Let’s talk about something that sounds boring but is actually super important (and might save your business some serious cash): Microsoft Secure Score.
If your eyes just glazed over, don’t worry — we’re not getting nerdy here.
Think of Microsoft Secure Score like your business's cyber credit score. Just like your personal credit score affects your chances of getting a loan or lowering your interest rate, your Secure Score is becoming a big deal when it comes to cyber insurance — both getting covered and saving money on premiums.
It’s a built-in feature in Microsoft 365 that grades how well you’re protecting your digital environment. It looks at things like:
Are you using multi-factor authentication?
Are you blocking risky email attachments?
Are you enforcing basic security settings for users?
You get a score — kind of like a grade in school. The higher the score, the better your cyber hygiene.
Cyber insurance carriers are cracking down. Breaches are more expensive than ever, and they’re not just handing out coverage without asking some serious questions.
That’s where Secure Score comes in.
If your score is low, they might:
Jack up your premiums đź’¸
Limit your coverage 🤷
Or deny coverage altogether đźš«
But if your Secure Score is high? You could qualify for better rates and broader coverage — because you’ve proven that you're not leaving the front door wide open for attackers.
Most small businesses have no idea what their Secure Score is — or that it even exists. There’s this assumption that “Microsoft handles that stuff.”
Spoiler alert: they don’t.
Microsoft gives you the tools. But it’s on you (or whoever manages your IT) to actually use them — and keep things secure.
If you're using Microsoft 365 to run your business — emails, files, calendars, Teams, you name it — then it’s not just a convenience tool. It’s part of your critical infrastructure.
Here’s what you should be doing to protect it — and your business:
Start with a security baseline. Your Microsoft 365 account should follow a consistent set of security best practices from day one. Think of it like locking the doors and windows before worrying about the alarm system. This includes things like enforcing MFA, disabling legacy protocols, and limiting global admin access.
Check your Microsoft Secure Score regularly. This score gives you a quick look at how secure your Microsoft environment is — and where you can improve. Think of it as a cybersecurity report card. If it’s low, you’ve got gaps.
Monitor for changes in real time. If a setting suddenly gets turned off, a new app is registered, or someone grants themselves more access than they should have — you need to know. These changes can create big holes in your security.
Watch for active threats. Keep an eye out for things like risky sign-ins from new locations, unusual user behavior, or misconfigured permissions. These are the early warning signs of a potential breach — or the start of one already in progress.
Document what’s in place. Whether it's for cyber insurance, audits, or just peace of mind, you should be able to prove what's been done to secure your Microsoft environment. Not just talk about it — actually show it.
If you're not doing these things — or you’re not sure how — that's a sign it's time to tighten things up. Cyber insurance providers are starting to notice. And so are the attackers.
If you’re unsure whether your Microsoft 365 tenant is secure — or what your Secure Score even is — we can help.
We offer a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment at no charge to give you a clear, jargon-free understanding of where you stand, what’s at risk, and how to fix it.
No pressure. No commitment. Just real insight to help you protect your business.
👉 Schedule Your Free Assessment Now