Cyber attacks are becoming sophisticated, targeting not just large enterprises but also SMEs across the UK. Fortunately, Microsoft provides a practical, easy-to-use tool to help you measure and improve your cyber security: Microsoft Secure Score.
What is Microsoft Secure Score?
Microsoft Secure Score is a built-in security analysis tool designed specifically for organisations using Microsoft 365 and Azure services.
Think of Secure Score as a credit score, but for your organisation’s cybersecurity health. It assesses your security posture based on your current settings, usage patterns, and compliance with recommended security practices.
Secure Score provides you with a simple numerical value—a higher number indicates a stronger security posture. It also suggests specific actions you can take to improve your score and thus, your overall cyber security.
Tip #1 - Why Should SMEs Care About Secure Score?
In the UK, SMEs form the backbone of our economy. However, they often lack extensive IT teams or cyber security specialists. Secure Score bridges this gap, empowering non-technical managers to understand their security status clearly and take practical steps to enhance protection. This proactive approach helps reduce the risk of costly cyber incidents, reputational damage, and ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations such as GDPR.
Tip #2 - What You Need to Access Microsoft Secure Score
To use Microsoft Secure Score, your organisation must have an active subscription to Microsoft 365 Business, Enterprise, or Azure Active Directory Premium. Most SMEs in the UK who already use Microsoft 365 for email, collaboration, and productivity tools will have immediate access to Secure Score at no additional cost.
Tip #3 - How Microsoft Secure Score Works
Microsoft Secure Score evaluates your current security status and compares it against industry standards and best practices set by Microsoft cyber security experts. The system reviews areas including:
Email and data protection
Device management
Application security
After analysis, Secure Score provides:
An Overall Score: A clear numeric rating that reflects your current security status.
Detailed Recommendations: Practical, step-by-step actions that help strengthen your cyber security.
Historical Data: Track your score over time to measure improvements and identify trends.
Tip #4 - Accessing Microsoft Secure Score: A Step-by-Step Guide
Accessing Secure Score is straightforward:
Sign into the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre:
Visit admin.microsoft.com and sign in with your administrator credentials.
Navigate to Secure Score:
From the homepage, go to the left-hand menu.
Click on Security under Admin Centres.
Select Secure Score from the dashboard.
Review Your Score and Recommendations:
Once in the Secure Score dashboard, your overall security rating will be immediately visible.
Scroll down to view detailed actions to improve your score.
Tip #5 - Utilising Microsoft Secure Score to Improve Your Security
Improving your Secure Score is about prioritising practical and manageable changes. Here’s how you can effectively use Secure Score:
Prioritise Easy Wins
Begin by implementing straightforward recommendations such as enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), which greatly reduces the risk of compromised accounts. MFA is simple to set up and significantly boosts security.
Schedule Regular Reviews
Regularly review your Secure Score dashboard—monthly or quarterly—to track progress and continuously adapt your cyber security measures.
Delegate Responsibilities
While you may not have an IT department, delegating specific recommended tasks among key team members can streamline the process. Many actions require minimal technical expertise and are clearly explained within Secure Score.
Educate Your Team
Cybersecurity awareness is critical. Use Secure Score’s recommendations as talking points during team meetings to increase cyber security literacy across your organisation.
Seek External Support if Needed
For tasks that feel complex or require deeper technical insights, consider partnering OCM, a trusted IT service provider specialising in Microsoft 365 security to guide you through enhancements recommended by Secure Score.
Tip #6 - Taking Security to the Next Level with Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Microsoft 365 Business Premium not only provides access to Secure Score but also includes powerful tools like Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Purview, helping you further enhance your cyber security posture.
Microsoft Intune: Simplified Device and Application Management
Intune allows you to centrally manage and secure devices (PCs, mobiles, tablets) across your organisation. You can set security policies, remotely wipe lost or stolen devices, and ensure sensitive company data remains protected. Intune integrates seamlessly with Secure Score, enhancing your visibility and control over device security.
Microsoft Purview: Advanced Data Governance and Compliance
Purview helps you manage and secure your data, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR. It enables you to identify, classify, and protect sensitive information across your entire digital estate. With Purview, you can set clear data handling policies, reducing the risk of accidental data leaks or breaches.
By fully leveraging these bundled tools, your SME can benefit from enterprise-grade security capabilities, providing robust protection without requiring dedicated in-house IT staff.
Real-World Benefits for Your Organisation
Using Microsoft Secure Score can:
Reduce Your Cyber security Risk: Actively implementing recommendations minimises the risk of data breaches.
Build Client Trust: Demonstrating robust cyber security practices reassures customers and stakeholders.
Compliance Confidence: Maintain GDPR compliance by implementing recommended security measures.
Conclusion: A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity
Microsoft Secure Score is more than just a tool; it's your proactive partner in securing your business operations against growing cyber threats. Accessible, practical, and clearly laid out, it empowers UK SMEs without extensive IT resources to confidently manage cyber security.
Taking the initial step to understand and regularly monitor your Secure Score places your organisation ahead in the ongoing battle against cyber threats, protecting your valuable assets and reputation.
Start today—log in, review your score, and begin making meaningful improvements to your organisation’s cyber security posture.
About the Author – OCM Engineers
Hi, I’m an OCM Engineer, part of the expert team at OCM Communications, where we specialise in IT support and solutions, AI, network infrastructure, and cyber security with compliance. Our mission is to help businesses stay connected, secure, and efficient by providing insightful advice, practical solutions, and the latest industry updates.
With a BSc in Computing and Law and 30+ years of experience in designing, implementing, and supporting business systems, I bring extensive expertise backed by Microsoft and Google certifications and lead Cyber Essentials Assessor credentials. I’m passionate about making complex technology accessible for businesses of all sizes. Whether it’s optimising your network, strengthening security, or harnessing AI tools, I’m here to share knowledge and guide you through the evolving world of business technology.
Need tailored solutions or have questions? Get in touch – we’re here to help!
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