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Microsoft 365 Security Essentials for Growing Companies

The core Microsoft 365 security settings every growing business should review, from MFA and conditional access to email protection.

By Riley Pearson · August 27, 2026 · 6 min read

Microsoft 365 includes strong security capabilities, but many are not enabled or tuned by default. Reviewing a few essentials can meaningfully reduce risk.

Require multifactor authentication

MFA for every user, especially administrators, is one of the most effective controls available. Phishing-resistant methods are preferable where practical.

Use conditional access

Where licensing allows, conditional access policies can require compliant devices, block legacy authentication, and restrict risky sign-ins.

Limit administrative access

Keep the number of global administrators small, use separate admin accounts, and review privileges regularly.

Strengthen email protection

Configure anti-phishing and impersonation protection, and confirm SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are set correctly for your domains.

Manage devices

Intune can enforce encryption, updates, and security baselines on laptops and phones that access company data.

Plan for recovery

Understand Microsoft’s retention limits and consider dedicated backup for mail, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams.

Put These Ideas Into Practice.

Talk with Swish Technologies about where to start in your organization.