Special Feature

Overlooked Microsoft Security Tools You’re Already Paying For

July 19, 2025

At Support Tree, we often encounter the same issue when supporting London-based businesses – many of them already have powerful cybersecurity tools within Microsoft 365, but simply aren’t using them to their full potential.

Whether you’re a finance firm in the City or looking for specialised IT Support for Insurance Companies, you may be overlooking crucial layers of protection already built into your Microsoft environment.

In this article, we’ll walk you through key Microsoft 365 security features that are often underused—and show you how to turn them into a robust defence strategy for your business.

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Your First Line of Defence

If there’s one thing you implement today, make it Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It’s the most effective and widely available security measure in Microsoft 365, and it’s included at no extra cost in Business Standard and Business Premium plans.

MFA works by requiring a second method of identity verification beyond just a password, like a phone notification, fingerprint, or code. This dramatically reduces the risk of a compromised account.

Yes, it may feel like an extra step. But with modern options like push notifications, phone calls, or even biometric logins, it’s hardly disruptive, and the added security is well worth it.

Pro Tip: You use MFA with your banking apps, why not apply the same protection to your business?

2. Conditional Access: Smart, Customisable Control

Once MFA is in place, it’s time to implement Conditional Access, a security feature included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

Conditional Access lets you define how and where users can access company data. For example:

Block sign-ins from countries your team doesn’t operate in.
Restrict access to company-managed devices only.
Limit access to work hours or company IP addresses.

These policies allow you to tailor access based on context, adding another critical layer to your cybersecurity strategy.

3. Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Email Protection You Need

Emails remain the #1 threat vector for phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers robust protection to reduce these risks.

Here’s how it works:

Attachment & Link Scanning: Detects hidden threats, even in links that look legitimate.
Impersonation Protection: Blocks emails pretending to be from company executives or vendors.
Continuous Link Scanning: Re-scans links every time an email is opened, catching malicious content even after it changes.

This tool is your email security firewall, and it’s a must for protecting communication channels, especially in sectors with sensitive client data like insurance.

4. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Device-Level Protection

In a world of remote and hybrid work, every device becomes a potential entry point for attackers. That’s where Microsoft Defender for Endpoint comes in.

Constant Monitoring: Tracks abnormal activity across all devices: laptops, mobiles, and tablets.
Automated Responses: Quarantines infected devices to prevent lateral movement across your network.
Real-Time Updates: Keeps your protection up to date with the latest threat intelligence.

Real Impact: If one of your staff clicks a bad link on their phone, Defender for Endpoint can isolate that device before it spreads across your entire network.

5. Microsoft Sentinel: Your Virtual Security Analyst

Not every small business has a dedicated security operations team. Microsoft Sentinel helps fill that gap.

It’s a cloud-based SIEM/SOAR tool that collects and analyses security data, detects threats, and helps you automate responses.

Alerts you to suspicious behaviour.
Automates responses to known threats.
Consolidates insights across all Microsoft security tools.

Sentinel is like having an extra set of eyes watching over your IT environment even when your team is offline.

6. Microsoft Intune: Device Management Beyond Mobile

Think Intune is just for mobile devices? Think again.

Part of the Microsoft Endpoint Manager suite, Intune allows you to:

Centrally manage all endpoints (laptops, desktops, phones).
Deploy software and updates remotely.
Apply granular control over what users can install or access.
Support BYOD policies without compromising data security.

Whether your staff use company-issued laptops or personal smartphones, Intune lets you keep business data protected even if devices leave the business.

7. Stack Them Together: A Unified Microsoft Security Ecosystem

The real power of Microsoft’s cybersecurity tools is in how they work together.

When you layer MFA, Defender, Intune, Sentinel, and Conditional Access, you’re not just securing one aspect – you’re building a multi-layered shield around your users, devices, data, and communications.

At Support Tree, we help clients evaluate their current usage and recommend the best way to integrate these tools. This creates a cohesive security strategy using the licenses and capabilities you already have.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Posture?

If you’re paying for Microsoft 365, you already have access to most of these security features – it’s time to use them effectively.

At Support Tree, we specialise in helping London-based businesses, from startups to regulated firms, maximise their technology while minimising cyber risk. Our Managed IT Support Services are tailored to help you take full advantage of the tools you’re already paying for.