Microsoft 365 Security Hardening and Protection
Microsoft's default settings leave critical gaps that attackers exploit daily. PTG hardens your M365 environment with enterprise-grade configurations, threat protection, and continuous monitoring.
Why Default M365 Settings Put You at Risk
80% of M365 tenants have security misconfigurations. 99.9% of account compromises are blocked by MFA -- but most tenants do not enforce it.
Common Gaps PTG Closes
- MFA not enforced for all accounts, legacy authentication still enabled
- No conditional access policies controlling sign-in locations and devices
- Overly permissive SharePoint/OneDrive external sharing and unmonitored OAuth apps
PTG Hardening Results
- Microsoft Secure Score above 80% (most tenants score below 50% out of the box)
- Phased deployment with zero disruption -- report-only mode before enforcement
- Ongoing monitoring through managed security services or vCISO engagements
M365 Hardening Services
Every component of your Microsoft tenant secured -- identity, email, collaboration, and data.
Entra ID and Conditional Access
MFA enforcement, risk-based conditional access, legacy auth blocking, privileged identity management, break-glass accounts, and passwordless authentication options.
Exchange Online and Defender
Safe Attachments, Safe Links, anti-phishing impersonation protection, anti-spam tuning, mail flow rule remediation, and external sender tagging.
SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams
External sharing restrictions, sensitivity labels, DLP policies, sharing link audits, Teams meeting policies, guest access controls, and information barriers.
Data Loss Prevention
Microsoft Purview DLP across Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. Custom rules for credit cards, SSNs, PHI, CUI, and client confidential data.
Security Monitoring
Unified audit logging, alert policies for suspicious activities, SIEM integration, and incident response playbooks for M365-specific attack scenarios.
Secure Score Optimization
Systematic implementation of recommended actions prioritized by risk impact. Target above 80% with documented rationale for any deferred recommendations.
M365 Security for Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in an M365 security assessment?
PTG reviews your Secure Score, conditional access, MFA enforcement, legacy auth exposure, external sharing, mail flow rules, OAuth permissions, admin security, audit logging, and DLP coverage. We deliver a prioritized remediation report ranked by risk impact.
Will hardening disrupt our day-to-day operations?
No. PTG implements changes in a phased manner. Conditional access deploys in report-only mode first. DLP starts in monitor mode. MFA enrollment is scheduled with user support. Our goal is zero disruption to legitimate operations.
Do we need E5 licenses for full security?
Many critical features are available in Business Premium and E3. E5 unlocks advanced capabilities like Defender Plan 2 and automated investigation. PTG recommends the most cost-effective licensing approach for your goals.
How do you handle security for remote workers?
Conditional access policies evaluate risk based on location, device compliance, and sign-in behavior. Device-based controls and session restrictions enable secure remote access without VPN dependency.
Can PTG manage M365 security on an ongoing basis?
Yes. After initial hardening, PTG offers ongoing management through managed security services or vCISO engagements including continuous monitoring, alert triage, policy maintenance, and quarterly posture reviews.
What is Microsoft Secure Score?
Secure Score measures your M365 security posture against Microsoft's recommended configurations. Most organizations score below 50% with defaults. PTG targets above 80%, reducing attack surface and satisfying compliance requirements.
Harden Your Microsoft 365 Environment Today
Schedule a free M365 security assessment. We will identify the gaps attackers exploit and deliver a prioritized remediation plan at no cost.