ClevrChat - How IT Managers can improve security visibility with Clevr360
Summary
Managing Microsoft 365 security has become increasingly complex. IT teams are expected to monitor multiple dashboards, alerts and reports while maintaining a strong security posture with limited time and resources.
In this episode of Clevr Chat, Simon Du Plessis, IT Practice Director at CloudClevr, discusses how Clevr360 helps organisations simplify Microsoft 365 security management by bringing security insights, licensing information and risk monitoring into a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
Simon explains why many organisations struggle to gain a complete view of their Microsoft 365 environment and how Clevr360 helps IT managers identify their highest-priority security risks faster. The discussion covers Microsoft Security Score, conditional access, external file sharing, suspicious login activity, email forwarding attacks, Microsoft 365 plugins, licensing management and practical steps organisations can take to improve their overall security posture.
The conversation also explores where Clevr360 fits within a broader cybersecurity strategy. While the platform provides clear visibility into security risks and configuration gaps, Simon explains how organisations should combine it with technologies such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) for continuous threat monitoring and incident response.
Whether you’re an IT Manager, Head of IT or IT Director looking to improve Microsoft 365 security without spending hours navigating multiple portals, this episode provides practical guidance on reducing risk, improving visibility and making smarter security decisions.
Timestamps
00:41 IT Managers navigating data overload from security tools
05:07 Understanding Microsoft 365 security posture in Clevr360
08:20 Identifying and addressing security risks
10:35 What IT Managers should prioritise when it comes to cybersecurity
11:43 License management in IT
Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft 365 security data is often fragmented
Microsoft provides powerful security capabilities, but valuable information is spread across multiple portals, making it difficult for IT teams to quickly understand their overall security posture.
2. A single dashboard improves security visibility
Clevr360 consolidates Microsoft 365 security insights into one dashboard, helping IT managers prioritise risks instead of searching through multiple reports and admin centres.
3. Prioritising risks is more important than monitoring everything
Rather than reviewing hundreds of alerts, organisations should focus on the security issues that have the greatest impact, including conditional access, email forwarding, external sharing and suspicious authentication activity.
4. External sharing requires ongoing governance
Accidental oversharing through SharePoint and OneDrive can expose sensitive information. Regularly reviewing external sharing permissions and expiring shared links helps reduce unnecessary risk.
5. Email forwarding rules are a common attack technique
Cybercriminals often create hidden email forwarding rules after compromising an account, allowing them to monitor conversations and launch convincing phishing or invoice fraud attacks.
6. Microsoft Security Score provides useful guidance
Security Score offers a valuable benchmark for improving Microsoft 365 security, but organisations should focus on meaningful risk reduction rather than simply increasing the score.
7. Continuous monitoring strengthens cyber resilience
While Clevr360 identifies security risks and configuration issues, combining it with EDR and ITDR solutions enables organisations to detect suspicious activity in real time and respond to threats more effectively.
8. Security should balance protection and productivity
Conditional Access Policies and tools like Microsoft Intune help organisations secure corporate data while still allowing employees to work flexibly across approved devices.
9. Licensing visibility saves time and reduces waste
Managing Microsoft licensing across multiple portals is challenging. Bringing licensing information into a single platform helps organisations optimise costs and stay ahead of renewals.
10. Expert guidance is just as valuable as the technology
Security dashboards provide visibility, but experienced security specialists help organisations understand the findings, prioritise improvements and develop a practical roadmap for strengthening their Microsoft 365 environment.
