With the rise of remote work, unified communication tools like Microsoft Teams has seen a huge increase in adoption across industries, uniting teams across continents and time zones.

However, as the UC stack evolves and more channels for connectivity open, companies need to prepare for potential security risks early on.

And this doesn’t just mean encrypting phone calls or using strong password policies anymore. UC systems are susceptible to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, unauthorized access, and mobile threats, all of which can expose your network and resources to cybercriminals.

Chief Operating Officer at NUWAVE, Mark Bunnell, says that “building the safest environment starts with a comprehensive security approach involving a combination of measures to create a robust defense against potential threats” and urges organizations to “identify threats, continuously assess their security plan to recognize weaknesses, and adjust their priorities accordingly.”

Here are ten of the most important security risks to consider when using Microsoft Teams.

10 Security Considerations for Microsoft Teams

1. User Access Controls

Access to UC apps, company resources, accounts, and files should be restricted to authorized personnel. An additional way to strengthen security is by implementing a strong password policy and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

2. Guest Access Controls

Collaboration is the crux of Microsoft Teams, but if your organization collaborates with external parties, their access should be limited to necessary MS Teams channels and conversations.

3. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Most organizations have a data protection policy for customers but fail to protect internal data, especially when Microsoft Teams can be a hotbed for sharing sensitive information. A DLP policy can help to prevent the unauthorized sharing of personal information, financial data, or intellectual property in violation of company policies.

4. App Permissions

Companies should restrict the installation and permissions of third-party apps in Microsoft Teams, except apps that adhere to a company’s security standards. This can greatly reduce the risk of infected downloads that could compromise your systems.

5. Mobile Device Security

If employees access Microsoft Teams from mobile devices, those devices must be encrypted to protect sensitive company information from being leaked. Companies should also consider implementing remote wipe capabilities and containerization to isolate the internal network from harm.

6. Regular Updates and Patches

Notifications to update software shouldn’t be ignored. Keeping Microsoft Teams and connected software up to date can work as a precaution against potential threats.

7. Audit Logs and Monitoring

Responding to security incidents promptly can save your systems from complete disaster. One way to respond faster is by enabling the auditing and logging feature in Microsoft Teams to monitor user activity and detect suspicious behavior.

Burnell also warns businesses to consider data retention requirements, explaining that “the default period for retaining audit logs can differ from company policies that align with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements.”

8. Secure Integration with Other Services

The Microsoft ecosystem often depends on integration with other applications and services. Companies should ensure these integrations are secure and protect data and user privacy. For example, the iPilot solution from NUWAVE is BSI certified to comply with Microsoft, industry, and regulatory standards.

9. Security Awareness Training

Since a large share of security incidents are caused by negligent employees, security awareness training is integral to your UC security plan. In one of the most devastating whaling attacks recorded, an employee was tricked by a cybercriminal pretending to be a C-suite executive, costing the company $42 million.

Regular training that coincides with emerging cybercriminals’ tactics can help reduce threats and safeguard sensitive information within Microsoft Teams.

10. Data Backup and Recovery

Finally, if a security breach or system failure does occur, businesses can recover more effectively by backing up critical data within Microsoft Teams to an external server.

Unifying Systems and Simplifying Security in Microsoft Teams

A unified, fully compliant, and secure communication stack is the dream of any modern organization. And while that goal might seem challenging, some integrations can help. iPilot, for instance, was recently updated with the eagerly anticipated Constellation which delivers a comprehensive overview of your information security, unified communications (UC), and compliance ecosystem.

By seamlessly integrating your tools, controls, and technical audits, it customizes your cloud service capabilities, surpassing the requirements of your end customers — bringing heightened protection for every user within your ecosystem.



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