Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Most organizations today rely on Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) for core business operations. But how secure are these vital platforms against ransomware? This article explores the key concern concerns in Entra ID and Microsoft 365 and details the key security controls they offer to block, detect and recover from ransomware. Then it offers a robust solution that can further safeguard your data and IT systems.

As of 2023, Microsoft Office 365 is utilized by over a million companies globally, according to a recent Statista report. It has become an indispensable tool for organizations as they adapt to hybrid workforces and a global economy, leveraging its collaborative power and the need for a robust data protection strategy. At the core of Microsoft 365’s security framework lies the Shared Responsibility Model, delineating the responsibilities of Microsoft and organizations using their services.

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is Microsoft's cloud-based suite of productivity tools, which includes email, collaboration platforms, and office applications. All are integrated with Entra ID (referred to as Azure AD in this post) for identity and access management. M365’s centralized storage of organizational data, combined with its ubiquity and widespread adoption, make it a common target of threat actors.

Regularly reviewing user permissions is important to reduce the risk of data overexposure and breaches. Overpermissioned users pose a significant security risk. Restricting access to only necessary information for individuals to perform their jobs can significantly reduce risk. By conducting regular permissions audits in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, organizations can ensure that sensitive information access remains appropriate, safe and secure.

Every day more than 2 billion documents and emails are added to Microsoft 365, making this critical data a priority target for ransomware and other cyber attacks. After all, 61% of attacks affect SaaS applications, the most targeted platform / environment. This data can also often be unstructured, and rapidly processing and managing the content at enterprise scale is critical when it comes to both applying protection and performing restores.