How to Identify Security Risks in Microsoft 365 and Power Platform

Modern business collaboration has transformed from physical to digital spaces, with tools such as Microsoft 365 and Power Platform providing endless possibilities for work processes.

However, with digital transformation comes new security challenges that require vigilance and attention. Failure to address these challenges can result in data breaches, lost productivity, orphaned workspaces, and reputation damage. These security risks in the digital age are a serious concern for any organization.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top security risks in Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, and provide actionable steps to mitigate them. Here are the top three security risks that could be lurking in your M365 and Power Platform environment:

Information Exposure – Data Leaks and Oversharing

One of the biggest and most common security risks in Microsoft 365 and Power Platform is the potential for data leaks and oversharing. This threat can happen when sensitive information is accidentally or intentionally shared with the wrong person or when permissions are not set correctly, allowing unauthorized access to data. With so much sensitive information being shared across these platforms while simultaneously using multiple collaboration tools, it’s important to restrict access to only those who need it.

Improper Access and Complex Permissions Configuration

It’s common for organizations to have multiple administrators managing different areas of Microsoft 365 and Power Platform, leading to a complex permission structure. This complexity can create confusion, resulting in improper access and permissions configuration, which attackers can exploit. One such means of attack can happen when unauthorized employees are granted too much access or permissions, leaving sensitive data and critical business applications vulnerable.

Sprawl – Orphaned or Inactive Workspaces/Apps/Flows

With so many tools and workspaces available, it’s easy for orphaned or inactive workspaces, apps, or flows to go unnoticed. This sprawl can create a massive security risk. These abandoned resources can accumulate sensitive data over time and go unnoticed if not proactively monitored. This sprawl can be a prime target for hackers looking to exploit weaknesses in your organization’s digital infrastructure, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks.

To mitigate these risks, following security best practices is essential to securing your Microsoft 365 and Power Platform. Let’s elaborate on these practices in detail:

Proactively Monitor for Risks and Configuration Drift

Regular reviews of permissions and access can help identify any changes that could pose a threat. Monitor your digital infrastructure for potential security risks and configuration drift.

With advanced security capabilities like AvePoint EnPower and AvePoint Insights, you can quickly identify and remediate security risks before they become problematic. AvePoint EnPower enables you to flex administration permissions and monitor who is doing what in your tenants, while Insights provides tenant-wide security reports that prioritize critical issues for action.

Set and Enforce Policies

Policies can help prevent security threats by ensuring data is accessed and shared correctly. Automate their configuration to ensure consistency and tailor them to your organization’s unique needs. This is critical in mitigating Microsoft 365 and Power Platform security risks. AvePoint Policies automatically applies best practices and security rules to your entire tenant, helping to reduce the risk of data leaks and unauthorized access.

Automate Lifecycle Management

Proper Lifecycle Management can help mitigate the risk of orphaned or inactive workspaces, apps, and flows. Automating the process of reviewing and archiving or deleting these can help keep your environment secure. A product such as AvePoint Cloud Governance is excellent at this as it empowers users with self-service IT resources to provision, move, or even restructure their Microsoft 365 content and permissions for versatile content management and reporting.

Conclusion

As digital collaboration continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to secure your organization’s data. Security risks are a real and growing concern for any organization. Don’t leave your Microsoft 365 and Power Platform environment vulnerable to information exposures, improper access, or sprawl.

Don’t wait for a security breach to start securing your digital collaboration tools. Follow best security practices and leverage the advanced security capabilities offered by AvePoint to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.