In today’s digital-first world, security isn’t optional—it’s essential. In our latest webinar, Colin Smith, Secure Cloud and Modern Work Practice Lead here at Creospark, walked us through the critical importance of regular Microsoft 365 security assessments and how organizations can proactively defend against evolving threats.  

From real-world risks to actionable strategies, this session was packed with insights for IT leaders, compliance officers, and anyone responsible for safeguarding their digital workspace. Missed it or want a quick refresher? Here’s what we covered—and why it matters.  

Why Security Assessments Matter More Than Ever

Colin kicked things off with a stark reminder: Microsoft 365 is the central nervous system of many organizations. One weak link—whether it’s a misconfigured setting or a compromised identity—can jeopardize your entire operation.  

Regular security assessments help you:  

• Identify vulnerabilities before attackers do  

• Ensure compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and NIST  

• Avoid costly breaches and downtime  

• Strengthen your reputation with clients and regulators  

As Colin put it, “Security isn’t a one-time project—it’s a continuous process of improvement.”  

Tools That Make a Difference: Microsoft Secure Score

One of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your M365 toolbox is Microsoft Secure Score.  

Secure Score provides:  

• A real-time snapshot of your security posture  

• Actionable recommendations tailored to your environment  

• Alignment with industry standards like CIS and NIST  

Whether you’re managing sensitive health data or internal communications, Secure Score helps you prioritize what matters most. And the best part? It’s built right into your Microsoft 365 tenant.  

Want to read more on this? Check out our last blog on Microsoft Secure Score –> A Guide to Microsoft Secure Score

💡 Pro Tip: Check your Secure Score today and start with the low-hanging fruit—like enabling MFA or reviewing conditional access policies.  

Best Practices from the Front Lines  

Drawing from real-world experience, Colin shared our trusted approach to building secure Microsoft 365 environments:  

• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Go beyond passwords with passwordless authentication, biometrics, and just-in-time access.  

• Privileged Access Controls: Use PIM and PAM to manage who has access to what—and for how long.  

• Endpoint Protection: Regular patching and updates are your first line of defense.  

• Employee Training: Humans are often the weakest link. Simulated phishing campaigns and ongoing education are key.  

• Cyber Insurance: Not a replacement for security, but a critical layer of financial protection.  

Aligning with Industry Benchmarks

Frameworks like NIST and CIS aren’t just for compliance—they’re roadmaps for building a resilient security posture. Colin broke down how these standards help organizations:  

• Establish clear governance and accountability  

• Customize controls to fit their risk profile  

• Continuously improve over time  

Think of NIST as the “what” and CIS as the “how”—together, they provide both strategic direction and technical implementation guidance.  

Read more on CIS and NIST here in our latest blog post –> CIS vs. NIST: The Cybersecurity Workout Your Organization Needs 

Emerging Threats to Watch

The threat landscape is evolving fast. Colin highlighted key trends including:  

• A 71% rise in attacks using stolen credentials  

• The growing sophistication of ransomware-as-a-service  

• Increased targeting of supply chains and third-party vendors  

• The rise of AI-powered phishing and social engineering  

The takeaway? Proactive defense is your best offense.  

Your Next Steps  

Ready to take action? Here’s your starting checklist: 

✅ Review your Microsoft Secure Score  

✅ Implement quick wins like MFA and conditional access  

✅ Create a custom security benchmark  

✅ Schedule regular assessments  

✅ Consider a third-party review (some cyber insurance policies require it)  

✅ Build an incident response plan and know where to report breaches (Canada, US)  

Final Thoughts

Security isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a business imperative. By investing in regular assessments, aligning with best practices, and empowering your people, you can build a Microsoft 365 environment that’s not only secure but resilient.  

Need support getting started?  

Creospark’s Microsoft 365 experts are here to help. From assessments to Copilot governance briefings, we’ll help you align security with innovation and without sacrificing productivity.