Partner Content: Microsoft M365 Needs Additional Protection: Here’s How MSPs Can Help

Microsoft 365’s default security features do not offer the comprehensive data protection today’s businesses require to counter sophisticated threats.

While Microsoft does offer some built-in security that addresses a range of threats, it does not automatically encrypt all data, and events such as insider threats or accidental damage or deletion of data could put your customers at risk. Furthermore, Microsoft does not guarantee data backup or recovery, and the threat detection offered as standard is limited.

Beyond the basics

Microsoft operates a “shared responsibility model”, meaning it secures its infrastructure, but clients are responsibile for data protection, access control and configuration management. A lack of awareness around who is responsible for what when it comes to security may leave clients with gaps in their security posture, meaning critical vulnerabilities go unnoticed.

According to the Acronis Cyberthreats Report, H2 2024 from the Acronis Threat Research Unit, throughout the period from July to December 2024, Microsoft addressed a total of more than 600 vulnerabilities. In the current cyber landscape where new advanced threats are constantly emerging, going beyond built-in security is essential. In fact, even Microsoft themselves recommend that end users and organisation use a third-party solution for secure back-ups.

Avoiding complexity

Managing Microsoft 365 security configurations in-house is a significant undertaking for customers. They may not have the resources or known-how to respond to threats at speed, especially if they are manually managing complex environments. There is an opportunity for MSPs to demonstrate their value to customers in providing additional layers of security.

Many MSPs already protect clients’ Microsoft 365 environments with third party tools. But having too many tools creates an operational burden. If teams become bogged down by reacting to customer issues, they will have less time to focus on other higher-value tasks, driving up costs and eating into margins. Therefore, tools must be scalable, cost-effective, and also easy to manage.

Adding value

To stand out from the competition, MSPs should evaluate how they can offer specialised services to their customers that go above and beyond Microsoft 365’s default security.

Acronis provides a comprehensive set of solutions to help MSPs protect M365 accounts for their clients, including advanced threat detection and response, back-up and disaster recovery, email and collaboration app security, and email archiving. Acronis Security Posture Management for Microsoft 365 enables MSPs to offer robust protection to multiple clients from a single, central location. The solution helps identify security risks while simplifying management through streamlined integration of all necessary Microsoft 365 management controls in one interface. The solution also offers continuous monitoring, both automatic and manual remediation of security gaps, and compliance assurance through regular audits and reports.

However, good security posture relies on more than technology. MSPs can also add value by providing training and education to help clients improve their security posture, cementing their position as a trusted source of cyber security knowledge while also raising awareness of why Microsoft 365 needs an added layer of protection.

There are more than 450 million paid Microsoft 365 seats and more than 300 million monthly Teams users. And 80% of business users use five or more Microsoft 365 applications. With countless organisations relying on Microsoft 365 for their everyday operations, MSPs must ensure that important data and mission-critical services remain protected. Doing so in a way that is efficient and profitable for the MSP is paramount.

This article is sponsored by Acronis.