Microsoft 365 Best Practices Manual

Day-to-day management and safety recommendations for users
1. Password and account security
- Strong password policy: Use passwords longer than 12 characters, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Change them every 90 days to protect against unauthorized access.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add extra security by requiring verification via an application or SMS.
- Avoid sharing credentials: Prevent unauthorized access. Report compromised accounts to IT support immediately.
2. Email security
- Identify phishing e-mails: Beware of urgent or unexpected messages, check senders carefully and avoid transmitting sensitive information.
- Attachments and links: Do not open attachments or click on links from unknown sources. Check links before clicking.
- Secure email communications: Encrypt sensitive emails to protect confidential data.
3. Data management and storage
- OneDrive and SharePoint: Store your files securely online to protect your data, facilitate collaboration and benefit from automatic backups.
- File sharing: Use Microsoft secure links instead of email attachments. Review shared file permissions regularly.
- Backup and recovery: Synchronize your data regularly on the cloud to ensure recovery in the event of accidental deletion or hardware failure.
4. Equipment safety and maintenance
- Secure access: Access Microsoft 365 only from secure devices and trusted networks to avoid potential intrusions.
- Device updates: Install system and antivirus updates regularly to avoid vulnerabilities.
- Mobile device management: Register your devices with tools such as Microsoft Intune to improve control and security management.
5. Communication and collaboration tools
- Microsoft Teams security: manage channel permissions, avoid sensitive discussions in open channels and control meeting participants.
- Secure online meetings: Use waiting rooms or passwords to manage participants and improve security.
6. User awareness
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with current security risks and threats in the digital environment.
- Security incidents: Know your organization’s reporting procedures. Immediately report any suspicious activity or breach to IT support.
7. Confidentiality and privacy
- Data protection: follow organizational and regulatory guidelines (such as the RGPD) for handling sensitive personal data.
- Confidentiality agreements: Understand your confidentiality obligations. Report accidental disclosures promptly.
8. Logout and session management
- Session security : Always log out or lock your workstation when you’re away, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Public computers: Avoid accessing Microsoft 365 on shared devices. If necessary, use private browsing mode and log out completely afterwards.
9. Basic administration of Microsoft 365 (for novice administrators)
- User management: Regularly review roles and access levels to ensure that permissions match job responsibilities.
- Group management : Clearly define who belongs to each group or team. Audit groups regularly to maintain security and efficiency.
- License management: Manage user licenses efficiently. Remove unused licenses to optimize costs.
- Audit logs: Check audit logs periodically to detect and investigate suspicious activity.
- Security and Compliance Center: familiarize yourself with the basic settings of the Microsoft 365 Security and Compliance Center to manage data loss prevention policies, threat protection and compliance obligations.
10. Reporting and assistance
- IT Helpdesk: Report problems promptly. Maintain open communication with IT support to resolve security issues quickly.
Summary list
☐ Use strong, unique passwords ☐ Enable multi-factor authentication ☐ Vigilance against email phishing threats ☐ Regular backups to OneDrive or SharePoint ☐ Regular device security and updates ☐ Rigorous file sharing management ☐ Stay informed about security risks ☐ Promptly report incidents to IT ☐ Regularly review user roles, licenses and audit logs.
Conclusion
Adhering to these recommendations ensures a secure, efficient and well-managed Microsoft 365 environment, significantly reducing security risks and administrative challenges.