Ever wonder if your Microsoft Teams setup is as secure as it should be? With so much sensitive information being shared, it’s crucial to ensure your business stays protected. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we’re sharing 8 tips to use Microsoft Teams to protect your business. These easy-to-follow tips will help keep your data safe and ensure your team can collaborate with peace of mind.
Let’s get started!
How Secure is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams uses a multi-layered approach to security, so you can feel confident that your data is protected. Here’s how:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of protection when logging in, making it harder for unauthorised users to access your account.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): SSO makes it easy and secure to access all your Microsoft 365 apps with just one login.
- Data Encryption: Your data is kept safe whether it's being stored or sent over the internet.
These built-in features provide solid security, but to truly protect your business, it's crucial to configure and manage Teams properly.
What Are the 8 Tips to Use Microsoft Teams to Protect Your Business?
Securing your Microsoft Teams environment isn't just about what Microsoft provides—it's about how you set it up and use it. So, here are essential tips to help you improve the security of Teams and protect your sensitive data.
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is one of the easiest ways to add an extra layer of protection to your Teams account.
Even if someone gets their hands on your password, they still can’t access your account without that second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone). It’s simple but incredibly effective!
2. Set Up Conditional Access to Control Who Gets In
Not everyone should have unrestricted access to your Teams environment.
By using conditional access policies, you can limit access based on factors like location, device compliance, or even network security. This ensures that only trusted users and devices get to access sensitive information.
3. Train Your Team on Security Best Practices
A well-trained team is your best defense. Make sure your employees know how to spot phishing attempts, use strong passwords, and securely share files in Teams.
Regular training creates a security-conscious culture that goes a long way in protecting your business.
4. Carefully Manage Guest Access
When you invite external collaborators to join your Teams, make sure you’re limiting what they can access.
Be selective with guest permissions and regularly review who has access to your Teams channels. This way, you reduce the risk of data leaks and ensure only trusted individuals are collaborating with you.
5. Use Secure Channels and External Sharing Controls
For sensitive conversations or documents, always use secure channels. Teams lets you create private, encrypted channels for confidential discussions.
Plus, configure external sharing controls to restrict who can share what and with whom, keeping your business data safe.
6. Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies
Accidental data leaks happen, but DLP policies can help prevent them. These policies automatically detect and block the sharing of sensitive information, like personal identifiers or financial data, outside of your organisation. This ensures you stay compliant and avoid unintentional data exposure.
7. Review and Update Permissions Regularly
Your team’s roles and responsibilities might change over time. Make it a habit to regularly review user permissions in Teams to ensure everyone has the correct level of access based on their current role. Regular audits can prevent unnecessary risks and unauthorised access.
8. Enable Encryption for All Communications
Encryption is a must for keeping your communications safe. Make sure that all your data in Teams—whether it's stored or being transmitted—is encrypted.
This keeps your business communications and files secure, even if someone tries to intercept them.
How Can You Take a Smart Approach to Teams Security?
While these tips will go a long way in protecting your Teams environment, it’s important to remember that security is an ongoing process.
As your business evolves, so should your security measures. It’s a good idea to stay informed about new features and updates to Microsoft Teams, as they often introduce additional security tools to help keep your data even more secure.
Regularly revisit your security settings and make adjustments as needed to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
Need Expert Help Securing Your Teams Environment?
At Radium, we specialise in improving the security of Microsoft Teams and other collaboration platforms. Our team of experts can guide you through the best practices and provide tailored solutions to protect your sensitive business data.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and make your business as secure as possible!
Conclusion
By following these 8 tips to use Microsoft Teams you can ensure that your digital workplace remains secure, no matter how your team collaborates. With Microsoft's strong security features and these best practices in place, your business can enjoy the benefits of Teams while minimising risks.