What does Under Armour, Facebook and marketing firm Exactis have in common? Lack of strong cybersecurity such as Microsoft 365 Security could make or break businesses.
Monumental heat on cybersecurity was on the radar of cybersecurity specialists last year. A whopping 340 million accounts were compromised following data breach in June 2018. Facebook and Under Armour were also embroiled in cybersecurity threats leading to heated discussion about data security.
This begs the question, how to reinforce data security at the workplace?
As hackers continue to overcome security measures, data security specialists at workplace need to exercise full caution. For users adapting to Microsoft 365, cybersecurity risks can be mitigated with employee education. By attaining a certified Microsoft 365: Security Administrator Associate role, one is proven to function as a sentinel of data security.
Pathway To Certification
| Courses | Summary |
| MS-500T01: Managing Microsoft 365 Identity and Access | Candidate to supervise identity and access of users plus resource management. |
| MS-500T02: Implementing Microsoft 365 Threat Protection | Candidate to acquire skills on threat prevention by optimizing multitude of Microsoft defense mechanisms. |
| MS-500T03: Implementing Microsoft 365 Information Protection | Candidate to master prevention of data loss and secure messaging plus data encryption technologies. |
| MS-500T04: Administering Microsoft 365 Built-in Compliance | Candidate to manage data retention and initiate investigations for audit purposes |
Final Lap: MS-500: Microsoft 365 Security Administrator
The four components of the examination attempt to examine candidates’ understanding on the previous four preparation courses. Implement and Manage Identity Access and Manage Governance & Compliance Feature in Microsoft 365 sections will occupy a major component in the examination, therefore it’s essential that MS-500T01 and MS-500T04 to be taken seriously during studies. For revision at home, it’s also recommended that candidates to visit Microsoft Learn and explore its knowledge archive. It offers free-of-charge and reliable source of study materials.
Cybersecurity Tactics: Cyberattack Strategies
Cybersecurity Threats report by global cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies for Q4 2018 found that there were over 1 million victims in IT industry. Undesired cyberincidents were also reported to grow by 11% in comparison to 2017. The looming threats of cybersecurity to IT workplaces are real. Perhaps it’s even more essential why having certified role in managing Microsoft 365 security.
Malware: Spyware and remote administration malware were deployed by attackers to siphon information from electronic appliances. Malicious e-mail attachments were also at fault for the reported incidents.
Hacking: Vulnerability in security measures were also not missed as hackers resorted to place blockchain platform in crosshairs. This permits them to gain control and access to sensitive data independent of immediate detection.
Web attacks: Injection of malicious scripts into the code of vulnerable sites also played a role for the high number of reported cyberattacks. Such attempts impaired the integrity of websites leaving online shoppers at great risk for frauds.
DDoS: Disruption of normal traffic of server by attackers continued to be a trend as less secured infrastructure setting provide ample opportunities for downfalls.
Credential compromise: Financial loss is often the biggest lament of this method of attack. Bruteforced passwords were utilized to compromise protocols and siphon out information or withholding access hostage until a ransom is paid.
Social engineering: Marketing emails appeared to be the gateway for phishing schemes. Unsuspecting newsletters were sent to users and tricked them to reveal credentials on a counterfeit website in which troubles ensue soon after.
Don’t Be Like Uber, Be Super
When the personal data of 57 million users were stolen from Uber, the ride-hailing company opted for an unorthodox solution in 2017. It paid USD100k to the hackers and tried to conceal the issue. The firestorm of controversy that follows raised concerns over its data confidentiality policies and business practices.
As the security specialist of organizations, guarding the integrity of Microsoft 365 is a pivotal responsibility to prevent making such infamy. By preparing oneself for the certification role, one may not ultimately banish all attacks but succeed in cybercrimes prevention.
Starting from as low as RM900, any security specialists operating Microsoft 365 can reinforce more than just the firewall and possibly earn a pay raise thanks to certification from Microsoft.
