Finding the Gaps Before Hackers Do
Microsoft 365 powers email, documents, and collaboration for many of our customers. It is powerful, but like any system, it is only as secure as its setup. That is why this August we ran a Security Scan inside Microsoft 365 for the customers we support.
The scan is built right into the Microsoft 365 admin environment. It digs into configurations, checks for vulnerabilities, and points out areas that need attention. From there, we go in and remediate, closing the gaps before they can be exploited.
Why We Do It
365 is often a company’s front door to the world. If that front door has weak locks or keys floating around, attackers will find them. Without regular scans, customers risk:
- Weak authentication that could lead to stolen accounts.
- Outdated configurations that make systems easier to break into.
- Gaps in security settings that attackers know to exploit.
By scanning and fixing issues, we make sure Microsoft 365 stays locked tight while still easy for teams to use.
How It Works
Here’s what happens during a 365 Security Scan:
- We run Microsoft’s built-in Secure Score and vulnerability tools in the admin center.
- The scan checks policies, settings, and account configurations.
- It highlights weak spots, such as accounts without multi-factor authentication, outdated sharing rules, or overly broad permissions.
- ITGuys reviews the results, then applies remediation steps to strengthen the environment.
Think of it as an X-ray for your Microsoft 365 setup. It shows us exactly where the bones are strong and where a fracture could happen if left unchecked.
What We Found
Every scan is different, but common issues this August included:
- Accounts without multi-factor authentication enabled.
- Legacy applications or protocols still allowed to connect.
- File sharing rules that were too open for comfort.
- Old accounts that had not been deactivated.
None of these were catastrophic on their own, but left alone, they could have created major risks. By spotting them now, we kept small issues from turning into big problems.
What We Did About It
For each flagged issue, we applied fixes. That included:
- Enabling or enforcing multi-factor authentication where it was missing.
- Disabling outdated protocols no longer needed.
- Tightening file and data sharing rules.
- Cleaning up unused accounts and permissions.
These changes may be invisible to end users, but they make a big difference in overall security.
The Results
After remediation, customers’ Microsoft 365 environments scored significantly higher on Microsoft’s Secure Score tool. More importantly, the risks were closed before they could be exploited.
Bottom line: your 365 environment is safer, stronger, and better aligned with best practices.
Why It Matters for You
Microsoft 365 is where you live and work. Keeping it secure means:
- Fewer chances of account takeovers.
- Safer collaboration inside and outside the company.
- Peace of mind knowing your files, email, and data are not an easy target.
And all of this happens in the background. You keep working as usual while ITGuys keeps the locks tight.
Looking Ahead
Microsoft updates its tools and best practices all the time. We will continue scanning, fixing, and raising standards so your Microsoft 365 stays secure no matter how threats evolve.
The August Security Scan is part of our larger commitment: protecting your systems before issues ever reach you.
Final Word
Microsoft 365 is a business essential, and that makes it a favorite target for attackers. Our August Security Scan ensured that the environments we manage are locked down, modernized, and ready for the future.
You focus on your work in Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook. We will focus on making sure they stay safe.
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