13 Best Practices for Preventing Microsoft 365 Phishing

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In the digital age, phishing attacks have become increasingly common, targeting both individuals and businesses. Microsoft 365 users are no exception. To help protect your organization from these threats, here are 13 best practices for preventing Microsoft 365 phishing attacks.

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security to your Microsoft 365 account. Even if a phisher manages to obtain your password, they'll still need the second authentication factor to access your account.

2. Utilize Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)

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ATP in Microsoft 365 provides protection against malicious links and attachments. It uses machine learning to detect and block suspicious content.

3. Regularly Train Employees on Phishing Threats

Education is key. Regularly train your employees to recognize and avoid phishing emails. Teach them to hover over links before clicking and to verify the sender's email address.

4. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Avoid using weak or common passwords. Utilize a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each account.

5. Implement Email Filtering Rules

Set up email filtering rules to block emails from unknown senders or with suspicious subject lines and attachments.

6. Keep Software and Systems Updated

Regularly update your Microsoft 365 suite and all related software to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

7. Monitor Suspicious Activity

Utilize the reporting and monitoring tools in Microsoft 365 to keep track of suspicious email activity. Regularly review logs to identify and respond to any potential threats.

8. Configure DKIM and DMARC

DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) help authenticate emails and prevent spoofing. Implementing these protocols can significantly reduce the risk of phishing attacks.

9. Limit External Email Forwarding

Restrict the ability to auto-forward emails to external addresses to prevent sensitive information from being leaked.

10. Enable Safe Links

Safe Links in Microsoft 365 can help protect users from malicious links in emails and other Office applications.

11. Utilize the Report Message Add-In

Encourage employees to use the Report Message add-in to report suspicious emails. This helps Microsoft improve its spam and phishing filters.

12. Create a Secure Email Gateway

Consider implementing a secure email gateway solution that provides additional layers of protection against phishing and other email-based threats.

13. Conduct Regular Security Audits

Periodically review your security settings and configurations to ensure they are up to date and effective against the latest threats.

By following these best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of phishing attacks targeting your Microsoft 365 environment. Remember, security is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant and proactive is key to protecting your organization's data and assets.

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