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Microsoft Defender Security Transformation for an Accountancy Practice

Increasing Microsoft Secure Score from 45% to 95% by implementing a comprehensive Microsoft Defender and Microsoft 365 security improvement programme.

Sector:AccountancyLocation:KentService:Microsoft 365 Security

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Following recommendations from their cloud desktop provider and as part of a wider modernisation programme, this accountancy practice wanted to strengthen its cyber security posture and reduce business risk.

D8A IT Services undertook a comprehensive Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Defender security review, identifying key areas where security controls could be strengthened. Through a structured security improvement programme, we increased the firm's Microsoft Secure Score from 45% to 95%, significantly improving protection across user accounts, devices, data and cloud services.

The project delivered measurable security improvements whilst maintaining a seamless user experience for staff.

The Challenge

  • Microsoft Secure Score was approximately 45%.
  • Several recommended Microsoft security controls had not been implemented.
  • Endpoint security settings were inconsistent.
  • Device management had recently moved to Microsoft Intune.
  • The business wanted stronger protection against phishing attacks.
  • Multi-factor authentication controls required further optimisation.
  • Compliance and security visibility needed improvement.
  • The practice handles sensitive client financial information requiring robust protection.

Our Approach

  • Conducted a comprehensive Microsoft 365 security assessment.
  • Reviewed Microsoft Secure Score recommendations.
  • Prioritised improvements based on risk and business impact.
  • Implemented Microsoft Defender security best practices.
  • Strengthened identity and access controls.
  • Enhanced endpoint protection and security policies.
  • Improved monitoring, threat detection and incident visibility.
  • Worked collaboratively with users to minimise disruption.

The Implementation

Identity Security Hardening

  • Strengthened authentication controls.
  • Reviewed and secured privileged accounts.
  • Improved access policies across Microsoft 365.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

  • Configured advanced endpoint protection.
  • Deployed additional attack surface reduction controls.
  • Enhanced threat detection and response capabilities.

Email & Collaboration Security

  • Improved protection against phishing attacks.
  • Strengthened email security controls.
  • Reduced exposure to common attack methods.

Device Compliance & Intune Policies

  • Enforced device compliance requirements.
  • Applied security baselines across managed devices.
  • Improved visibility of endpoint security posture.

Secure Score Optimisation

  • Reviewed Microsoft's recommended actions.
  • Implemented high-impact security controls.
  • Continuously measured and improved security performance.

D8A provided a structured security improvement programme that significantly strengthened our Microsoft 365 environment. The increase in Secure Score gave us confidence that our systems, users and data were better protected against modern cyber threats.

Managing Partner

Accountancy Firm

Before

  • Microsoft Secure Score of approximately 45%.
  • Security recommendations remained outstanding.
  • Limited visibility of overall security posture.
  • Inconsistent device security settings.
  • Greater exposure to common cyber threats.
  • Security controls were not fully aligned with Microsoft best practice.
  • Higher operational risk when handling sensitive client information.

After

  • Microsoft Secure Score increased to 95%.
  • Security controls aligned with Microsoft recommendations.
  • Improved protection for users, devices and data.
  • Enhanced monitoring and threat visibility.
  • Stronger identity and access security.
  • Improved compliance and governance capabilities.
  • Reduced cyber security risk across the organisation.

Results

Secure Score Increased

Microsoft Secure Score improved from 45% to 95%.

Reduced Security Risk

Significantly stronger protection against common cyber threats.

Better Endpoint Protection

Enhanced security across all managed devices.

Stronger Identity Security

Improved protection against account compromise.

Improved Security Visibility

Greater monitoring and reporting capabilities.

Future-Ready Security Platform

Built upon Microsoft security technologies designed to scale.

Engineering Highlights

Microsoft Secure Score assessment and optimisation.Microsoft Defender for Endpoint configuration.Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) policy deployment.Endpoint security policy implementation.Microsoft Intune security controls.Device compliance configuration.Identity security improvements.Security baseline deployment.Threat protection tuning.Security monitoring and reporting enhancements.

A Security Platform Built for What's Next

Cyber threats continue to evolve, particularly for professional services firms that handle commercially sensitive and confidential client information. By implementing Microsoft's security best practices and leveraging the full capabilities of Microsoft Defender and Intune, the firm now has a strong security foundation that can support future growth whilst maintaining a high level of protection.

Why This Matters

Many businesses invest in Microsoft 365 licensing without fully implementing the security features available to them. Secure Score provides a measurable benchmark of an organisation's security posture, helping identify opportunities to reduce risk. A structured improvement programme can dramatically increase protection whilst making security easier to manage and maintain.

Services Delivered

This should link to relevant service pages:

Microsoft 365 security assessment

Microsoft Secure Score review

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint implementation

Endpoint security hardening

Microsoft Intune security configuration

Device compliance management

Identity and access security improvements

Security policy deployment

Threat protection optimisation

Cyber security consultancy

Areas we cover

Providing expert IT support and infrastructure services across London and the South East.

LondonSurreyKentHampshireWest SussexEast Sussex

Want to Improve Your Microsoft Secure Score?

D8A IT Services helps businesses across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London strengthen their cyber security using Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Intune and Microsoft 365 security best practices.

Whether you want to improve Microsoft Secure Score, achieve Cyber Essentials certification, secure remote workers or gain better visibility of security risks, our team can help.

Contact D8A IT Services today to discuss a Microsoft 365 Security Assessment and discover how much your Secure Score could improve.

Book a free discovery call