Office 365 security can be a tough balancing act for IT
Given the complexity of managing systems when workers want to log on anytime and anywhere, it makes sense to put the most popular applications in the cloud. But keeping these apps and the company data in them secure is no small challenge. That's why Office 365 security needs to be at the top of your worry list.
Achieving Office 365 security goals is a multistep process. Some steps are more urgent than others; determining which ones depends on a thorough understanding of each organization's specific situation. Front-end concerns, like access control and authentication, are universal. Also, virtually no one is immune from malware and distributed denial-of-service attacks anymore. But the higher the percentage of workers on the road -- logging on from airports and coffee shops and hotels -- the bigger the security risk. Compliance issues, too, change from industry to industry. But, in general, cloud computing complicates life for most infosec pros even as it makes things easier for users.
A classic industrial-safety slogan declares, "No one wants to learn safety by accident." That still rings true in today's malware-ridden, virus-laden internet world. Enterprise IT teams must balance the necessity of cloud use with keeping company systems and data safe. Ideally, discerning where security is most at risk comes before launching application platforms. But even if it's too late for that, it's not too late for amping up Office 365 security. This guide is for the infosec pro who wants to learn about Office security. It covers all the latest Microsoft security efforts and how to best use them to your advantage. Read on and then tailor your company's Office 365 strategy.