Secure Your Microsoft 365 Environment in 30 Minutes: Quick Security Wins That Pack a Punch

CompleteMSP Team
Mar 31
2 min read

Ever feel overwhelmed by all the security settings in Microsoft 365? You're not alone. Many small businesses we work with at CompleteMSP feel the same way. But here's the good news: you can significantly improve your security posture in just 30 minutes. Let's dive into these quick wins that make a real difference.

Why These Quick Wins Matter

Think of your M365 environment like your house. You wouldn't leave your front door unlocked or your windows wide open, right? Yet many businesses unknowingly leave their digital doors and windows vulnerable. These quick wins are like going through your house and making sure everything's properly secured.

Your 30-Minute Security Checklist

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (5 minutes)

a. Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center

b. Turn on Security Defaults or set up MFA for all users

c. Pro tip: Start with admin accounts first

2. Review and Adjust Microsoft Security Score (10 minutes)

a. Check your current score in Security Center

b. Focus on "quick win" recommendations

c. Implement suggested improvements for email security

3. Configure Basic Data Loss Prevention (10 minutes)

a. Set up DLP policies for sensitive information

b. Start with credit card numbers and social security numbers

c. Apply to Exchange, SharePoint, and OneDrive

4. Audit Sharing Settings (5 minutes)

a. Review external sharing settings in SharePoint and OneDrive

b. Disable anonymous link sharing if not needed

c. Set link expiration dates by default

Bonus Security Settings

• Enable mailbox auditing

• Set up anti-phishing policies

• Configure safe attachment policies

• Review guest access permissions

Real Impact: A Customer Story

One of our clients, a small accounting firm, implemented these exact steps after experiencing a close call with a phishing attempt. Within the first week after implementation, their Microsoft Secure Score jumped by 40 points, and their system automatically blocked three sophisticated phishing attempts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't skip MFA for any users – even the resistant ones

• Avoid using "Allow All" in sharing settings

• Don't forget to communicate changes to your team

Measuring Success

After implementing these changes, you should see:

• An improved Microsoft Secure Score

• Fewer suspicious sign-in attempts

• Better control over data sharing

• Increased visibility into security events

Need Expert Help?

While these steps are designed for quick implementation, we understand that every business is unique. At CompleteMSP, we specialize in optimizing Microsoft solutions for small businesses. Our team can help you implement these security measures and develop a comprehensive security strategy tailored to your needs.

Ready to take your M365 security to the next level? We're here to help protect your business with our proven Microsoft security expertise.