Uncover the Microsoft 365 Security Gaps Most Companies Ignore

For many small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), Microsoft 365 is the backbone of daily operations. Tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint keep teams connected and productive. But while Microsoft 365 is a powerful platform, too many organizations assume the default setup is “secure enough.” The reality is, out-of-the-box settings often leave critical gaps that expose your business to cyber threats.

As directors, VPs, and C-suite leaders, you’re responsible for balancing productivity with risk. Let’s look at three common security oversights in Microsoft 365 setups and the steps you can take to fix them:

1. Weak or Missing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
2. Poor Intune Device Management
3. Underutilizing Entra ID Security Features

Weak or Missing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The Gap: Many SMBs either skip enabling MFA or only require it for a handful of users. Hackers know this and routinely target accounts that only rely on passwords.

The Fix:

• Require MFA across all accounts, including executives, frontline staff, and service accounts.
• Use modern authentication methods such as Microsoft Authenticator or FIDO2 security keys instead of SMS alone.
• Regularly audit who has MFA enforced through Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory).

Result: Significantly reduced risk of account takeovers and phishing-related breaches.

Poor Intune Device Management

The Gap: Employees use laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to access company data, but many businesses don’t properly manage or secure these devices. This means sensitive data can walk out the door on an unprotected device.

The Fix:

• Deploy Intune device management to ensure all devices meet your security standards before connecting to company resources.
• Enforce policies like encryption, screen locks, and automatic updates.
• Enable remote wipe for lost or stolen devices.

Result: Stronger control over endpoints without slowing down your team’s productivity.

Underutilizing Entra ID Security Features

The Gap: Many SMBs treat Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) as just a directory service, but it’s a powerful security layer that goes underused.

The Fix:

• Implement Conditional Access policies to block risky sign-ins or restrict access based on location.
• Set up role-based access controls to ensure users only have the permissions they need.
• Monitor sign-in logs and alerts for unusual activity.

Result: Better visibility and proactive control over who accesses what within your Microsoft 365 environment.

Why These Gaps Matter

Cybercriminals increasingly target SMBs because they know smaller organizations often lack the same security posture as large enterprises. A single compromised account can expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, and damage your reputation.

By tightening MFA, leveraging Intune, and maximizing Entra ID, you move from a “default” security setup to a resilient and proactive Microsoft 365 environment.