Many organisations assume improving security means buying more tools. In reality, most SMEs already have access to powerful Microsoft 365 security features — they’re just underused.

A practical starting point is Microsoft Secure Score. It gives you a clear view of your current security posture and highlights recommended actions to improve it, such as:

• Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Applying Conditional Access policies
• Turning on email and identity protections
• Improving device and account security settings

Following these recommendations helps raise your baseline security quickly and measurably.

However, Secure Score is a starting point, not the finish line.

Good cyber security is built in layers, not reliant on a single control or dashboard. A proper approach also considers:

• User behaviour and training
• Device protection and patching
• Email and identity security
• Data protection and access controls
• Backup, monitoring, and incident response

The fix: use Microsoft Secure Score to strengthen what you already own, then build a layered security model around it. This reduces risk far more effectively than relying on one tool or buying security in isolation.

Moving to Microsoft 365 Business Premium is also great way to improve your cyber security stance.