Defending Against Cyber Threats with Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Cyber ​​threats are everywhere. Phishing, malware and ransomware attacks are becoming more common. If you use Microsoft 365, you will need to keep your and emails, files and data safely. This is where Microsoft comes to defend to Office 365.

Keep reading to learn more!

What Is Microsoft Defender for Office 365?

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a security tool that helps protect your emails, files, and online meetings from threats. It works in the background to block harmful emails, scan links, and stop suspicious activity before it causes damage.

How Does It Protect You?

1. Stops Phishing Emails

Phishing emails look real but are designed to steal your information. Defender scans emails and warns you if something looks suspicious. It helps prevent fake login pages and other tricks used by hackers.

2. Blocks Malicious Links & Attachments

Have you ever received an email with a link or an attachment and weren’t sure if it was safe? Defender checks them before you open them. If a link leads to a harmful website, it stops you from clicking on it.

3. Detects and Removes Malware

Malware (malicious software) can infect your computer through emails or downloads. Defender scans and removes harmful files before they reach your inbox.

4. Protects Teams and SharePoint Files

Cyber threats don’t just come through email. Defender also checks files shared in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive to ensure they are safe.

5. Alerts You About Suspicious Activity

If Defender detects unusual activity, it sends alerts. This helps businesses act quickly before an attack spreads.

How to Check If Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Is Turned On

You can verify if Defender is active by following these steps:

For Users (Basic Check in Outlook)

If you're using Outlook (Web or Desktop), Microsoft Defender works in the background, but you can check if it’s filtering threats by:

1. Looking for warning messages – When you receive a suspicious email, Defender will label it as "Potential phishing" or "Suspicious."

2. Checking your Junk/Quarantine folder – If emails are being moved there automatically, Defender is working.

For Admins (Checking in Microsoft 365 Security Portal)

If you have admin access, follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Security Portal

1. Open your web browser and go to: https://security.microsoft.com

2. Log in with your Microsoft 365 Admin account.

Step 2: Check Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Policies

Once logged in, click on Threat Management from the left menu.

• Select Policy & rules > Threat policies.

• Safe Links – Protects users from malicious links.

• Safe Attachments – Scans email attachments for malware.

• Anti-Phishing – Prevents phishing attempts.

Step 3: View Security Reports to Confirm Defender is Active

1. In the Security portal, go to Reports > Threat protection status.

2. Here, you can check:

   • How many emails were scanned.

   • How many threats were blocked.

   • If Defender is actively protecting your organization.

What to Do If Defender Is Not Enabled?

If you're an admin and Defender isn’t turned on, you may need to adjust security settings in Microsoft Defender Security Center. If you don’t have admin access, contact your IT team to ensure protection is enabled.

How Can You Stay Safer?

Think before you click - if an email seems suspicious, do not open links or attachments.

Check the sender - if an email requests confidential information, confirm that it is from a reliable source.

Use multifactorial authentication (MFA)- This adds an extra layer of security to your account.

Relate and email suspiciously - If you receive a strange and email, report it in Outlook to help Microsoft improve security.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 helps keep your emails and files safe from cyber threats. While it works in the background, being careful with what you open and click on is just as important. Staying aware and using security tools together is the best way to protect your data.

Would you like a quick guide on how to report phishing emails in Outlook? Let me know!

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