One of the most common misconceptions is the belief that once a Microsoft 365 tenant is configured, the work is done. Many organizations assume they can set up a baseline configuration and leave it untouched indefinitely. Unfortunately, this mindset overlooks the reality of configuration drift and the evolving nature of security and compliance requirements.
The Problem with “Set It and Forget It”
Microsoft 365 is a dynamic platform—new features, updates, and security threats emerge regularly. Even if your tenant starts with a solid baseline, changes happen over time:
- Configuration Drift: Settings can be altered unintentionally or by users with admin privileges, leading to gaps in security.
- New Threats: Attackers adapt their methods, requiring ongoing adjustments to Conditional Access policies, MFA settings, and monitoring tools.
- Compliance Updates: Regulatory frameworks like NIST 800-171 or CMMC evolve, possibly requiring new configurations to remain compliant.
Ignoring these changes can leave your tenant vulnerable or non-compliant, even if it was secure initially.
Why Ongoing Management Matters
Managing a Microsoft 365 tenant is an ongoing process that requires regular audits, updates, and monitoring. For example:’
- Security Posture Reviews: Periodically review Conditional Access policies, DLP rules, and audit logs to ensure nothing has drifted from best practices.
- Feature Adoption: Microsoft frequently releases new tools (e.g., Azure AD Identity Protection or Purview updates) that improve security but require implementation.
- Threat Monitoring: Use tools like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or SIEM solutions to detect emerging threats and respond proactively.
Organizations that care about security and compliance must treat M365 management as a continuous effort. Not a one-time task.