Hackers often infiltrate internal networks via email, embedding harmful vectors containing malware and other malicious programs within false promotional messages or company communications. With one click, an unsuspecting user can download one of these viruses and unknowingly compromise key company systems and data caches. How can information technology teams prevent this kind of situation from unfolding? By implementing back-end security systems designed to meet digital threats of all kinds.
Microsoft offers the best available platform for Office 365 users: Advanced Threat Protection. This solution includes a variety of critical features made to protect organizations of all sizes from cybercriminals looking to gain entry through email clients.
Advanced malware protection
The total number of malware attacks increased by 267 percent last year, according to recent research from the data security firm Malwarebytes. These threats are bound to multiply over the coming months, meaning businesses must take extra steps to secure their systems. Microsoft’s ATP suite comes equipped with sophisticated defenses that help IT teams fend off malware attacks in real time.
The system addresses the issue of unsafe attachments by running analysis on every single piece of content that filters through the mail client. Attachments deemed malicious are automatically placed in a protected, server-based detonation chamber, while those that pass the test are allowed to flow freely between users. Recently, Microsoft introduced the Dynamic Delivery option, which allows users to view and respond to messages with attachments undergoing scanning, according to a company blog post. Now, users can offer timely responses even as ATP evaluates incoming content.
“ATP includes critical features made to protect organizations from cybercriminals looking to gain entry through email clients.”
The suite also includes a malicious link detection component that helps users avoid interacting with suspect emails. Upon hovering over embedded links, readers are met with a dialogue box that offers guidance on how to proceed. Clean links generate all-clears, while suspicious URLs yield warnings that advise users to stay away. This feature, combined with some company-sponsored data security training, gives employees the tools they need to keep out viruses lurking in seemingly legitimate links.
Detailed reporting
ATP includes robust reporting capabilities that allow IT workers to carefully survey systems and watch for troubling user behaviors. For example, administrators can to trace clicks to specific users, allowing for tailored behavioral feedback. Additionally, the platform collects data on regularly encountered threats and common internal targets which makes it easier to evaluate and address data security concerns.
These capabilities make ATP an ideal solution for organizations using Office 365.
Interested in adopting ATP? Connect with B2B Technologies to see how the solution fits within your current Microsoft workflow. You can also take a look at our other offerings, including Azure managed services package.