• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)  
   Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides an additional level of security by requiring a user to verify identity through means other than just a password, to include an authentication app or a one-time code sent via SMS or email. This is one of the M365 best practices and helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.  
  Example: Even if hackers can steal a user’s password via phishing, they would still need to access the user’s phone or authentication device to login.
  Actionable Step: Implement MFA, one of the important Microsoft office 365 security best practices on all accounts, but especially for accounts with administrator privileges, to prevent breaches via stolen credentials. Secure your emails through the integration of office 365 email security best practices and stay aware of any phishing practices.  
  
  
•  Use strong and Unique Passwords 
   Urging employees to utilize complex, unique passwords complicate the process for cybercriminals to access your organization’s accounts. The use of a password manager allows users to generate and include a strong password, considering it being one of the M365 security best practices.
  Example: A weak password such as "password123" can be cracked in seconds, while a randomly generated 16-character password is much harder to crack. 
  Actionable Step: Implement password policies that require a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  
  
• Monitor your Account Regularly
  Monitoring account logins and activities serves as an early warning system for any suspicious or abnormal behavior. Microsoft 365 security best practices cover security reports and audit logs that allow administrators to monitor user activity and identify potential threats.  
  For example, if an employee logs in from an unusual location or there are multiple failed login attempts, this may be a sign of a security incident. 
  Actionable step: Set alerts for unusual account login attempts and unauthorized authentication requests to act against potential threats.  
  
  
• Protect Administrative Accounts
  Office 365 admin best practices highlight administrative accounts have higher permissions and are a top target for attackers. If compromised, an attacker could change settings, delete information, or extract sensitive information. 
  Example: An attacker gained control of an admin account. The attacker could disable security, allowing quick access to sensitive information.
  Actionable Step: Limit the number of admin accounts and only use simply to perform administration duties. Admin accounts should also have MFA and be separate from accounts that are used daily.
  
  
• Educate users on office 365 security best practices
  Human error is still one of the greatest security threats and to ensure security, this is considered significant office 365 best practices security. If employees get training on cybersecurity awareness, it can help mitigate events like phishing and inadvertent data loss.  
  Example: An employee clicking on a link associated with a phishing email can allow hackers access to the company’s data without the employee knowing. 
  Actionable Step: Conduct regular security awareness training sessions and provide phishing simulation tests for all employees.
  
  
• Keep software and devices always updated
  Using outdated software can put your organization at risk of their own security vulnerabilities. Keeping programs updated as new cybersecurity defenses release is especially critical with Microsoft office 365 security best practices.  
  Example: Microsoft's awareness that an outdated Office 365 software may provide attackers with a known vulnerability that gives them the means to hack confidential files. 
  Actionable Step: Ensure all Microsoft 365 applications undergo regular patching schedule.
  
  
• Regularly Backup Data  
  Enabling the backup of Microsoft 365 data ensures a full recovery in the event of unexpected deletion, corruption, or possibly even a ransomware attack. 
  Example: If a cyber attacker encrypts your files of utmost importance to your company, having a secure & proper backup allows you for quicker recovery without paying a ransom. Actionable Step: Use Microsoft 365 backup solutions or third-party backup tools to regularly backup Microsoft 365 data, including emails, SharePoint files, etc. 

By following these Office 365 best practices security, your organization can significantly enhance the security of its M365 environment, safeguarding against cyber threats while ensuring a seamless and secure adoption of Microsoft Office 365 usage services. Byezzy Tech specializes in implementing these security measures to help businesses maintain a robust and resilient IT infrastructure. 
 
Visit www.byezzytech.com or reach out to us at [email protected] for more such information.