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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.
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