Let Microsoft 365 help take your security from good to great

Quiss head of professional services, Nick Hayne, has a handy bite-sized summary of Microsoft’s key security features, and the best practice law firms should adopt surrounding them to keep their data safe and meet demanding regulatory requirements

Law firms must recognise the critical importance of robust cybersecurity in protecting sensitive client data and maintaining regulatory compliance. Microsoft 365 helps to address the challenges, with a comprehensive suite of security features that can significantly enhance a firm’s security posture.

Now let’s consider how Microsoft 365 security can be tailored for law firms:

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

A crucial block to unauthorised access. Enable MFA for all user accounts, including partners, associates and support staff. Ensure the Microsoft Authenticator app is used for enhanced security over SMS-based verification. Implement conditional access policies to require MFA based on user location, device status, or risk level.

Secure administrator accounts

Prime targets for cybercriminals due to their elevated privileges, so create separate admin accounts for day-to-day use and administrative tasks. Implement just-In-time (JIT) access for admin accounts, then regularly review and audit admin account activities.

Azure information protection

Implement automatic data classification based on content and context. Apply encryption and access controls to sensitive documents, then track and control the sharing of confidential information with external parties.

Utilise Microsoft Defender

Protect your firm against sophisticated email-based threats by enabling Safe Links to protect against malicious URLs in emails and documents. Implement safe attachments to scan attachments for malware and configure anti-phishing policies to detect impersonation attempts.

Data loss prevention (DLP) policies

Prevent accidental or intentional data leaks with custom DLP policies to identify and protect sensitive information. Initiate alerts and blocking rules for potential data breaches, then regularly review and update DLP policies to align with changing regulatory requirements.

Audit logging

Enable unified audit logging in the Microsoft 365 compliance centre to maintain a comprehensive audit trail for compliance. Configure retention policies to ensure logs are kept for the required duration and review audit logs for suspicious activities.

Device management

Secure access from devices, including personal devices used for remote work. Use mobile device management (MDM) to enforce security policies on mobile devices, then implement mobile application management (MAM) to protect data in mobile apps. Consider Azure AD Join for company-owned devices for enhanced control.

Educate and train staff

Human error remains a significant security risk and regular training is essential. Conduct periodic security awareness training and simulate phishing attacks to improve staff vigilance, with updates to inform staff about the latest cybersecurity threats.

Review and update security policies

Security requires constant attention and you should conduct regular security assessments of your Microsoft 365 environment. Stay informed about new security features and best practices, adjusting policies to reflect the threat landscape.

Implement Secure Score recommendations

Microsoft Secure Score provides actionable insights to improve security, regularly review your Secure Score and implement recommended actions. Use Secure Score as a benchmark for continuous improvement.

By implementing these Microsoft 365 security best practices, your law firm can significantly enhance its cybersecurity posture, protect sensitive client data, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.