For registered investment advisors (RIAs), every email ping is a potential opportunity, a client query, or an industry update. But hidden within these email exchanges could be messages carrying malicious intent. Unfortunately, email remains one of the most common methods of cybercrime, with phishing attacks and malware being the top threats.
So, what can you do to protect your RIA firm from the cyberthreats lurking in your inbox? Look no further than Microsoft Defender for Office 365 for a comprehensive, intelligent solution designed to keep your email, and your business, safe.
What is Defender for Office 365?
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a cloud-based email filtering service that integrates with your RIA firm’s email system. It uses advanced, AI-powered technology to detect and block cyberthreats in real time, ensuring that only safe emails reach your inbox. It also helps you respond quickly to any security incidents, even if you’re not a tech expert. If you have a Microsoft subscription, then you may already have access to this powerful tool.
What makes Defender for Office 365 the top choice for RIAs?
Microsoft’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art security solutions isn’t just a claim; it’s an achievement recognized by industry experts. In The Forrester Wave™: Enterprise Email Security, Q2 2023 report, Microsoft emerged as a leader, thanks to Defender for Office 365’s advanced threat protection, email encryption capabilities, and ease of deployment and management.
What does this mean for your RIA or financial advisory firm? It means that by using Defender for Office 365, you’re not only getting a trusted and reliable solution but also staying ahead of potential threats. Let’s look at some of the key features that make Microsoft’s email security stand out:
- All-around protection – Defender for Office 365 protects your email from all types of threats, including spam, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It also prevents accidental data leaks by detecting and encrypting sensitive information in emails. What’s more, it doesn’t protect just your inbox, but also other Microsoft apps, such as Teams and SharePoint.
- Top-notch performance – With Microsoft’s vast network of threat intelligence and machine learning capabilities, Defender for Office 365 can quickly analyze billions of emails every day to identify and block any potential threats. It also continuously learns from new patterns and trends, ensuring that your email security is always up to date.
- Quick incident response – Imagine having a security team that jumps into action as soon as something seems fishy. That’s what you get with Defender for Office 365. It provides real-time alerts and reports, allowing you to quickly assess any security incidents and take action.
- Seamless integration – If you’re like most RIA firms, you likely already use Microsoft 365 for your daily business operations. Defender for Office 365 integrates seamlessly with this suite of productivity tools, you’re essentially adding an extra layer of security to your work apps without making things complicated. It fits right in with your existing workflow and can even enhance it.
- User-friendly interface – You don’t have to be a tech expert to use Defender for Office 365. Its intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone in your firm to manage and monitor email security. Plus, with automatic updates and maintenance, you can focus on running your business without worrying about cybersecurity.
Microsoft delivers communication protection with streamlined analyst experience. Now a security tech powerhouse, Microsoft’s continued investment in security is paying off as it protects end users from attacks that target communication and collaboration environments in addition to email.
– The Forrester –
Leverage your Microsoft subscription to the fullest
If your RIA firm is already using Microsoft 365, then adding Defender for Office 365 to your arsenal is a no-brainer. You get all the benefits of this advanced email security service without any additional cost. Work with your IT services provider to ensure you have this service configured properly to take advantage of all it has to offer. But even if you don’t have a Microsoft subscription, investing in Defender for Office 365 is a wise decision that can save you from potential data breaches and financial losses.
It’s also worth noting that Microsoft’s commitment to security extends beyond email protection. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, a part of Microsoft’s security offerings, has also been recognized for its excellence. In the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms, Microsoft was named a Leader. According to the report, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint delivers outstanding endpoint security and is a top choice for organizations looking to secure their endpoints effectively.
By leveraging your Microsoft subscription to its maximum potential, you’re investing in a safer, more secure future for your firm. You’re ensuring that every email ping remains an opportunity instead of turning into a potential threat. Don’t let cybercriminals disrupt your growth — take action today with Defender for Office 365, and let your business continue to flourish in a secure digital environment.
Our team at RIA WorkSpace can help you set up and manage Microsoft Defender for Office 365, along with other essential tools to streamline your RIA operations. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services.