How Can Microsoft Secure Score Help Improve Your Cybersecurity Efforts?
In today’s hyper-digital world, businesses have numerous tools at their disposal to strengthen cybersecurity and protect sensitive client and company data from cybercriminals. However, even businesses with IT experts may struggle to identify exactly which steps to take to improve their security defences. For businesses without dedicated IT staff, this challenge can be even more pronounced.
This is where Microsoft Secure Score can be incredibly helpful.
An innovative and easy-to-monitor tool, Microsoft Secure Score helps organisations strengthen their security posture by assessing various security parameters, configuring recommended features, and performing security-related tasks. With it, businesses can ensure their cybersecurity efforts are up to the task of keeping data safe.
But what exactly is Microsoft Secure Score? How does it work? And how can businesses use it to maintain a strong security posture?
As official Microsoft partners, Netcentrix offers Secure Score management services to help businesses optimise their score and security efforts. To learn more, speak to a Netcentrix expert or read on for an in-depth overview of Microsoft Secure Score.
What is the Microsoft Secure Score?
Formerly known as the Office 365 Score, the Microsoft Secure Score is a valuable tool that helps businesses assess their security posture in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
The tool evaluates your current security setup across various parameters, such as encryption, malware protection, and password strength, before assigning a percentage score that represents your current security effectiveness. Here’s what the scores mean:
- A score of 40% or less: This indicates a ‘poor’ security score, meaning significant improvements are needed to reduce the risk of a cyberattack or data breach.
- A score between 41% and 70%: This is considered a ‘satisfactory’ score, suggesting that only a few adjustments are needed to improve security.
- A score above 71%: This is classified as a ‘good’ score, indicating that your business has implemented strong cybersecurity practices. However, you should still aim to improve your score as much as possible.
Based on the results, Microsoft provides recommended actions to help boost your score and enhance your security. The more actions you complete, the better your Secure Score becomes. Additionally, Secure Score allows you to compare your score with industry benchmarks and set performance goals based on your results.
By offering a clear statistic and visual summary of your security posture, Microsoft Secure Score provides a transparent view of your security strengths and weaknesses, along with actionable steps to prevent vulnerabilities.
How Does Microsoft Secure Score Work?
Microsoft Secure Score operates through a simple 3-step process:
- Generating a score
- Taking the recommended actions
- Monitoring progress
Once your Secure Score is generated, Microsoft will suggest areas for improvement. You can either implement the recommended actions or ignore them (though you’ll bear the responsibility for any consequences of inaction).
While some recommendations may be more relevant than others based on your business needs, it’s advisable to consider all suggestions to improve your overall security posture.As you complete each recommendation, a record will be added to your Secure Score summary. This section also includes a risk assessment that provides real-time updates on your organisation’s security, based on Microsoft’s recommendations.
Where Can I Find the Microsoft Secure Score?
You can access and monitor your Microsoft Secure Score dashboard anytime via the Microsoft Defender portal. Microsoft Defender is available in various Microsoft 365 versions, including Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
If you’re unsure whether your current Microsoft 365 subscription includes this tool, speak with your in-house IT staff or contact Netcentrix today.
Why is the Microsoft Secure Score Important?
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods, and with businesses holding more sensitive data than ever, adopting effective cybersecurity measures is crucial.
Failure to maintain strong security protocols can result in unauthorised access to sensitive customer data, potentially leading to severe consequences. Additionally, businesses that neglect security guidelines (such as GDPR) risk legal and reputational damage.
Microsoft Secure Score helps identify and eliminate weaknesses in your security setup, specifically within Microsoft 365 and related services, helping your business avoid costly security breaches and ensuring customer data remains protected.
How Do You Improve Microsoft Secure Scores?
To improve your Secure Score, follow the recommendations provided by Microsoft. By acting promptly, your business can quickly raise its score, reinforcing your defences against potential cyber threats.
Over time, as your business grows and the threat landscape evolves, the tasks and recommendations may shift. If your score needs to be raised again, Microsoft will issue new recommendations to help you achieve the highest possible score.
Manage Your Microsoft Secure Score with Expert Help from Netcentrix
While the process may seem straightforward, the issues highlighted by Microsoft Secure Score – and how to resolve them – can be quite technical.
That’s why businesses often benefit from the expertise of trusted Microsoft partners like Netcentrix. As official Microsoft partners, we can help your business manage and maximise the benefits of Microsoft tools – including Secure Score – saving you time, reducing stress, and ensuring your security efforts are as effective as possible.
To learn more about how Microsoft Secure Score can enhance your security posture, or to discuss emerging cybersecurity threats, speak with a Netcentrix expert today.
