Moving to the cloud brings huge benefits – flexibility, scalability, and better collaboration. But there’s a catch. If your cloud environment isn’t set up correctly from the start, it can become a serious security risk.
At Neuways, we’re still seeing a worrying number of misconfigured Microsoft 365 tenants – and the consequences can be severe, from data leaks to unauthorised access and regulatory fines.
Why it matters
Microsoft 365 is a powerful platform used by businesses of all sizes. But with so many features and admin options, it’s easy for settings to go overlooked or misunderstood – especially when systems are set up in a rush or by non-specialists.
A simple misconfiguration can leave sensitive files publicly accessible, allow ex-employees to retain access, or open the door to ransomware attacks. And often, businesses don’t realise they’re exposed until it’s too late.
Common Cloud mistakes we see
Here are just a few of the risks we regularly help clients fix:
- Overly permissive sharing settings allowing data to be accessed externally
- Inactive or unmonitored user accounts still holding access
- Lack of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across admin and user accounts
- No audit logging enabled, meaning breaches can go undetected
- Poor access control policies, granting users more access than necessary
What you should be doing
Cloud security is not a “set it and forget it” job. It needs to be reviewed regularly – and with the right expertise. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Schedule a Cloud Security Audit
Whether you’re using Microsoft 365, Azure, or another platform, a professional check-up can reveal hidden vulnerabilities and configuration gaps.
2. Implement Least Privilege Access
Only give users the access they truly need – no more, no less. This limits the damage if an account is ever compromised.
3. Turn On MFA for All Users
Multi-Factor Authentication is one of the most effective ways to protect cloud accounts. It’s quick to enable and essential for both users and administrators.
4. Review Sharing and Collaboration Settings
Make sure data isn’t being shared externally by default. Use expiration dates for shared links and monitor file access regularly.
5. Set Up Continuous Monitoring and Alerts
Use Microsoft’s built-in security tools – or ask your MSP – to monitor changes, logins, and suspicious activity in real time.
Don’t leave your Cloud to chance
At Neuways, we’ve already helped several businesses this month secure their cloud environments – correcting misconfigurations they didn’t know were there.
If you’re unsure about your current setup, let us take a look. We offer a free Microsoft 365 security check-up, designed to give you peace of mind and protect your business from avoidable risks.
Get in touch today – your data deserves better than default settings.