Why SMBs Should Prioritise Microsoft 365 Tenancy Hardening

Cybercriminals increasingly target small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With so much of your organisation’s data, communication, and operations relying on Microsoft 365, even a minor weakness can have serious consequences. Tenancy hardening is the process of strengthening your Microsoft 365 tenancy with layered security controls. It is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and protect business continuity.

What is Tenancy Hardening?

Tenancy hardening applies proactive security measures across Microsoft 365 to close gaps that attackers exploit. It focuses on four critical areas:

• Identity Security: Configure Entra ID, enable Single Sign-On, apply Conditional Access, enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and use Privileged Identity Management (PIM).
• Device Protection: Secure devices with Intune, streamline deployment with Autopilot, and implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).
• Application Security: Lock down configurations in email, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams.
• Data Protection: Apply Information Protection policies and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to safeguard sensitive information.

This layered approach ensures that people, devices, apps, and data are all protected.

Why the Microsoft Secure Score Matters

The Microsoft Secure Score provides a benchmark of your security posture. Maintaining a score above 80% shows resilience and a commitment to safeguarding data.

A strong score allows you to:

• Spot Weaknesses: Identify where controls are missing or underused.
• Measure Progress: Track improvements as tenancy hardening measures are rolled out.
• Demonstrate Trust: Assure customers, partners, and insurers.

Many insurers now consider Secure Score when assessing cyber insurance applications. A higher score not only improves protection but can also lower premiums and simplify compliance.

The Rising Need for Tenancy Hardening

The 2025 Arctic Wolf Threat Report highlights how organised and persistent cyberattacks have become:

• 96% of ransomware cases in 2024 involved repeat use of ransomware by established groups.
• 55% of active groups were financially motivated, while 8% focused on espionage.
• The top attack methods were exploits (33%) and stolen credentials (16%).

For SMBs, these figures emphasise the need to address vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Tenancy hardening builds the layered defence required to stay ahead.

Using Security Frameworks as a Guide

Established frameworks such as the Essential Eight and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework provide proven strategies for strengthening security:

• Essential Eight: Focuses on practical controls such as patching, restricting admin privileges, enforcing MFA, and maintaining regular backups.
• NIST: Outlines five functions - Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover - to manage cybersecurity systematically.

When combined with tenancy hardening, these frameworks ensure your Microsoft 365 environment is not only secure but also aligned with industry best practices.

Final Thoughts

For SMBs, Microsoft 365 tenancy hardening is a direct path to stronger protection and greater confidence. By focusing on identity, devices, applications, and data, supported by a solid Microsoft Secure Score, you can reduce risk, improve resilience, and meet rising expectations from insurers, customers, and regulators.

Frameworks like Essential Eight and NIST provide a practical roadmap, while tenancy hardening ensures those principles are applied effectively in your Microsoft 365 tenancy. It is not a one-off project but an ongoing strategy that adapts as threats evolve.

Take the Next Step

Ready to strengthen your Microsoft 365 tenancy?
Our team can help you assess your current security posture, improve your Microsoft Secure Score, and build a strategy aligned with frameworks like Essential Eight.

👉 Book a free consultation with Step Fwd IT