Microsoft 365 keeps evolving, and so should your security baseline. Over the last year, the most effective improvements for small businesses have focused on identity protection, better default policies, and tighter control of sharing. If your environment still looks like it did two or three years ago, you are missing important protections.
TL;DR
Enforce MFA and conditional access, tighten email protections, lock down sharing defaults, and review the baseline every quarter.
Start with identity and access
Identity is still the front door. The modern baseline focuses on conditional access, MFA, and sign-in risk controls that adjust based on location and device. Even for small teams, this is now manageable and should be the default.
- Require MFA for all users, stronger factors for admins.
- Block legacy authentication protocols.
- Limit sign-ins to managed devices for sensitive apps.
Harden email and collaboration
Email remains the top entry point for attacks. Microsoft 365 now provides stronger defaults for anti-phishing, anti-spoofing, and safe links. Use these controls, and add external sender banners so staff can quickly identify outside email.
Control sharing and data leakage
Teams and SharePoint make collaboration easy, but sharing settings must be intentional. Disable anonymous links, set default sharing to known guests, and apply sensitivity labels for files with confidential information. A simple data loss prevention rule can prevent accidental exposure of client information.
Secure endpoints with Defender
Endpoint security is now deeply integrated with Microsoft 365. Defender for Business can isolate a compromised device, block suspicious activity, and give you a clear threat timeline. Make sure devices are enrolled and reporting health status, or you will miss critical signals.
Review the baseline quarterly
Security settings are not set-and-forget. Create a quarterly review that checks admin roles, sign-in risk alerts, sharing settings, and device compliance. This keeps your environment aligned with how your business actually operates.
If you want to update your Microsoft 365 baseline without disruption, we can assess your current tenant, apply the right policies, and roll out user training that prevents confusion and support tickets.