In our experience working with organisations across multiple industries, we’ve seen Microsoft 365 become a critical platform for collaboration, communication, and productivity. However, many businesses still fail to implement the full range of security controls available within their subscription. For organisations seeking stronger business cyber security solutions, overlooking these settings can create significant operational and financial risks.
As a trusted cyber security company Wollongong businesses can rely on, Rodin regularly helps organisations strengthen their Microsoft 365 environments against threats such as phishing, credential theft, ransomware, and unauthorised access. Understanding and implementing Microsoft 365 security features is essential to reducing exposure to common cyberattacks and improving long-term resilience.
Microsoft 365 offers subscription models tailored to your business requirements, each with different security capabilities. Without the right guidance from a qualified cyber security provider in Wollongong, many organisations fail to activate or properly manage the security tools already available to them.
1. Misunderstanding security controls for Microsoft 365 subscriptions
Many organisations seeking managed cyber security in Wollongong are unaware that Microsoft 365 licensing directly impacts the level of protection available to their business. Choosing the wrong subscription can leave gaps in identity protection, device management, and threat detection capabilities.
It is important to note that not all subscriptions offer the same cyber security features. Optimising Microsoft 365 security starts with understanding what is available in your subscription.
Microsoft Entra ID Premium subscriptions
Microsoft Entra ID is available in two premium subscription levels: P1 and P2. Entra ID P1 offers a foundational level of security features, while Entra ID P2 expands upon these with additional capabilities, including:
- Microsoft Entra multi-factor authentication (MFA) registration policy: This policy requires all new users to set up MFA at their first login; users cannot bypass this step.
- Sign-in risk policies: Assesses the risk level of user sign-ins. High-risk sign-ins result in a block, while medium-risk sign-ins prompt for MFA.
- User risk policies: These policies assess users’ risk levels. High-risk users are blocked, and medium-risk users must reset their passwords.
- Privileged identity management: This feature manages, controls, and monitors access within Azure AD.
- Advanced threat analytics: This tool provides an additional layer of security against sophisticated threats by detecting suspicious activity.
For organisations prioritising stronger cyber security strategies in Wollongong, Entra ID P2 provides a significantly more advanced level of protection. Without it, businesses may struggle to enforce MFA for all users, and risky sign-ins may go undetected.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium subscriptions
These subscriptions mainly apply to organisations with fewer than 300 users. Here are the key differences between these subscriptions.
Microsoft Business Standard
This subscription primarily focuses on email security with basic features such as anti-phishing, anti-spam, and anti-malware protection. If your organisation still uses Business Standard, your business may lack the ability to enforce fundamental security controls that significantly reduce the likelihood of a breach.
Microsoft Business Premium
In addition to the features offered in Business Standard, Business Premium includes Entra ID Premium, Advanced Threat Protection, Azure Information Protection, and Intune. These additional features provide a more comprehensive security foundation by delivering the advanced protection and device management capabilities most organisations require.
For businesses looking for a reliable cyber security provider in Wollongong, Microsoft Business Premium delivers the foundational protections needed to secure modern workplaces while supporting hybrid work environments and mobile device management.
2. Leaving Microsoft 365 security controls turned off
Microsoft 365 includes various security controls, but some are not automatically active. Working with a trusted managed cyber security partner in Wollongong ensures your organisation correctly implements and manages these controls.
As a reputable Wollongong cyber security company, Rodin frequently helps organisations in the region that have Microsoft security features available but not properly configured. Leaving these controls disabled can expose businesses to preventable cyber incidents and compliance risks.
We maintain a comprehensive checklist of Microsoft 365 security controls, but some key examples include:
- Microsoft Entra MFA registration policy: Activating this ensures all new users set up MFA at their first login, helping secure user accounts.
- MFA enforced for guests and during Intune enrollment: Adds another layer of security for guest users and devices accessing your network.
- Turn on the expiration period for ‘Anyone’ links: Anonymously shared links via Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive pose significant risks. Organisations should set these links to expire after 14 days.
- Set organisation-level external sharing settings: Configure this to allow staff to share files only with new and existing guests, not anonymously with anyone. This control helps prevent unauthorised access to business data.
For organisations investing in business cyber security in Wollongong, regularly reviewing and updating Microsoft 365 settings is essential to maintaining a secure and resilient environment.
3. Overlooking identity and device management
Many people today use mobile devices, such as phones, tablets, and laptops, to work remotely or to access company systems. Identity and device management are critical components of effective business cybersecurity strategies in Wollongong.
Without proper controls across personal and company-owned devices, businesses increase the risk of unauthorised access, compromised accounts, and data leakage.
There are two main ways to secure mobile devices associated with your organisation:
Mobile Application Management (MAM)
Mobile Application Management secures data at the app level, allowing businesses to protect sensitive information within specific applications on employee devices. For organisations using Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, MAM protects corporate data without interfering with personal device usage.
IT teams can also remotely remove company data from applications if someone leaves the organisation or loses their device. This approach is particularly valuable for businesses seeking flexible yet secure managed cybersecurity solutions in Wollongong.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Mobile Device Management controls the entire device, making it more suitable for company-owned hardware. While MDM provides more comprehensive control and visibility, it can feel intrusive on personal devices.A qualified cyber security provider Wollongong can help determine which approach best aligns with your operational and compliance requirements.
4. Overlooking geoblocking capabilities
Stolen or compromised credentials accounted for 29% of data breaches resulting from malicious or criminal attacks between January and June 2023.
Geoblocking helps reduce cyber risks by preventing people from signing into Microsoft 365 accounts outside approved geographic regions, even when valid credentials are used. For example, if a threat actor attempts to breach an Australian business using stolen credentials obtained overseas, geoblocking can automatically block access.
Geoblocking has become increasingly important for organisations investing in managed cyber security services in Wollongong, particularly as cyber criminals continue targeting Australian businesses using overseas attack infrastructure.
Businesses should also understand that geoblocking may prevent legitimate users from accessing accounts while travelling internationally. Temporary access can be granted through a managed approval process, allowing organisations to monitor and control access outside Australia.For companies focused on strengthening cyber security in Wollongong operations, geoblocking should be part of a broader Microsoft 365 security strategy rather than a standalone defence measure.
Breakdown of cyber incidents from malicious or criminal attacks (January to June 2023)
Source: OAIC.
5. Neglecting regular user training
People without adequate cyber security awareness training can easily fall victim to phishing attacks or unintentionally disclose sensitive information. One of the most common issues we identify when delivering business cyber security services in Wollongong is insufficient staff training on secure Microsoft 365 usage.
Even with advanced technical controls enabled, human error continues to play a major role in successful cyber attacks.
Regular training sessions should focus on both general cyber security awareness and safe Microsoft 365 practices. Staff should understand how to:
- Recognise phishing attempts
- Use MFA correctly
- Handle sensitive business data securely
- Identify suspicious login activity
- Follow secure email practices
Regular staff education remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen cyber security, which Wollongong businesses depend on for operational resilience and data protection.
Conclusion
Microsoft 365 includes powerful security capabilities, but many organisations fail to configure or manage them correctly. Businesses that neglect security settings, identity protection, user training, and access controls may leave themselves vulnerable to costly cyber incidents.
As an experienced cyber security provider in Wollongong, Rodin helps organisations implement practical security controls that align with operational needs while reducing risk. From Microsoft 365 hardening to identity management and staff education, our team delivers tailored managed cyber security solutions in Wollongong that help businesses operate securely and confidently.
Rodin delivers managed cyber security services in Wollongong
Navigating Microsoft 365 security settings and maintaining a strong cyber security posture can be complex without expert guidance. Rodin is a trusted cyber security company for proactive support, Microsoft security optimisation, and ongoing risk management.
Our team provides tailored business cybersecurity services in Wollongong, designed to strengthen protection across users, devices, cloud applications, and business data. Whether you need Microsoft 365 security improvements, compliance support, or a long-term managed cyber security partner in Wollongong, Rodin can help.
Visit our Cyber Security Services page to start your journey.
FAQs
What is the difference between Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium security features?
Business Standard includes basic email security, while Business Premium adds advanced protections, including Microsoft Entra ID Premium, Intune, and Microsoft Defender. Businesses seeking stronger solutions for their business cyber security in Wollongong typically benefit from Business Premium.
Why is Microsoft Entra ID P2 important for cyber security?
Microsoft Entra ID P2 helps businesses improve identity security with features like conditional access, risk detection, and advanced MFA controls. Many organisations working with a cyber security company use Entra ID P2 to reduce account compromise risks.
How does geoblocking improve Microsoft 365 security?
Geoblocking restricts Microsoft 365 access from overseas locations, helping prevent unauthorised sign-ins using stolen credentials. It is commonly included within managed cyber security strategies.
What is the difference between MDM and MAM in Microsoft 365?
MDM secures and manages the entire device, while MAM protects business data within specific applications. A trusted cyber security provider in Wollongong can help determine which approach best suits your business.
Why is user training important for Microsoft 365 cyber security?
User training helps employees recognise phishing attempts, suspicious activity, and unsafe practices. Strong staff awareness is an important part of effective cyber security protection.
