Challenge #12
Strengthen Administrative Security with MFA
Elevate the security of your administrative accounts in Microsoft 365 by implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a crucial step in defending your organization’s core operations.
Why?
Administrative accounts in any organization are akin to holding the keys to the castle. They possess elevated access and control, making them prime targets for cyber attacks. Simply having a strong password is no longer sufficient for these high-stakes accounts. That’s where Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) comes into play.
Implementing MFA for administrative roles is more than an added security layer; it’s a fundamental necessity. MFA requires a secondary form of verification, such as a code from a mobile app or a biometric scan, making it exponentially harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access. This means that even if a password is compromised, the chances of a security breach are significantly minimized. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), where every resource counts, MFA offers an efficient, cost-effective way to safeguard your most sensitive and critical access points.
How?
Microsoft has largely enabled multifactor authentication policies to protect administrative accounts in Microsoft 365. Let’s ensure our settings protect our critical administrative accounts.
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Entra Admin Center
On your computer, launch a new browser window (Edge, Chrome), and type in https://entra.microsoft.com/ and press enter.
Note: You will require Microsoft 365 administrative credentials – be sure to have the username and password ready.
Step 2: Access Identity Protection
Within the Microsoft Entra Admin Center:
- Look for and select Identity on the left-hand menu
- Under Identity select Identity Protection
- Now select Conditional Access
Step 3: Validate or Create a Conditional Access Policy
- Within the Conditional Access window, select Policies
- Now select the Require MFA for admins policy
- If this policy does not exist, select New policy and follow along to match the required settings
Step 4: Validate or Define our Conditional Access Policy settings for Users
- Within the Require MFA for admins policy window, scroll down and select the link under Assignments / Users
- In the new blade that opens, under Include we want to Select users and groups, and Directory Roles as the only checked option.
- Now, select the drop down box, and check the mark beside each built-in directory roles to include in the policy:
- Application Administrator
- Authentication Administrator
- Authentication Policy Administrator
- Billing Administrator
- Cloud Application Administrator
- Conditional Access Administrator
- Exchange Administrator
- Global Administrator
- Groups Administrator
- Helpdesk Administrator
- License Administrator
- Office Apps Administrator
- Password Administrator
- Power Platform Administrator
- Privileged Authentication Administrator
- Privileged Role Administrator
- Security Administrator
- Service Support Administrator
- SharePoint Administrator
- Teams Administrator
- User Administrator
Step 5: Validate or Define our Conditional Access Policy settings for Target Resources
- Still within the Require MFA for admins policy window, scroll down and select the link under Target Resources
- In the new blade that opens, under Include we want to select All cloud apps
Step 6: Validate or Define our Conditional Access Policy settings for Target Resources
- Still within the Require MFA for admins policy window, scroll down and select the link under Target Resources
- In the new blade that opens, under Include we want to select All cloud apps
Step 7: Enable Policy
- Still within the Require MFA for admins policy window, scroll down and select enable policy to be On
- Now, on next login, administrative accounts will be prompted to enroll with Microsoft Authenticator.
While you’re here…
Navigating New Citrix Licensing with Service Provider Solutions
Citrix has introduced significant changes to its licensing model, impacting businesses of all sizes. Dive into these updates and discover a strategic approach for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to adapt and thrive. Discover how the discontinuation of auto-renewals, new minimum seat requirements, and the shift toward cloud computing are reshaping how companies access and use Citrix solutions. More importantly, learn about the flexible alternative of Service Provider Licensing.
How SMBs Can Outsmart Advanced Email Threats
Explore the criticality of email security for businesses, delving into sophisticated threats like Spear Phishing, BEC, and Ransomware, and identify practical steps for enhanced protection. The article highlights the gaps in Microsoft 365’s email defense and advocates for a layered security approach. With real-life examples and tangible results, we underscore the importance of proactive measures and Third Octet’s comprehensive solutions to safeguard your business email and infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.
Microsoft Opens the Gates to Copilot for SMB
Microsoft’s Copilot for Microsoft 365, now accessible to SMBs, is redefining business efficiency and creativity. Integrating AI with familiar Microsoft applications, it streamlines tasks, boosting productivity. The expansion democratizes AI for SMBs, offering the same advanced tools as larger corporations. Third Octet emphasizes how Copilot tackles SMB challenges like productivity, data analysis, and cost-effective innovation. The future holds promises of enhanced AI learning, broader application integration, and advanced analytics, with Third Octet ready to guide businesses in leveraging these AI advancements.