Unlocking the Free Security Tools Already in Your Microsoft 365 Subscription

Do you pay for third-party security software while already using Microsoft 365? Are you worried about phishing or data leaks, but unaware that your existing subscription already includes advanced protection tools?

Microsoft 365 has built-in security features to protect your data. The problem is that most of these features sit unused or misconfigured. This means businesses spend thousands on overlapping tools, leaving built-in defenses inactive.

We’ve been there and we know how frustrating it can be to invest in multiple platforms and still feel exposed. That’s why our cybersecurity experts have compiled a list of six essential tools already in your subscription, along with tips on how to unlock their full potential.

How to Unlock Security Features Included in Microsoft 365

A recent study by Microsoft found that 90% of respondents access most of the built-in Microsoft Security solutions via their Microsoft 365 E5 subscription. This means these tools may already cover large portions of what third-party security software would. So, how can you benefit from these free tools?

Protect Your Email with Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Many people use Outlook daily without realizing that it’s protected by Microsoft Defender for Office 365. This security tool shields your email from phishing attempts and ransomware attacks, keeping your inbox and data safe.

You only need to activate Safe Links and Safe Attachments so it can automatically scan for malicious content. So, if an employee unknowingly clicks a malicious link in a fake invoice, Safe Links will block access to the phishing site before any harm is done. Similarly, Safe Attachments scans and isolates harmful files, preventing ransomware from running on your system.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are no longer enough to protect business accounts. If a cybercriminal gets hold of login credentials, they can access sensitive data.

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity. This means if someone steals a password, they still can’t login without the second verification step. A 2023 study showed that enabling MFA reduced the risk of account compromise by approximately 99.22%.

You can use Microsoft Entra ID to enable multi-factor authentication and enforce policies based on:

• User roles: For example, requiring MFA for finance or HR staff 
• Device type: Such as restricting access from personal laptops
• Location: When users sign in from outside the office network
• Risk level: When suspicious login activity is detected

Configure Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies

Microsoft’s Data Loss Prevention can automatically scan emails and files to detect and block sensitive information from leaving your firm.

If someone tries to email a spreadsheet containing client payment details outside your company, DLP can block the message and alert the user to remove or encrypt the data. The best part is that these policies can be customized to fit your business rules and compliance needs. 

Manage Compliance with Microsoft Purview

Businesses handling personal or regulated data must comply with privacy laws such as GDPR and HIPAA. Microsoft Purview allows you to classify and protect sensitive data across Microsoft 365. 

You can track how data moves, who accesses it, and when changes are made. Moreover, its built-in templates make it easy to comply with regulatory requirements. For example, you can apply a GDPR template to enforce access rules for customer data. 

Review Your Secure Score Dashboard

If you’re unsure how strong your current setup is, consider using Microsoft’s Secure Score dashboard. The tool analyzes your firm’s security and assigns a score based on your protection level. 

It also provides recommendations to strengthen your system, such as enabling multi-factor authentication or removing inactive accounts. Each suggestion includes step-by-step guidance, making it easier to close security gaps.

Ideally, you should consider reviewing your Secure Score regularly to ensure your Microsoft 365 environment follows current security best practices and compliance standards. This will ensure your defense system is proactive and resilient. 

Secure Remote Devices Using Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Microsoft’s mobile device management  helps you protect your data on all remote devices (such as laptops and phones) connected to your business network. 

You may enforce device encryption, set password rules, or remotely wipe data if a phone or laptop is lost. MDM also allows you to control which apps can access firm files, reducing the risk of data leaks.

Unlock Your Microsoft 365 Security Potential Today!

Microsoft 365 gives you enterprise-grade security tools at no additional cost, but only if you know how to use them. When left idle, these protections can’t stop phishing or unauthorized access, leaving your firm exposed. You may experience data breaches or incur unnecessary costs from third-party tools that duplicate what Microsoft 365 already provides. 

At Digital Crisis, we help law firms activate and optimize Microsoft 365 security features. Our experts will first review your workflows and recommend the right mix of settings, permissions, and policies to strengthen your systems. We’ll also ensure each tool is configured correctly and tailored to your firm’s needs. 

Our team will monitor and fine-tune your environment to keep your defenses strong as threats evolve. Give us a call to learn more about our services.