Why Microsoft 365 security needs more than default settings

Microsoft 365 sits at the centre of most organisations’ IT environments, handling email, files, collaboration, identity, and access. Because of this, it is also one of the most targeted platforms for phishing, account compromise, and data loss.

While Microsoft 365 includes powerful security capabilities, many organisations assume these are fully enabled by default. In reality, security in Microsoft 365 depends heavily on licensing choices, configuration, and ongoing management. Without this, critical protections may be missing or ineffective.

The challenge with Microsoft 365 security

Microsoft 365 security features are spread across multiple products and licence tiers. Key controls are often:

  • Dependent on the licence level assigned to users
  • Disabled or minimally configured by default
  • Inconsistently applied across users and devices
  • Difficult to manage without a clear strategy

As a result, organisations frequently under-utilise the security they are already paying for, or incur unnecessary cost without reducing risk.

What effective Microsoft 365 security should deliver

When properly licensed and configured, Microsoft 365 should provide:

  • Protection against phishing and account compromise
  • Controlled access to email, files, and applications
  • Visibility of user and device activity
  • Protection of sensitive data across the platform
  • Consistent enforcement of security policies

Achieving this requires aligning licences and controls to how the organisation actually operates, rather than relying on default settings.

How BSAS approaches Microsoft 365 security

BSAS delivers Microsoft 365 security as a managed security service, not a one-off configuration exercise.

We start by reviewing how Microsoft 365 is used within your organisation, identifying risks around users, access, and data. From there, we align licensing and security configuration to your requirements, ensuring protections are applied consistently and effectively.

Our focus is on making Microsoft 365 security practical, usable, and measurable — not complex or over-engineered.

Key areas we secure within Microsoft 365

Depending on your environment, our Microsoft 365 security services cover:

  • Identity and access controls to reduce the risk of account compromise
  • Email and collaboration security to protect against phishing and misuse
  • Device and access integration to enforce security consistently
  • Data protection controls to reduce the risk of data loss or exposure
  • Visibility and monitoring to support investigation and response

These controls work together to strengthen Microsoft 365 as a core security platform.

Microsoft 365 licensing — getting the right protection without overspend

Microsoft 365 security capabilities are closely tied to licensing, and it’s common to see organisations either missing key protections or paying for licences that aren’t being used effectively. BSAS reviews your current licensing and requirements, then recommends a clear, cost-effective licence mix aligned to risk and usage.

We help ensure the right users have the right security features available, avoid unnecessary duplication, and make sure the security capabilities you’re paying for are correctly enabled and managed.

Why BSAS is different

Many providers focus on selling licences or enabling a limited set of features. Ongoing ownership and optimisation are often missing.

BSAS takes responsibility for Microsoft 365 security by:

  • Aligning licences to real risk and usage
  • Correctly configuring security controls from the outset
  • Maintaining and adjusting controls as requirements change
  • Integrating Microsoft 365 security with wider cyber services

This ensures Microsoft 365 security delivers real protection and long-term value.

Who this service is for

Microsoft 365 Security & Licensing is well suited to organisations that:

  • Rely heavily on Microsoft 365 for daily operations
  • Want to reduce the risk of phishing and account compromise
  • Are unsure whether they have the right licences in place
  • Need better visibility and control over users and data

Who this service is for

Email security is particularly important for organisations that:

  • Rely heavily on email for day-to-day operations
  • Handle financial transactions or sensitive data
  • Support remote or hybrid working
  • Have experienced phishing or email-based incidents
  • Want to reduce risk without placing the burden on users

Microsoft 365 as part of a layered security approach

Microsoft 365 security is most effective when combined with other security controls such as email security, endpoint protection, user awareness training, and backup and recovery. When delivered as part of a layered strategy, it becomes a strong foundation for protecting users, data, and access across the organisation.