19 Oct 2026
Microsoft 365 includes a wide range of security capabilities, yet many organisations never configure them fully. Choosing the right licence matters, but stronger protection often comes from making better use of the controls already available rather than buying more technology.
When we assess Microsoft 365 environments, we regularly find valuable safeguards switched off, applied inconsistently or left with default settings. Correctly configured policies can reduce exposure to phishing, ransomware, compromised accounts and data loss. For many businesses, this work delivers a greater security benefit than adding another standalone product.
Five Microsoft 365 security configurations to prioritise
The following five areas provide a strong starting point for improving security across your organisation.
1. Apply Multi-Factor Authentication to Every Account
Passwords alone are no longer a sufficient defence. If users can sign in with only a username and password, one of the most frequently exploited routes into your environment remains open.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds another identity check before access is approved. A stolen password is therefore far less useful to an attacker because a second authentication method is still required.
Important Microsoft Entra ID controls to assess include:
For most organisations, a well-planned MFA rollout is one of the most effective Microsoft 365 security improvements they can make.
2. Build Effective Conditional Access Policies
A sign-in from a trusted, managed device should not necessarily be handled in the same way as an unfamiliar or high-risk access attempt.
Conditional Access uses signals such as identity, location, device compliance and risk to decide whether access should be granted, blocked or subject to additional checks.
Common Conditional Access policies include:
This replaces broad, unrestricted access with a Zero Trust approach in which each request is assessed before a user reaches company systems or data.
3. Improve Email Protection with Microsoft Defender
Email continues to be a leading entry point for cyber attacks. Phishing, malicious attachments and business email compromise can disrupt organisations of any size.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 includes several protective controls that are frequently available but not fully used.
Settings worth configuring include:
With the right policies in place, Defender can intercept many threats before they ever reach an employee’s inbox.
4. Set Device Compliance Rules in Microsoft Intune
Company information is accessed from laptops, tablets and mobile phones every day. Devices that are unprotected, out of date or unmanaged can create an avoidable security gap.
Microsoft Intune enables organisations to define the minimum standard a device must meet before it can connect to corporate resources.
Core device policies may cover:
Combining Intune compliance with Conditional Access helps ensure that Microsoft 365 is reached only from devices that are secure, approved and managed.
5. Protect Information with Sensitivity Labels and DLP
External threats receive most of the attention, but accidental sharing and poor handling of information can be just as damaging.
Staff routinely send emails and share documents inside and outside the business. Without appropriate safeguards, commercially sensitive or personal information can quickly reach the wrong audience.
Microsoft Purview supports stronger information governance through capabilities such as:
Sensitivity labels
Classify documents according to their contents, then apply controls such as encryption, access restrictions and usage rules.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Identify and stop inappropriate sharing of information such as:
Retention policies
Keep business information for the required period while reducing the risk and cost associated with retaining obsolete data indefinitely.
Together, these controls support better governance and compliance while lowering the likelihood of an accidental data breach.
Configure What You Have Before Buying More
Organisations with Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3 or E5 licences may already have access to valuable security functionality that has not yet been deployed effectively.
A carefully configured environment can strengthen identity and access management, improve protection for devices and data, support compliance and give security teams clearer visibility of potential threats.
Before committing budget to additional products, review whether your current Microsoft 365 controls are aligned with your risks, licensing and recognised security practice.
How Bridgeall Supports Microsoft 365 Security
Bridgeall is an IT Support Partner in Glasgow that provides Microsoft 365 security services. We support organisations across Scotland and the wider UK with the assessment, security and optimisation of Microsoft 365.
Our consultants review existing configurations, uncover weaknesses and deliver practical improvements across Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Purview.
Whether your priorities include Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001 or simply improving confidence in your security position, a Microsoft 365 security assessment can turn identified gaps into a clear and practical improvement plan.
