Why Your Clients Need to Secure Their Microsoft 365 – And How You Can Help
Michael Tunstall
March 8, 2025
As their trusted IT partner, you know that Microsoft 365 is the backbone of many businesses. It’s where sensitive emails, critical documents, and essential collaboration tools live. But with its widespread use comes increased risk. Cyber criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit Microsoft 365 environments, and while security tools like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are important, they’re no longer enough on their own.
Your clients rely on you to guide them through the complex cyber security landscape, and ensuring their Microsoft 365 is properly secured should be a top priority. Here’s why – and how you can enhance their protection with Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Backup, and Ironscales Email Security.
The Evolving Threats to Microsoft 365
Many businesses assume that because they use MFA, they’re safe. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Attackers are bypassing MFA in multiple ways, including:
Phishing Attacks – Sophisticated fake login pages trick users into handing over their credentials and MFA codes in real-time.
Session Hijacking – Malware steals authentication cookies, allowing hackers to bypass MFA entirely.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks – Cybercriminals intercept login attempts using tools like Evilginx, capturing both credentials and MFA tokens.
Social Engineering – Attackers convince users to approve fraudulent login attempts, giving them full access.
Compromised Devices – If malware is installed on a user’s device, attackers can control the account even with MFA enabled.
Once inside, attackers move quickly—setting up inbox forwarding rules, exfiltrating sensitive data, and using the compromised account to target other users. Without proactive security measures in place, your clients may not even realize they’ve been breached until it’s too late.
Why Your Clients Need More Than MFA
MFA is a great first step, but it doesn’t monitor what happens after login. If an attacker successfully authenticates, they can operate undetected—unless your clients have security solutions that provide continuous monitoring, detection, and response.
That’s where you can help. By offering your clients a comprehensive Microsoft 365 security stack, you’re not just providing tools—you’re delivering peace of mind.
We recommend a three-pronged approach to securing Microsoft 365:
1. MDR for Microsoft 365: Active Threat Detection and Response
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) fills the gaps left by MFA by actively monitoring for suspicious activity, detecting breaches early, and taking action before damage is done.
With MDR, your clients get:
✅ Proactive Threat Monitoring – Detects unusual logins, unauthorized setting changes, and signs of compromise.
✅ Real-Time Alerts – Instantly notifies IT teams or service providers of potential threats.
✅ Automated Incident Response – Revokes sessions, enforces MFA resets, and blocks access to compromised accounts.
✅ Forensic Investigation – Identifies and removes lingering threats, ensuring attackers have no foothold.
MDR isn’t just about security—it’s about business continuity. It helps prevent operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage that could result from a successful cyberattack.
2. Backup for Microsoft 365: Ensuring Data Resilience
Even with top-tier security, data loss is still a risk. Whether it’s caused by cyberattacks, accidental deletion, or system failures, losing critical business data can be devastating.
With Microsoft 365 Backup, your clients benefit from:
✅ Automated, Secure Backups – Ensures emails, OneDrive files, and SharePoint data are regularly backed up.
✅ Fast Recovery – Restores lost or corrupted data quickly, minimizing downtime.
✅ Protection from Ransomware – Provides a secure, clean backup to recover from attacks without paying a ransom.
Microsoft 365 doesn’t offer built-in, long-term backup solutions—so ensuring your clients have proper data protection in place is critical.
3. Ironscales: Advanced Email Security & Phishing Protection
Email remains the #1 attack vector for cybercriminals, with phishing being responsible for most breaches. Standard Microsoft 365 security filters are helpful, but sophisticated phishing attacks often slip through.
Ironscales provides:
✅ AI-Powered Phishing Detection – Identifies and blocks even the most advanced phishing emails.
✅ Automated Email Threat Remediation – Removes malicious emails from inboxes before users can interact with them.
✅ Security Awareness Training – Helps employees recognize phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
✅ Protection Against Business Email Compromise (BEC) – Detects and prevents impersonation attacks targeting executives and finance teams.
By implementing Ironscales alongside MDR and Backup, your clients gain a robust, multi-layered defense against cyber threats.
How You Can Help Your Clients – And Grow Your Business
You’re in a prime position to offer your clients a more comprehensive approach to Microsoft 365 security. These services don’t just protect their data—they also provide you with new opportunities for recurring revenue, deeper client relationships, and a stronger reputation as a security leader.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you already offer these services or are looking to expand your cyber security offerings, we can provide expert guidance, resources, and solutions to help you secure your clients effectively.
Want to explore how we can work together? Let’s talk.
👉 Get in touch today to discuss how MDR, Backup, and Ironscales can enhance your Microsoft 365 security offerings.