Challenge #9
Secure Sharing with Automatic Guest Expirations
Implement automatic expiration for guest access in SharePoint and OneDrive. Ensure your external collaborations are both productive and secure.
Why?
Collaborating with external partners is vital, yet it brings its own set of security challenges. Granting guest access to SharePoint and OneDrive via file shares, Microsoft Teams invites or related is a common practice, but without proper controls, it can leave our data vulnerable. By setting automatic expiration for guest access, we add a layer of security that adapts to the dynamic nature of collaboration.
This approach ensures that external partners have access only for as long as they need it, typically recommended for no more than 30 days. After the set period, access expires automatically, reducing the risk of outdated permissions lingering and potentially becoming security loopholes. It’s about creating a secure environment where access is granted judiciously and monitored continuously, aligning with the best practices for data protection.
How?
Configuring automatic expiration for guest access in SharePoint and OneDrive is a straightforward but critical step in enhancing your collaborative security. Here’s how to get that gap closed up.
Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Sharepoint Admin Center
On your computer, launch a new browser window (Edge, Chrome), and type in https://admin.microsoft.com/sharepoint and press enter.
Note: You will require Microsoft 365 administrative credentials – be sure to have the username and password ready.
Step 2: Adjust Sharing Policies
Within the Microsoft Sharepoint Admin Center:
- Look for and select Policies
- Under Policies, select Sharing
Step 3: Configure External Sharing Settings
- Within the Sharing window, find and click More external sharing settings (it’s an expandable menu).
- Under More external sharing settings, find and enable the setting for Guest access to a site or OneDrive will expire automatically after this many days
- Once enabled, you can then define the days in which you are comfortable with, ranging from 30 to 730 days.
- We recommend 30 days
PS. For bonus points, there are several other settings on this page that can improve security and your Secure Score, such as default permissions for sharing links (view vs. edit), defaults for who can use the links when you share files, and several others. Explore.
Step 4: Confirm and Save Settings
- Once you are satisfied with your changes, click Save
While you’re here…
Are you prepared for Windows 10 end of life?
As we approach October 2025, the end-of-life for Windows 10 looms on the horizon, presenting a pivotal moment for technological advancement and security for small and medium-sized businesses. This isn’t merely an operating system update; it’s a strategic move to future-proof your business operations. Is your business prepared for the switch?
You Have Microsoft Teams. Now Uncover Value Beyond Meetings
Discover the untapped potential of Microsoft Teams for your business with our latest insight. Beyond just chat and meetings, Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool for transforming your business operations. Learn how it can streamline communication, enhance project management, and foster collaboration across various sectors, from healthcare to education.
Leveraging the Microsoft Digital Defense Report for Robust SMB Protection
Microsoft’s 2023 Digital Defense Report is a critical resource for Small and Medium-sized Business (SMB) leaders, offering valuable insights for transforming cybersecurity challenges into growth opportunities. The report highlights a shift in cyber threats, emphasizing the increasing complexity of supply chain vulnerabilities, ransomware, and phishing operations. It serves as a guide for SMBs to navigate these threats and protect their future.