Microsoft 365 is universal as you all know. Whether it's emails, files, chats, or meetings, Microsoft 365 delivers everything in one solution. I'm a personal user of Microsoft 365, I enjoy how easy it makes my workflow. But that ease comes with significant trade-offs — to hackers, it provides a huge target. Have you ever pondered why attackers often attack Microsoft 365 before anything else? Primarily, because it has more users, more access, and is of more value than any other service.
Attackers can move across the various tools once they've established access with a weak user password or a click from a phishing message.
They can utilize a technique known as "lateral movement," where one weak entry can turn into full access to the organization.
Just like leaving an open gate in a fenced yard, once inside they have access to pretty much everything.
• SharePoint vulnerabilities can lead to really damaging breaches.
• Backups might contain malicious files to restore - restoring backups blindly could reintroduce the threat back into the environment.
• Many companies assume that Microsoft's default protection will work for them - it often does not.
Also, even innocent configuration mistakes and sharing mistakes can create enormous risks.
• You may not necessarily be able to safely restore files, even if you have backups.
• Malicious files, phishing links, or malware could still exist in backups.
• Restoring without any verification can simply introduce the same materials into the environment again.
• Periodically audit your configuration.
• Teach your team to avoid phishing.
• Backup carefully, and check the backups.
• Use layers of security, not just the default settings.
If organizations spend the time and budget to implement the above, then Microsoft 365 will not be "unstoppable" for attackers. It only takes some thought and constant observance.
Why It’s A Target
Microsoft 365 combines a number of tools in one place. It is used by hundreds of millions of users, so gaining access to one account is worthwhile to them because they can also then access email, OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint.Attackers can move across the various tools once they've established access with a weak user password or a click from a phishing message.
They can utilize a technique known as "lateral movement," where one weak entry can turn into full access to the organization.
Just like leaving an open gate in a fenced yard, once inside they have access to pretty much everything.
Typical Weaknesses
Microsoft 365 is a powerful platform, and with power comes complexity, and complexity creates vulnerabilities and:• SharePoint vulnerabilities can lead to really damaging breaches.
• Backups might contain malicious files to restore - restoring backups blindly could reintroduce the threat back into the environment.
• Many companies assume that Microsoft's default protection will work for them - it often does not.
Also, even innocent configuration mistakes and sharing mistakes can create enormous risks.
Why Backups Are Not Enough
Backups are great, but remembering that backups are not "magic" is important.• You may not necessarily be able to safely restore files, even if you have backups.
• Malicious files, phishing links, or malware could still exist in backups.
• Restoring without any verification can simply introduce the same materials into the environment again.
Wrapping Up
Microsoft 365 is great for work-related tasks, and because it is used by so many people, it is also an incredibly big target for hackers. Convenience and security do not always go together.• Periodically audit your configuration.
• Teach your team to avoid phishing.
• Backup carefully, and check the backups.
• Use layers of security, not just the default settings.
If organizations spend the time and budget to implement the above, then Microsoft 365 will not be "unstoppable" for attackers. It only takes some thought and constant observance.