As businesses rely more and more on technology, it’s becoming increasingly important to stay vigilant against cyber threats. Cybersecurity is now a top priority for companies of all sizes, and investing in the right solutions can make all the difference.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already using Microsoft 365. This popular suite of applications is a go-to for communication, collaboration, and productivity. But even with all these benefits, it’s not immune to security risks. 

That’s where the Microsoft 365 Secure Score comes in. It’s a tool that can help you evaluate and improve your company’s security posture. 

Today, we’ll dive into what the Microsoft 365 Secure Score is, why you should check it, and what you can do if your score is low. To top it off, I’ll provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to check your score. Let’s get to it!

So, what even is a Microsoft 365 Secure Score?

Microsoft 365 Secure Score is a security analytics metric that provides an indication of an organisation’s security posture. The tool gives you a percentage score that takes into account the security settings and configurations of various Microsoft 365 services, such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business.

The higher your score, the more secure your organisation is considered to be. Super simple, right?

But, why is it important to check my Secure Score?

The Microsoft 365 Secure Score is important because it provides businesses with an overview of their security posture. A high score, of around 80% or more, means that your organisation has taken all the right steps to implement best practices and prevent potential security risks.

On the other hand, having a score under 65% means that your organisation might be at risk of experiencing a security breach. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, and a low Secure Score can indicate that your organisation is an easy target.

This could lead to various consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage and legal liabilities. In addition, having a low Secure Score could also result in compliance violations, which may lead to fines or other penalties.

Checking your score in 3 easy steps

Now that we know how important it is to check your Microsoft 365 Secure Score, let’s get to the fun part – actually checking it! Don’t worry, it’s really easy and won’t take you more than a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Sign in to the Microsoft 365 security centre using your admin credentials. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to access the Secure Score.

Step 2: Once you’re in, click on “Secure Score” from the left navigation pane. This will take you to a dashboard that shows your current Secure Score and a breakdown of your score based on the various Microsoft 365 services.

Step 3: Click on each service to see specific recommendations on how to improve your score. This will give you a better idea of what steps you need to take to improve your security posture.

Interpreting Your Secure Score Dashboard

The Microsoft 365 Secure Score dashboard is like your one-stop shop for all things security-related. It gives you a detailed breakdown of your organisation’s security posture so you can easily see where you stand. Here’s what you can expect to find on the dashboard:

What Should I Do Next if My Score is Low?

If your Microsoft 365 Secure Score is looking a little low, don’t panic! There are some simple actions you can take to improve it. Here are some general tips to get you started:

• Make sure you’ve got multifactor authentication (MFA) set up for all your user accounts. It might sound like a hassle, but it’s a great way to add an extra layer of protection.
• Consider enabling data loss prevention (DLP) policies to safeguard any sensitive data you might have lurking around.
• Azure AD Identity Protection is another useful tool to have in your arsenal. Implementing it can help you monitor and detect potential identity risks before they become a problem.
• Don’t forget about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. It’s a great way to keep your endpoints safe from all kinds of threats, including malware.
• Finally, to improve your score, and ensure it actually stays that way, it might be time to bring in the experts!

Improving your Secure Score isn’t a one-and-done kind of deal. Cyber threats are always changing, so you need to keep on top of your security settings to stay safe. 

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our team of security experts can help you identify potential risks and provide personalised recommendations to improve your security posture. We partner with businesses throughout the Gold Coast and offer a range of advanced security solutions, as well as employee training on best cybersecurity practices.

And if that’s not enough, we can also monitor your systems for potential threats, so you can focus on what matters most: your business. So why not partner with us to ensure that your organisation stays safe and secure? Contact us today to learn more!