Microsoft 365 Security Features You Aren't Using

More Than Email

Most businesses use Microsoft 365 for email and Office applications. But your subscription includes security features that remain disabled by default—features that could prevent breaches.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

What It Does: Requires a second verification method beyond passwords.

Why It Matters: MFA blocks 99.9% of account compromise attacks.

How to Enable: Azure AD > Security > MFA > Enable for all users

This single setting stops most attacks. If you do nothing else, enable MFA.

Conditional Access Policies

What It Does: Controls who can access what, from where, under what conditions.

Example Policies:

Block sign-ins from high-risk locations

Require MFA for administrative actions

Block legacy authentication protocols

Require compliant devices for sensitive data

License Required: Azure AD Premium P1 or Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Safe Attachments & Safe Links

What It Does: Scans email attachments and links for malware in real-time.

How It Works:

Attachments opened in a sandbox before delivery

Links rewritten to check against threat intelligence

Zero-day protection without signature updates

Enable In: Microsoft 365 Defender > Email & Collaboration > Policies

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

What It Does: Prevents sensitive data from leaving your organization.

Can Detect:

Credit card numbers

Social Security numbers

Custom patterns you define

Sensitive document types

Actions Available:

Block sharing

Require justification

Encrypt automatically

Alert administrators

Insider Risk Management

What It Does: Identifies potential data theft or policy violations.

Monitors For:

Unusual file downloads

Mass deletion activity

Printing sensitive documents

Sharing with personal accounts

Requires: Microsoft 365 E5 or add-on license

Audit Logging

What It Does: Records activities across Microsoft 365.

Tracks:

Mailbox access

File operations

Admin actions

Authentication events

Enable In: Microsoft Purview compliance portal > Audit

Quick Wins Checklist

Enable these today:

[ ] MFA for all users (non-negotiable)

[ ] Block legacy authentication

[ ] Enable Safe Attachments

[ ] Enable Safe Links

[ ] Turn on audit logging

[ ] Configure alerts for suspicious activity

The Licensing Question

Many advanced features require Microsoft 365 Business Premium or E5. The upgrade cost is almost always less than a single security incident.

Review your current license. You may already have access to features you're not using.