The Cyberthreats in Your Digital Workspace

Why Monitor Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace?

Cybersecurity threats are continually evolving. Attacks are becoming more sophisticated and hackers more determined. Both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, despite their native security mechanisms, are not immune to threats. This threat vector has increased in importance as more organizations have shifted more of their data and workloads into these powerful public cloud collaboration suites. In fact, due to the popularity of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace and the extensive data they contain, they are extremely attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Monitoring these platforms can help detect unusual activities that could indicate a potential cybersecurity event, allowing for intervention before irreparable damage is done. A proactive approach to monitoring Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace can prevent potential data breaches, protect sensitive information, maintain your company’s reputation, and provide you with greater peace of mind.

The Threat Landscape for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Ransomware, phishing, malware, account takeovers, and data breaches are just some examples of the significant threats that businesses face daily. Cybercriminals aim to exploit vulnerabilities, and even the most secure systems have weak points—typically us, the users.

For instance, an employee might unknowingly provide their login details to a phishing site, giving cybercriminals access to your company’s sensitive data in your Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Alternatively, an employee may use the same login credentials that they use for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace on another website, such as LinkedIn or Facebook, and those credentials may be leaked in a breach. Regular monitoring can quickly detect unusual activity, and a rapid response can prevent or mitigate potential damage.

Discover how managed detection and response from Framework IT helps protect your data security, systems, and reputation from the evolving threat landscape.

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Proactive vs. Reactive Security Approaches for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace both offer built-in security features, but these should be supplemented with additional monitoring and threat detection tools paired with standard operating procedures for an effective remediation response.

Rather than waiting for a breach to occur, monitoring allows you to take a proactive stance on cybersecurity. By continuously monitoring user activities and scanning for anomalous activities that may indicate a potential threat, you can identify and deal with cybersecurity issues before they become a massive problem.

Some examples of anomalous and potentially concerning activities that you can monitor Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace include:

User logins

User login frequency, location and time can be monitored.
As an example, you can monitor for impossible travel by alerting if someone has logged in from vastly different locations in too small of a window of time for the user to have traveled between the locations.
Multiple failed login attempts.

Email activity

As an example, unusual forwarding rules being implemented may indicate an account takeover and phishing attack.

File activity

Unusual file access patterns like large amounts of data suddenly being moved or deleted.

Privilege changes

Unexpected changes in users’ roles and permissions may indicate an insider threat or that an account has been hijacked and they’re elevating permissions to expand the reach of their attack.

Security Setting Changes

Any unanticipated changes to security settings or policies should be flagged and reviewed immediately for authenticity.

Unusual Teams or SharePoint Activity

Keep tabs on any unusual activity on Teams or SharePoint, like unexpectedly adding external users without proper authorization.

Use of PowerShell Commands

PowerShell is a powerful tool that can be used by cybercriminals to carry out their activities. If there’s unusual PowerShell command usage, it could point to a potential threat executing in the environment.

Effective Monitoring Requires Rapid Response

Remember, it’s not just about monitoring for alerts of anomalous activities, but also responding quickly and effectively with standard procedures when anomalies are detected.

The speed at which a potential threat is addressed can significantly affect its overall impact. A delayed response can lead to a compromise in system integrity, data breaches, financial losses, and severe reputational damage. The quicker the threat is identified, isolated, and mitigated, the less harm it does to the organization’s data, reputation, and bottom line.

Effective response means not only halting or removing the immediate threat but also understanding how the breach happened and implementing measures to prevent similar instances in the future. This includes a thorough investigation into the nature of the attack, identifying vulnerabilities that were exploited, and addressing them to fortify your defenses. Additionally, it also involves educating the workforce about safe practices and the tell-tale signs of such breaches to build a first line of defense.

Importantly, these alerts also provide an insight into the modus operandi of the attackers, their likely targets and approach, and the level of threat they pose. This information can help in beefing up the security apparatus and refining threat response strategies. In short, an effective and quick response to security alerts of anomalous activities in Microsoft 365 is not just about dealing with the immediate threat. It’s about continuously improving the resilience of the organization’s cybersecurity framework, in a proactive and informed manner. It’s a crucial step in the journey towards building a culture of cybersecurity.

For these reasons, Framework IT provides managed detection and response for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace as part of our managed services. Anomalous or red flag activities in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace alert our Security Operations Center in real-time, allowing our team to rapidly assess the event and take necessary precautions to prevent or halt a potential threat.

Key Takeaways

In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern for businesses across the globe. Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, while being central to operations and productivity, have created new avenues for potential cyberthreats. With cybercriminals constantly evolving their methods, maintaining robust monitoring practices and response protocols becomes a non-negotiable aspect of business cybersecurity.

Monitoring not only serves as a strong defensive mechanism against cyber threats but also acts as an early warning system, allowing organizations to preemptively address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. From analyzing login activities and email traffic to tracking file activity and privilege changes, keeping a vigilant eye on every aspect of these platforms can pave the way for better security and more peace of mind.

Undoubtedly, a proactive approach to cybersecurity goes a long way in safeguarding critical business data. Remember, the power to thwart cyber threats lies not just in detecting anomalies but also in responding rapidly and effectively with proven procedures. With services like Framework IT, that offer managed detection and response as part of their package, organizations can equip themselves better to prevent and address potential cybersecurity threats.

As we continue to rely heavily on digital tools and technologies, it’s important to remember that cybersecurity is not a destination but an ongoing journey. Stay informed, stay proactive, and above all, stay safe. Your company’s future may depend on it.

Protect Your Business Data With Framework IT

Framework IT includes managed detection and response that extends into Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace as part of all managed services plans. Reach out to one of our consultants to learn more about how Framework IT can secure your business from threats!

Selecting the Perfect VoIP Provider for Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Monitor Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace?

The Threat Landscape for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Proactive vs. Reactive Security Approaches for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

User logins

Email activity

File activity

Privilege changes

Security Setting Changes

Unusual Teams or SharePoint Activity

Use of PowerShell Commands

Effective Monitoring Requires Rapid Response

Key Takeaways

Protect Your Business Data With Framework IT

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