Hayden Kirk
October 25, 2024
Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical concern—it’s a fundamental business imperative. One of the most effective tools for gauging and improving your organisation’s security posture within the Microsoft ecosystem is the Microsoft Secure Score. Since the majority of businesses operate within the Microsoft cloud (365 or Azure), understanding the Microsoft Secure Score is essential.
In this article, we delve into why the Microsoft Secure Score is crucial for your business, the importance of improving it over time, how a competent Managed Service Provider (MSP) plays a vital role, and how Layer3 can enhance your security through built-in 365 management.
Understanding Microsoft Secure Score
The Microsoft Secure Score is a dynamic assessment tool that measures your organisation’s security posture across Microsoft 365 services. It provides:
- Visibility: A clear view of your current security status.
- Guidance: Actionable recommendations to enhance security.
- Benchmarking: The ability to compare your score with organisations of similar size and industry.
By analysing your security settings and activities, the Secure Score helps you understand where improvements can be made to protect against threats.
The Importance of Continuous Improvement
Cyber threats are continually evolving. What secures your business today might not be sufficient tomorrow. Therefore, improving your Secure Score over time is essential. Here’s why:
- Adapt to New Threats: Regular updates ensure you’re protected against the latest vulnerabilities.
- Compliance Requirements: Meeting industry regulations often requires ongoing security enhancements.
- Customer Trust: A robust security posture assures clients that their data is safe with you.
An often-overlooked aspect is that your Microsoft Secure Score isn’t static—it can decrease over time. This happens because Microsoft regularly introduces new security controls and best practices that need your attention. Failing to implement these updates can result in a lower score, highlighting areas where your security posture may be slipping.
Continuous improvement isn’t just about responding to threats—it’s about proactively strengthening your defences to prevent breaches before they occur.
The Role of a Good MSP
A proficient Managed Service Provider (MSP) is instrumental in maintaining and improving your Microsoft Secure Score. Here’s how a good MSP contributes:
- Regular Monitoring: Keeping an eye on your security metrics to identify areas for improvement.
- Expert Implementation: Applying best practices and recommended security measures effectively.
- Strategic Planning: Aligning security initiatives with your business goals.
- Proactive Support: Anticipating potential issues and addressing them before they escalate.
An MSP should integrate these services into their agreement, ensuring that security enhancement is a continuous, managed process.
How Layer3 Enhances Your Security
At Layer3, we specialise in bolstering your security posture through our built-in 365 management and security services. Here’s what sets us apart:
Customised Security Solutions
We understand that every business is unique. Our team tailors security settings and policies to fit your specific needs, ensuring maximum protection without compromising functionality. However, we set a baseline policy across all customers, ensuring that you start from a solid foundation.
Continuous Improvement of Your Secure Score
Layer3 doesn’t just set and forget. We:
- Regularly Assess: Conduct ongoing evaluations of your Secure Score.
- Implement Recommendations: Act on Microsoft’s suggestions to improve your score.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of new features and security practices within Microsoft 365.
Dedicated Support and Expertise
Our certified team is always available to:
- Answer Questions: Provide clarity on security matters.
- Offer Training: Educate your team on best practices.
- Respond Quickly: Address issues promptly to minimise risk.
By choosing Layer3, you’re investing in a partnership that prioritises your security at every turn.
Additional Steps to Enhance Your Secure Score
Beyond the services provided by an MSP like Layer3, there are other ways to improve your Microsoft Secure Score:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security for user sign-ins.
- Update Software Regularly: Ensuring all applications are up to date with the latest security patches.
- Educate Employees: Training staff on recognising phishing attempts and practising safe online behaviour.
- Review Access Permissions: Regularly audit who has access to what within your organisation.
These steps, combined with professional management, significantly bolster your defence against cyber threats.
Conclusion
Your Microsoft Secure Score is more than a metric—it’s a roadmap to a more secure business environment. By focusing on continuous improvement and partnering with a proactive MSP like Layer3, you position your business to confidently face the challenges of the evolving security landscape in Microsoft 365.
Monitoring your security score is an excellent way to gauge whether your MSP is delivering continuous value and enhancing your security over time.
Ready to elevate your security posture? Contact Layer3 today to discover how we can help you enhance your Microsoft Secure Score and safeguard your business’s future.