That is understandable. Microsoft 365 is a trusted and highly capable solution, and it is easy to assume that once systems have been migrated to the cloud, security is largely taken care of. However, cybersecurity is not a static exercise. Threats evolve constantly, as do business operations, user behaviours and regulatory expectations.
So, do you know your Microsoft Secure Score?
If not, it may be worth finding out.
What Is Microsoft Secure Score?
Microsoft Secure Score is a measurement of an organisation's security posture within the Microsoft environment. Available through the Microsoft Defender portal, it provides visibility into how effectively security controls have been implemented across Microsoft 365 and highlights recommended actions that can strengthen protection.
Microsoft assigns points when organisations implement specific security measures, such as enabling multi-factor authentication, improving administrative controls or configuring additional security protections. Some recommendations can earn partial points depending on how extensively they have been deployed throughout the organisation.
The purpose of Secure Score is not to provide a simple pass-or-fail assessment. Instead, it offers organisations a practical way to understand where security measures are working effectively and where improvements may be needed.
Importantly, Microsoft is clear that Secure Score is not a guarantee against cyberattacks. A high score does not mean an organisation cannot be compromised. Rather, it indicates the extent to which recommended security controls have been adopted.
How Is Microsoft Secure Score Calculated?
Secure Score assesses security controls across several key areas, including:
- Identity protection
- Device security
- Application security
- Data protection
Within each category, Microsoft identifies recommended actions designed to reduce exposure to common cyber threats.
Examples may include implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), restricting administrative privileges, reviewing access controls, disabling legacy authentication methods and improving user account protection.
Each recommendation is assigned a score value based on its potential security impact. Organisations accumulate points as recommendations are completed, creating an overall score that can be tracked over time.
The result is a clear and measurable way to monitor improvements and identify priorities for future action.
Is There Such a Thing as a 'Good' Secure Score?
One of the most common questions organisations ask is what score they should be aiming for.
In reality, there is no universal benchmark.
Most organisations score somewhere between 40-45%, while a well-managed Microsoft 365 tenant will typically achieve 60-80%. Across our client base, Extech Cloud customers currently average a Secure Score of 67.9%, demonstrating the impact that proactive monitoring, security best practices and ongoing optimisation can have.
At Extech Cloud, these are the conversations we enjoy having because prevention will always be easier, safer and less costly than recovery.
For businesses seeking to strengthen cyber resilience, improve governance and demonstrate a proactive approach to protecting client information, Secure Score provides valuable insight into where improvements can be made.
