unified audit log suffices. However, our findings and conversations in the field highlight a common and critical oversight: the necessity of full mailbox auditing.

The Tale of a Missed Opportunity

Consider the distressing scenario faced by a fellow MSP: A shared mailbox, vital for daily operations, suddenly had missing emails from one of its folders. The immediate thought was to consult the audit log for answers, only to realize that full mailbox auditing was not enabled. This MSP, like many others, believed the unified audit log would cover their needs. Yet, when the unforeseen occurred, they were left in the dark, scrambling for answers that were not there.

Beyond the Basics: The Case for Full Mailbox Auditing

Enabling the unified audit log in M365 is a step in the right direction, but it's just the tip of the iceberg. Full mailbox auditing is the deeper dive that provides granular details essential for comprehensive security: Who accessed the mailbox? When? What actions were taken? These are critical questions that MSPs must be able to answer, not just for their peace of mind but for the security and compliance of their clients.

The reality is stark; cybercriminals, whether external threats or internal ones like disgruntled employees, often disable audit logs as a first order of business. They bide their time, dwelling undetected for months, and when they strike, the absence of detailed auditing can be devastating. In today's digital age, the question isn't if an attempt will occur, but when.

A Proactive Approach to Security and Compliance

For MSPs juggling multiple clients, the task of ensuring full mailbox auditing is enabled across all tenants can be daunting. New tenants have this enabled by default, but what about existing ones? Without a proactive strategy and the right tools, this oversight can easily slip through the cracks.

Herein lies the importance of not only enabling full mailbox auditing but having a robust system in place that alerts you when it's disabled, automatically re-enables it if necessary, and ensures it's activated for all current and future tenants. This level of automation and oversight is not a luxury; it's a necessity.

A streamlined Approach

In the bustling world of Managed Service Providers, simplifying your workflow is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. The reality is, with the vast array of responsibilities on your plate, automating key security processes is crucial. This ensures that essential safeguards, such as full mailbox auditing, are always active, letting you proceed with your day-to-day with a greater sense of security. It’s worth noting that Microsoft only partially enables mailbox auditing on new accounts. To activate full mailbox auditing, you'll need to run specific PowerShell commands. The truth is, managing everything manually isn't just daunting; it's practically impossible. At MSP Easy Tools, we understand this challenge. That’s why we’ve designed our tools to not only streamline but also automate the essential tasks, ensuring that you’re not merely responding to incidents but actively preventing them. Regardless of the tools you choose, the goal remains the same: a system that works tirelessly in the background, safeguarding your operations.

Key Insights

As we navigate the complexities of the digital world, staying ahead requires more than just vigilance; it demands proactive action. Full mailbox auditing in Microsoft 365 isn’t merely a procedural step for compliance; it represents a vital defence mechanism against today’s advanced threats. The time to act is not after the fact, in the wake of an incident, but now, by ensuring we have the necessary protections in place. So, take a moment to verify that full mailbox auditing is active for you and all your clients. It’s a crucial step that can make a significant difference in your MSP’s defences.

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