This notion is particularly important when studying for the MS-101 Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security exam. The exam requires the understanding and application of policies to review and respond to risks on devices, which is vital when dealing with the security framework of Microsoft 365.
Identifying Risks
The first step in managing risks on devices involves the identification of potential threats. Microsoft 365 provides several tools to do this. For instance, Microsoft 365 Defender (formerly Microsoft Threat Protection) gives an integrated view across the entire environment to identify incidents and detect advanced threats in a timely manner.
In addition to that, there is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which is a unified platform for preventative protection, post-breach detection, automated investigation, and response to complex threats on devices.
With built-in tools in Microsoft 365 like Secure Score and Compliance Score, analysis of your organization’s security posture gets easier. These scoring models provide real-time assessments of the organization’s security status, revealing areas that need improvements, hence allowing you to prioritize and optimize security measures according to threat landscape.
Responding to Risks
Once the risks have been identified, the next step involves responses. In Microsoft 365, these responses can be automated or manual. Automated responses can be created using actions like:
- Isolating a device: You can quickly prevent the spread of a threat by isolating a potentially compromised device from accessing corporate network.
- Collecting investigation package: This action helps in gathering detailed machine information and files to further investigate a threat.
- Restricting app execution: This prevents any application from launching on the device unless they are on the allowed list.
Manual responses include actions such as disabling the user account affected, resetting the passwords, and initiating security scans on the device.
In case of identifying data leakage, Microsoft 365 comes with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies which help in protecting sensitive information across Microsoft 365. The DLP rules can be set up to identify, monitor, and protect 80 different types of sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and passport numbers.
Risk Governance
Aside from risk identification and response, risk governance is another core aspect addressed in the MS-101 exam. Microsoft provides various compliance solutions to manage and govern data like Microsoft Information Protection and Governance. These solutions help protect sensitive data throughout its lifecycle – from creation through collaboration, storage, and even to deletion.
Moreover, Microsoft Compliance Manager helps manage organizational compliance from one place. It helps simplify compliance and reduce risk by providing insights about data compliance within Microsoft Cloud services on the dashboard.
It is crucial to review and respond to device-related risks in a timely manner to avoid potential data breaches. By effectively using Microsoft 365’s integrated tools and solutions, organizations can protect against threats, understand user behaviors, and automate responses to incidents.
So, when preparing for the MS-101 exam, understanding how to use these Microsoft 365 capabilities to review and respond to risks is essential. With the understanding of the tools, features, and procedures, individuals can effectively manage and govern their digital environments, safeguarding them from potential threats and risks.
Practice Test
True or False: Regularly reviewing and responding to risks on devices is not essential for maintaining the security of the Microsoft 365 environment.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Regularly reviewing and responding to risks on devices is very important to maintain the security of Microsoft 365 environment. This allows for early detection and timely response to potential threats.
What are some components that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint uses to assess devices? (Multiple choice)
- A) Threat and Vulnerability Management
- B) Attack Surface Reduction
- C) Hardware-based Isolation
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: All options listed are key components that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint uses to assess devices.
True or False: Microsoft Cloud App Security helps in identifying and responding to risks and threats.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft Cloud App Security is a key component of the Microsoft threat protection solution, which helps to discover and protect against various risks and threats.
Which of the following is not a step in the risk management process?
- A) Risk identification
- B) Risk analysis
- C) Threat exaggeration
- D) Risk mitigation
Answer: C) Threat exaggeration
Explanation: The risk management process involves risk identification, risk analysis, and risk mitigation. Threat exaggeration is not part of this process.
In the context of Microsoft 365, risk signals originate from _____. (Single Select)
- A) Azure Active Directory Identity Protection
- B) Microsoft Defender for Identity
- C) Microsoft Cloud App Security
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Risk signals in Microsoft 365 originate from different sources, including Azure Active Directory Identity Protection, Microsoft Defender for Identity, and Microsoft Cloud App Security.
True or False: Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) safeguards your organization against malicious threats posed by email messages, links, and collaboration tools.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Office 365 ATP is known for protecting your organization against malicious threats transported via email, shared links and various collaboration tools.
Which of the following Microsoft security solutions includes risk policies to address risks on devices? (Single Select)
- A) Microsoft Cloud App Security
- B) Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- C) Both A and B
- D) None of the above
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Both Microsoft Cloud App Security and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint include different risk policies that can be used to address potential risks on devices.
True or False: Risk can affect both the software and hardware parts of a device.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Both the software and hardware components of a device can be prone to risk, hence risk management should address both areas.
True or False: Separate strategies are required to manage risks on mobile devices and computer workstations.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Different devices have different vulnerabilities, hence separate strategies are required to manage risk on mobile devices and computer workstations accordingly.
Who is responsible for responding to risks on devices in an organization? (Single Select)
- A) Everyone in the organization
- B) The IT department
- C) The management team
- D) The marketing department
Answer: B) The IT department
Explanation: While everyone has a role to play in security, it is typically the IT department’s responsibility to actively respond to risks on devices.
True or False: Identifying risks on devices is the final step in risk management.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Identifying risks is the initial step in risk management. The following steps involve assessing the risks, establishing a plan to mitigate them, and continuous monitoring of the plan’s effectiveness.
Interview Questions
What are some common risks associated with mobile devices in a business setting?
Some common risks include the loss or theft of devices leading to unauthorized access, the use of unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, malicious apps, and phishing attacks.
What is one method to secure data on devices if they are lost or stolen?
One method is to use Microsoft Intune to enforce device encryption and a strong device lock. In the event a device is lost or stolen, you can use Intune to lock the device or wipe its data remotely.
What is the purpose of mobile device management in terms of responding to risks?
Mobile device management (MDM) allows an organization to manage and control employee devices to maintain security and mitigate risks. This includes implementing security policies, managing device settings, securing email and data, and ensuring that data is encrypted.
How does threat management help in response to the risks on Microsoft 365?
Threat management in Microsoft 365 provides insight into the security state of your environment and helps you mitigate potential risks. It includes features like threat tracking, alert resolution, secure score, and advanced hunting.
How can Azure Information Protection (AIP) help to mitigate security risks?
AIP is a cloud-based solution that helps organizations classify and optionally, protect its documents and emails by applying labels. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected and reduces the risk of accidental or unauthorized data access.
What is the role of Cloud App Security in managing device risks?
Cloud App Security is a multi-faceted tool that provides visibility into your cloud apps and services, provides sophisticated analytics to identify and combat cyber threats, and enables you to control how your data travels.
How can Microsoft 365 help to secure Wi-Fi connections on mobile devices?
Microsoft 365 includes a feature known as Conditional Access, which can restrict access to organisational data based on the network connection being used. This minimises the risk of unsecured public Wi-Fi networks being used to access sensitive data.
Can Intune wipe a device clean of all information, if necessary?
Yes, in extreme situations, Microsoft Intune has a feature to perform a full wipe, which removes all data, settings, and installed applications from the device.
What is Azure Active Directory and how does it assist in minimizing risks on devices?
Azure Active Directory is Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management service, which helps your employees sign in and access resources in a secure manner. It includes features like multi-factor authentication and conditional access to alleviate the risks to devices.
Why is it necessary to update devices and applications to the latest versions?
Keeping devices and applications updated not only ensures access to the latest features and improvements but also security patches. Many updates address specific security vulnerabilities that have been discovered, so neglecting to update can leave devices open to known risks.
How does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint assist in managing risks on devices?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a holistic, cloud-based endpoint security solution that includes risk-based vulnerability management and assessment, attack surface reduction, behavioural-based and cloud-powered next-generation protection which all help in mitigating risks on devices.
What role does Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) play in risk management?
Office 365 ATP provides comprehensive protection against malware and viruses, and safeguards against harmful links in real time. It features robust reporting and URL trace capabilities that give admins insight into the kind of attacks happening in the environment.
What is a risk associated with the use of third-party apps on company devices?
Third-party apps can pose a risk in some cases because they may not conform to the security standards and practices of the organization. These apps can introduce vulnerabilities to devices which can be exploited by malicious actors.
How does the Microsoft 365 security & compliance center help to manage risks?
The Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center is a management console that is designed to enable organizations to manage compliance features across the platform and implement data loss prevention policies. This helps in managing risks by ensuring that sensitive data isn’t being shared or leaked outside the organization.
What is the importance of user training in mitigating the risk of phishing attacks in an organization?
Human error is a significant factor in the success of phishing attacks. Therefore, training users to identify and report potential phishing attempts is key to reducing the risk of such attacks. A well-informed user base can serve as an additional line of defense for the organization.