🚧 Why are third-party storage providers a risk?
By allowing external storage services within Outlook, users can store company data outside the secure Microsoft 365 environment. This poses a number of risks:
1️⃣ Sensitive corporate data out of your control
Users can store files on their personal cloud accounts without any restrictions. This means that business-sensitive information can end up outside the management of the organization, increasing the risk of data theft, leakage or loss.
2️⃣ Compliance and AVG challenges
Organizations must comply with strict regulations, such as the General Data Protection Act (GDPR). When employees store files in personal cloud storage, it is almost impossible to guarantee that data is processed according to legal requirements. This can lead to fines and reputational damage.
3️⃣ Reduced grip on security policies
Within Microsoft 365, you can set up advanced DLP (Data Loss Prevention) measures, encryption and access controls. This ensures that data remains secure and accessible only to authorized users. When data is stored on external platforms, these security measures cannot be enforced, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.
4️⃣ Increased risk of phishing and malware
Many cyber attacks begin with phishing, where users are tricked into entering their login credentials on fake websites. Allowing remote storage services creates an additional vector for social engineering attacks, where employees unknowingly share sensitive data through insecure channels.
External Storage Providers in Outlook on the Web¹
🔐 How do you create a safe and compliant workplace?
Limiting external storage providers in Outlook on the Web is just one step toward a more secure IT environment. A modern workplace must:
✅ Prevent data loss by maintaining control over where files are stored
✅ Comply with AVG and other legislation by keeping data within the secure environment of Microsoft 365
✅ Remain user-friendly and flexible, allowing employees to collaborate efficiently without risk
💡 Want to make sure your organization is optimally secured? We help companies set up a modern and secure workplace that meets all compliance requirements and security standards.
📩 Contact us for advice and implementation
Want to optimize these and other security settings within your Microsoft 365 environment? Our experts are happy to help:
🔹 Implementing security policies that minimize risk
🔹 Protecting corporate data from data breaches and cyber threats
🔹 Meeting compliance requirements such as the AVG
📞 Contact us today and find out how we can help your organization have a safe and efficient workplace!
References
¹https://outlook.office.com/mail/options/mail/attachments
About the author
My name is Alta Martes, a specialist in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, with a focus on modern workplace management, cloud security and identity & access management. With years of experience, I help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and create a secure, efficient digital workplace.
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