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VIPRE Analysis - Moving to Microsoft 365 Doesn’t Mean Settling For Security ‘As Part of Your Package’

October 1, 2024 - Businesses are migrating to cloud services like Microsoft 365 to employ hybrid work models and take advantage of virtual work platforms' flexibility and scalability, which many find indispensable. However, with this shift comes new challenges — notably, the need to safeguard critical business functions.

 Microsoft provides a convenient built-in security suite through 365, but relying on it can create cyber vulnerabilities for many organizations.

Layered cloud security

“Defense in depth” means creating multiple layers to protect digital assets. The organization should refrain from relying on a single security measure. Defense in depth ensures that if one layer is breached, others can still provide protection.

 Cloud services like Microsoft 365 provide basic security protections but are usually not robust enough for most organizations. Default settings are not configured to defend against sophisticated or targeted attacks, and cybercriminals constantly refine their attack methods, so security professionals must respond with equally adaptive and multifaceted actions.

Email: The most vulnerable entry point

Email remains the number one vector for cyberattacks. Attackers exploit email to access networks through phishing, ransomware, malware, or attachments.

Businesses need more than spam filters—they need advanced email security capabilities that include behavioral analysis, real-time scanning for malicious links, and comprehensive threat intelligence – blocking attacks before they reach users. Customizing security policies for email traffic ensures businesses can tailor their defenses to the threats they face.

Misconfigured security setting dangers

Security settings are the leading cause of data breaches, so security must be in place, configured, and adapted to the organization's risk profile — no exceptions. Default security settings often leave critical gaps, and a “one-size-fits-all” approach rarely works in practice.

 For example, data loss prevention (DLP), multifactor authentication, and permissions management should be customized to your needs. Poorly configured systems and outdated policies can create opportunities for exposure, especially in hybrid and remote-based workforces, where team members access corporate systems from various locations, increasing the risk of security missteps.

Primary security challenges for IT administrators

Adopting cloud services means IT administrators face continual pressures and ever-present security challenges. Concerns include safeguarding sensitive business and customer data from unauthorized access, preventing accidental data loss, and educating staff about how to identify and respond to security threats, especially as phishing attacks become more sophisticated.

 Attackers are always trying to develop techniques that require advanced detection capabilities, from spear-phishing to weaponized links. Because of this, IT admins need tools that provide clear, real-time insights into potential threats and allow them to respond swiftly to mitigate damage.

The rise of sophisticated threats

Today's cyberattacks are far more complex than in years past. For example, spear phishing is a highly targeted attack that uses personal details to deceive recipients into divulging sensitive information or installing malware. Malware can also be embedded into harmless attachments, and links can be “weaponized” after emails are delivered, making detection even more difficult.

 Zero-day threats are another growing concern. Neutralizing them requires behavioral analysis and machine learning to identify and block threats in real time.

The case for layered security

There are more viable options than a single layer of security. Instead, businesses must adopt a layered security approach that protects against all attack vectors: email, web, and endpoints. Layered security provides multiple opportunities to catch and neutralize threats before they reach the core of an organization's network.

 For instance, a robust layered security approach might include: 

• Traditional antivirus and antimalware protections.

• Real-time scanning for malicious links.

• Email security to reduce the primary threat vectors.

• Sandboxing for suspicious attachments.

• Machine learning algorithms that detect behavioral anomalies.

 By integrating these diverse technologies, businesses can build a robust and resilient defense against known and emerging threats .

Customizing security for your business needs

There's no one-size-fits-all in security; approaches must factor in your industry, size, geographic footprint, and the threats it is likely to encounter. One-size-fits-all security solutions can leave critical gaps, especially when dealing with sensitive data or regulatory compliance requirements.

 In your security journeys, you'll consider tailored policies for data loss prevention, automated threat detection, and employee security training programs. Businesses must be protected from every angle—whether from phishing, malware, or accidental data loss.

Don't overlook security in the cloud

A data breach or ransomware attack outweighs the cost of layered security. Because of the risk, Microsoft 365 or any other cloud platform requires prioritizing security. Relying on the default security features may appear to create conveniences, but the risk is plenty high when non-proactive, uncustomized, and non-layered approaches to security are employed.

Through such measures, organizations can realize the benefits of cloud technology while minimizing their exposure to today's complex and ever-evolving cyberthreats.

VIPRE solutions are available in UK through Simple IT Distribution LTD, VIPRE Partner in the UK.

About Simple IT Distribution LTD

Simple IT Distribution LTD is backed by 10 years of experience in Value Added IT Distribution. What sets us apart from the crowd is our customer-centric approach, the quality services (consulting, implementation, training, support), and the people behind them, which are experienced and certified proffessionals. We provide sales and technical advice and deliver the solutions that best meed our customers' diverse technology needs. Our partners are hand-picked from the top vendors, and we back up their solutions with certified professionals, to give you nothing but the best.

For more information, please visit www.simpleit-distribution.co.uk .