The rise of the remote and hybrid office environment has made Microsoft 365 highly popular, and while it may be true that Microsoft takes security very seriously, companies are still grappling with many of the same pitfalls that come with storing sensitive data in the cloud. This article will discuss the security challenges associated with Microsoft 365, and the most notable ways to address them.
Why is it Important to Secure Your Microsoft 365 Environment?
According to the 2023 Thales Cloud Security Study, 39% of businesses experienced a data breach in their cloud environment in 2022, up from 35% in 2021. Human error was reported as the main cause of these breaches, and SaaS applications and cloud-based storage were identified as the top targets for hackers. It is essential for organizations to establish robust authentication protocols, conduct security awareness training, and proactively monitor their valuable assets to reduce the risk of disruptions caused by security incidents. Having a strong cloud security posture will also help companies meet data privacy regulations, ensure that only authorized individuals can access and share sensitive information in collaborative workspaces, and enhance trust and credibility with customers by demonstrating a commitment to data protection.
Main Attack Vectors Targeting Microsoft 365
Hackers are using various techniques to exploit Microsoft 365. They are creating false landing pages using Microsoft Azure’s Static Web Apps service, which resemble authentic Microsoft pages, to trick users into providing their credentials. Hackers are also exploiting the widespread adoption of Microsoft 365, targeting various components like Office Online, Outlook, and SharePoint. Ransomware and phishing attacks further contribute to the threat landscape. Below are some of the most notable ways that Microsoft 365 can be exploited.
Phishing attacks: Attackers often employ phishing techniques to trick users into revealing their login credentials or other sensitive information. They may send emails with fake login pages that appear to be from Microsoft or other trusted sources.
Malware and Ransomware: Malicious software can be distributed through emails or malicious links, aiming to infect user systems or network infrastructure within the Microsoft 365 environment. This malware can lead to data breaches, system compromise, or ransomware attacks.
Credential theft & Unauthorized access: Attackers may try to exploit vulnerabilities in the Microsoft 365 infrastructure or use compromised accounts to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, data, or administrative privileges. They may use various methods to extract or steal user credentials, such as keyloggers, credential harvesting, or exploiting vulnerabilities in the system.
Business Email Compromise (BEC): BEC attacks involve impersonating a trusted person, such as a company executive or business partner, to deceive users into performing certain actions, such as transferring money or sharing sensitive data.
Third-Party application vulnerabilities: If organizations integrate third-party applications or plugins with their Microsoft 365 environment, any vulnerabilities in those applications can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access or compromise the system.
7 Cybersecurity Challenges Microsoft 365 IT Admins Face
IT admins face a myriad of challenges when it comes to keeping Microsoft 365 secure. Many of these challenges are ubiquitous amongst M365 deployments. Understanding and overcoming these challenges can help IT admins to bolster email and collaboration tools within M365, whilst ensuring the security and integrity of sensitive data. Here are seven challenges that IT admins face when it comes to keeping Microsoft 365 secure:
1. Email Threats
One of the primary challenges encountered by M365 administrators is the relentless onslaught of email threats. Phishing and ransomware attacks persist as the top cybersecurity risks, with phishing emails being the leading vector. These deceptive emails aim to trick users into divulging credentials or unknowingly deploying malicious software. Ransomware, on the other hand, encrypts critical data, demanding ransom payments for decryption. Additionally, the threat of Business Email Compromise (BEC) looms large, involving the impersonation of executives or vendors to deceive employees into sending money or sensitive information.
2. Expanding Attack Surface
The M365 environment introduces an expanding attack surface beyond traditional email threats. Collaboration tools such as Teams and OneDrive provide new entry points for attackers. Simultaneously, the prevalence of Shadow IT, characterized by the use of unsanctioned applications, further complicates the security landscape. The surge in remote work exacerbates these challenges, as the lines between personal and professional devices become blurred, heightening vulnerability.
3. Human Factor
The human element remains a critical aspect of cybersecurity challenges. Weak passwords and the fatigue associated with multi-factor authentication contribute to security lapses, as users often opt for convenience over robust security measures. The risk of data leaks and insider threats is significant, stemming from either accidental or malicious sharing of sensitive information by employees.
4. Evolving Security Landscape
The dynamic nature of the security landscape poses another set of challenges for M365 administrators. Zero-day attacks and advanced threats continually evolve, demanding constant adaptation of security measures. The necessity to keep up with continuous security patches and configuration changes adds a layer of complexity that can be overwhelming.
5. Balancing Security and Productivity
Achieving the delicate balance between security and productivity poses a considerable dilemma. Implementing overly restrictive policies can impede user productivity and collaboration, while finding and deploying the right security tools without unnecessary complexity becomes a critical decision.
6. Visibility and Detection
Monitoring activities across multiple M365 applications and devices emerges as a daunting task for administrators. The challenge lies in identifying and responding to suspicious behavior while distinguishing it from genuine user activity. Advanced threat detection tools become imperative in navigating this intricate landscape.
7. Limited Resources
Administrators often grapple with staffing and budget constraints, placing the burden of M365 security on understaffed or undertrained IT teams with limited financial resources. Addressing the skills gap in the ever-evolving cybersecurity domain requires ongoing training and expertise to effectively safeguard M365 environments.
How Lepide Can Help Secure Microsoft 365
The Lepide Data Security Platform can help secure Microsoft 365 through a range of advanced security features and capabilities. Below are some of the main ways it can help:
Data discovery and classification: The platform scans the entire Microsoft 365 environment to discover sensitive data and classify it based on predefined or custom policies. Lepide can also classify data across multiple cloud platforms, including your on-premise Active Directory.
Real-time threat detection: Lepide uses advanced machine learning techniques to continuously monitor Microsoft 365 for any suspicious activities such as unauthorized access, data exfiltration, privilege misuse, and more. It provides real-time alerts to enable timely response and remediation.
Compliance reporting: The platform provides extensive reporting capabilities to meet regulatory requirements and facilitate audits. It generates detailed reports on user activities, access rights, data modifications, and more, allowing organizations to demonstrate compliance with data protection regulations.
If you’d like to see how the Lepide Data Security Platform can help you secure your Microsoft 365 environment, schedule a demo with one of our engineers.