Achieving Cyber Essentials Certification with Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a comprehensive solution that helps businesses enhance their cybersecurity posture while meeting the requirements of Cyber Essentials certification. This article explores how Microsoft 365 Business Premium’s advanced features, including Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Windows Hello for Business, MFA enforcement, and local admin password management, can support your certification journey.

Understanding Cyber Essentials Certification

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed certification designed to protect organisations against common cyber threats. To achieve certification, businesses must meet five key security requirements:

1. Firewalls
2. Secure Configuration
3. User Access Control
4. Malware Protection
5. Security Update Management

Cyber Essentials certification is more than just a technical safeguard; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your small business’s reputation and credibility. By demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity, you build trust, foster stronger relationships, and position your business as a reliable and professional partner.

For small businesses aiming to stand out in a competitive market, achieving Cyber Essentials certification is a smart investment that pays dividends in customer loyalty and business opportunities.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium equips small businesses with productivity tools like Teams and Excel, alongside robust security features.

Here’s how its capabilities map to Cyber Essentials requirements:

1 - Firewalls and Threat Protection

Requirement: Protect your internet connection with firewalls.

• Microsoft Defender for Business provides next-generation antivirus, threat protection, and firewall management tailored for small businesses.
• Microsoft Endpoint Manager enables centralised firewall configuration and monitoring for all devices.

2 - Secure Configuration

Requirement: Ensure secure setup for devices and software.

• Intune (Endpoint Manager): Easily configure security policies for Windows devices, ensuring adherence to secure baselines.
• Windows Hello for Business: Replaces passwords with biometric authentication, reducing reliance on less secure credentials while enhancing the user experience.

3 - User Access Control

Requirement: Restrict user access to only what they need.

• Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD): Enforces role-based access control, ensuring employees access only the resources necessary for their roles.
• MFA Enforcement: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is built into Entra ID, significantly improving identity security by requiring additional verification steps.
• Local Admin Password Management: Intune enables management of local administrator accounts, preventing unauthorised changes and securing privileged accounts.

4 - Security Update Management

Requirement: Ensure all devices and software are up to date with the latest security patches.

• Update Rings: Define policies to automate updates for Windows, ensuring devices stay secure without disrupting productivity.
• Cloud Updates: Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and Teams are automatically updated to the latest secure versions.

Additional Features for Robust Cybersecurity

• Windows Hello for Business: Strengthens access security with biometrics or PIN-based authentication.
• Conditional Access Policies: Allows for dynamic access restrictions based on location, device state, or user behaviour.
• Secure Local Admin Passwords: Intune and Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) simplifies the secure management of local admin accounts, reducing insider threats.
• Microsoft Secure Score: A centralised dashboard that provides actionable insights to improve your organisation’s security posture.

How to Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification with Microsoft 365 Business Premium

1. Assess Your Current Security State: Use tools like Microsoft Secure Score to identify security gaps.
2. Implement Security Policies: Leverage features like Intune, Entra ID, and Defender to meet Cyber Essentials controls.
3. Train Your Team: Educate employees on security best-practices and enforce the use of MFA and Windows Hello.
4. Document Processes: Maintain clear documentation of how you meet Cyber Essentials requirements.
5. Apply for Certification: Work with an accredited Cyber Essentials certification body to validate compliance.

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides the tools small businesses need to meet Cyber Essentials requirements and strengthen their overall cybersecurity defences. From managing updates and enforcing MFA to securing local admin accounts and replacing passwords with biometrics, this subscription simplifies achieving certification while reducing the risk of cyber threats.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to your FOS.net account manager to find out more.

Secure your business, achieve compliance, and build trust with your customers today.