Level Up

Challenge #6

Implement Malware Alerting System

Strengthen your internal security with a malware alerting system in Microsoft 365. Be instantly informed when internal users send malware-infected files.

malware hidden within code

Why?

Cybersecurity isn’t just about warding off external threats; it’s equally crucial to keep an eye on what happens inside your digital domain. Despite having a robust external defense with Exchange Online Protection (EOP), internal threats, often accidental, can pose a significant risk. Imagine a situation where an employee unknowingly sends a malware-infected file. Without immediate detection, this can escalate into a substantial security breach.

This is where an internal malware alerting system becomes invaluable. It acts like a vigilant sentinel, immediately informing your IT security team if such an incident occurs. This rapid response system isn’t just about reacting to threats; it’s a proactive tool for swift action and thorough investigation. It ensures that a minor incident doesn’t snowball into a major crisis. By implementing this, you involve everyone in your organization in the collective effort of maintaining cybersecurity, reinforcing the idea that security is a shared responsibility.

How?

Activating a malware alerting system in Microsoft 365 is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can set it up to keep your internal communications secure:

    Step 1: Go to the Microsoft 365 Defender Portal

    On your computer, launch a new browser window (Edge, Chrome), and type in https://security.microsoft.com/ and press enter.

    Note: You will require Microsoft 365 administrative credentials – be sure to have the username and password ready.

    Step 2: Adjust Email & Collaboration Policies

    Within the Microsoft Defender Center:

    • Look for and select Email & Collaboration along the left-hand side menu
    • Under Email & Collaboration, look for and select Policies & rules
    • In the Policies & rules window, select Threat policies
    Step 3: Edit Anti-malware Settings
    • Within the Threat policies window, under Policies, find and select Anti-malware
    • Within the Anti-malware window, select the Default (Default) policy
    Step 4: Configure Notifications
    • Now with the Default policy open, scroll down and select Edit protection settings
    • Under Notifications and Admin notifications, check the box to Notify an admin about undelivered messages from internal senders
    • Now specific an admin email address to receive the notifications and alerts
    • If you’d like, you could also enable customized notification text but, for now, you’ll be fine with just the default notifications
    Step 5: Save Your Settings
    • Once you are satisfied, click Save.

    While you’re here…

      Part 1: The Start of your Journey to Cloud

      Part 1: The Start of your Journey to Cloud

      In most markets, big businesses used to hold all the cards, with the best, most advanced IT systems to automate and streamline their processes. Today, a major revolution is turning this trend upside-down, as smaller companies disrupt whole markets with new ideas and new technology, all powered by the cloud.

      read more
      Modern Workforce Entropy

      Modern Workforce Entropy

      There’s no question that today’s workforce is putting more demand on how businesses operate.  These demands are not only being driven by people, but also by factors beyond our control.  Enter entropy, uncertainty and randomness.

      read more

      Beyond Citrix Experts: Closing Argument

      Read the conclusion to our 7-part blog that was sparked by the question from a potential client, a VP of IT, of whether it might be a challenge for us to assist with Microsoft Azure, as we are “the Citrix experts”. 

      read more