Microsoft 365 (M365) is a cornerstone of productivity for Ottawa businesses, enabling seamless collaboration and cloud-based operations. However, its widespread use makes it a prime target for cyber threats, requiring robust security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance. Preset security policies in M365 Defender for Office 365 offer preconfigured, effective protection against email-based threats like phishing and malware. This article outlines key tasks for Ottawa organizations to implement these policies, ensuring a secure M365 environment.
Understand Preset Security Policy Options
M365 Defender for Office 365 offers three preset security policies – Standard, Strict, and Built-in protection. Standard provides baseline protection for most users, while Strict applies stricter settings for high-risk users, like executives. Built-in protection automatically delivers Safe Attachments and Safe Links to unlicensed users, ensuring broad coverage. Ottawa businesses in finance or government benefit from these policies to meet compliance needs, with expert support available to tailor configurations.
Assign Standard and Strict Policies
Assigning policies involves selecting recipients via the Microsoft Defender portal. IT teams can apply policies to all users, specific users, groups, or domains. For example, an Ottawa finance firm might assign Strict protection to executives handling sensitive transactions. Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to ensure only authorized admins configure policies, reducing risks. Bedrock IT provides expert Ottawa IT support to streamline precise policy assignments.
Configure Impersonation Protection
Preset policies include user and domain impersonation protection to block phishing attempts mimicking trusted senders. IT teams should specify up to 350 users and 50 domains for protection, excluding trusted senders to avoid false positives. For an Ottawa government contractor, protecting executive email addresses is critical. Regularly update impersonation settings to reflect organizational changes for consistent security.
Leverage Safe Attachments for Malware Defense
Safe Attachments scans email attachments in a sandboxed environment, detecting malware before delivery. Both Standard and Strict policies enable this feature, with no configuration differences. For Ottawa businesses, Safe Attachments prevents malicious files from disrupting operations. IT teams should ensure all users are covered, using Built-in protection for unlicensed users to maintain robust defense.
Utilize Safe Links for Phishing Protection
Safe Links rewrites URLs in emails, checking them for malicious content before allowing access. Standard and Strict policies apply Safe Links to internal and external emails, while Built-in protection allows click-throughs, suitable for less sensitive users. For an Ottawa organization, Safe Links mitigates phishing risks in financial correspondence, enhancing overall email security.
Monitor with SIEM Integration
Integrating preset policies with a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system enhances monitoring. SIEM tools analyze logs from policies, detecting anomalies like repeated failed logins. For Ottawa businesses, SIEM integration ensures real-time threat visibility. IT teams should configure SIEM to correlate M365 data with other systems for comprehensive oversight.
Set Up Recipient Exceptions
Built-in protection applies to all users by default but allows exceptions for unlicensed users. IT teams can exclude specific users, groups, or domains via the Defender portal. For example, an Ottawa firm might exclude temporary contractors from Safe Links checks. Use RBAC to restrict exception management to authorized admins, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Use PowerShell for Advanced Configuration
PowerShell enables granular control over preset policies. Commands like Set-EOPProtectionPolicyRule or Set-ATPProtectionPolicyRule adjust recipient conditions, such as adding executives to Strict policies. For an Ottawa business, PowerShell ensures precise policy tweaks. IT teams should verify settings with Get-ATPBuiltInProtectionRule to maintain accuracy and compliance.
Regularly Review Policy Precedence
Preset policies follow a strict order of precedence – Strict applies before Standard, followed by custom policies and Built-in protection. This ensures high-risk users receive stringent protection. IT teams should review precedence to avoid conflicts with custom policies. For Ottawa organizations, clear precedence ensures compliance and optimal security alignment.
Train Employees on Policy Impacts
Employees must understand how preset policies affect their workflows, such as Safe Links rewriting URLs or quarantined emails. Regular training, including phishing simulations, promotes awareness. For an Ottawa business, training reduces user-related risks, strengthening the security culture. Bedrock IT supports tailored training programs to enhance policy adoption.
Take the Next Step with Bedrock IT
Securing your M365 environment is critical for Ottawa businesses. Bedrock IT delivers customized solutions to implement and manage preset security policies, ensuring protection and compliance. Contact us at [email protected] or (613) 702-5505 to strengthen your M365 security with expert Ottawa IT support.
Glossary of Technical Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Zero Trust | A security model requiring continuous verification of users and devices. |
| Safe Attachments | A feature scanning email attachments for malware in a secure environment. |
| Safe Links | A feature rewriting URLs to check for malicious content before access. |
| Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) | System for real-time analysis of security event data. |
| Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) | A method restricting system access based on user roles. |
