Microsoft 365 & Identity

Microsoft Authenticator app is the best balance of security, usability, and cost. It's free, supports push notifications (easy for users), works offline via TOTP codes, and can be backed up. We configure MFA for all users and enforce it via conditional access policies — no more "optional" MFA that gets ignored. For higher-security environments (e.g., finance, legal), we can add phishing-resistant methods like FIDO2 security keys or Windows Hello for Business. SMS is allowed as a backup for account recovery, but not recommended as a primary method due to SIM-swap attacks. The key is user education: we provide simple onboarding guides and QR codes to make setup painless. Once users are enrolled, MFA becomes invisible most of the time (Authenticator remembers devices), and only prompts when risk changes (new location, suspicious sign-in).

Three steps: (1) Separate admin accounts. Admins get a dedicated admin-only account (e.g., admin-john@...) that is NEVER used for email or daily work — only for admin tasks. This prevents phishing from compromising admin credentials. (2) Least-privilege roles. We assign the narrowest role needed (e.g., User Administrator vs Global Admin), reducing blast radius if an account is compromised. (3) Break-glass accounts. We create two emergency Global Admin accounts (cloud-only, strong random passwords stored in a physical safe or vault) that bypass MFA and conditional access — used ONLY if primary admins are locked out. These are monitored closely; any use triggers an immediate alert. Admin accounts also get additional conditional access rules: MFA required always, sign-ins logged, high-risk logins blocked automatically. This layered approach means even if a phishing email compromises your daily account, the attacker still can't access admin functions.

Yes. We configure Microsoft Intune (included in many M365 Business/Enterprise licenses) to manage device compliance. Policies we typically implement: (1) Device encryption (BitLocker on Windows, FileVault on Mac), (2) OS update enforcement (devices must be up-to-date to access company data), (3) Conditional access based on device compliance (e.g., only managed, compliant devices can access SharePoint/OneDrive), (4) App protection policies (prevent copy/paste from Outlook to personal apps on mobile), (5) Remote wipe capability (if a device is lost/stolen, IT can wipe company data). For BYOD scenarios (personal devices), we use app-level protection instead of full device management — protecting company data in Outlook/Teams without controlling the entire phone. We also document the policies so your team knows what's enforced, and we provide self-service portals where users can enroll their own devices. This keeps your data secure even when devices leave the office or employees leave the company.