Now that you understand what Microsoft Secure Score is and why it matters for your business security (and if you don’t, read our last blog), you’re probably wondering: how do I actually find my score and make sense of what it’s telling me?
Don’t worry if you’ve never navigated the Microsoft 365 security dashboard before. This step-by-step guide will walk you through finding your score, understanding what those numbers mean, and interpreting the different categories that make up your overall security posture.
Where to Find Your Microsoft Secure Score
Locating your Microsoft Secure Score is straightforward once you know where to look. Here’s how to access it:
- Log into your Microsoft 365 admin centre using your administrator credentials
- Navigate to the Security section – you’ll find this in the left-hand menu under “Security”
- Click on “Secure Score” – this will take you directly to your security dashboard
- View your current score – displayed prominently at the top of the page
Alternatively, you can access your score through the Microsoft 365 Defender portal by going to Reports > Secure Score. Both routes will take you to the same comprehensive security overview.
If you’re having trouble accessing these areas, it’s likely because you need administrator permissions for your Microsoft 365 environment. Speak to your IT administrator or contact your managed IT services provider for assistance.
Understanding Your Secure Score Dashboard
Once you’ve found your score dashboard, you’ll see several key elements that tell the story of your business’s security health.
Your Current Score
At the top of the dashboard, you’ll see your current score displayed as a number out of your maximum possible points. For example, you might see “245 out of 378 points” – this means you’ve achieved 245 security points out of a possible 378.
Score Percentage
Below your numerical score, you’ll typically see this converted to a percentage. Using our example above, 245 out of 378 would give you approximately 65%. This percentage makes it easier to understand your security posture at a glance.
Score History
The dashboard includes a graph showing how your score has changed over time. This historical view helps you track improvements and identify any periods where your security may have declined.
Comparison Data
Microsoft provides comparison data showing how your score compares to similar organisations in your industry. This benchmarking feature helps you understand whether your Microsoft 365 security measures are keeping pace with your peers.
The Four Main Categories of Microsoft 365 Security
Your Microsoft Secure Score is calculated across four primary categories, each focusing on different aspects of your security infrastructure. Understanding these categories helps you prioritise which areas need attention.
1. Identity Security
This category examines how well you’re protecting user accounts and managing access to your systems. Key elements include:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) implementation
- Password policies and complexity requirements
- Conditional access rules
- Privileged account management
Identity typically represents the largest portion of your score because it’s often the primary attack vector for cybercriminals. Strong identity security forms the foundation of your entire Microsoft 365 security strategy.
2. Data Protection
The data category focuses on how well you’re securing your organisation’s information. This includes:
- Data loss prevention (DLP) policies
- Information rights management
- Encryption settings
- Data classification and labelling
Given that data breaches are costing UK SMEs around £3.4 billion a year, this category often carries significant weight in your overall Microsoft Secure Score calculation.
3. Device Security
This section evaluates the security of devices accessing your Microsoft 365 environment:
- Device compliance policies
- Mobile device management settings
- Endpoint protection status
- Device registration and management
With remote work, and therefore cloud-based infrastructure, becoming increasingly common, device security has become crucial for maintaining a strong security posture across your Microsoft 365 infrastructure.
4. Apps and Infrastructure
The final category covers application security and infrastructure protection:
- App protection policies
- Cloud app security settings
- Email and collaboration security
- Network and infrastructure controls
This category ensures that your applications and underlying infrastructure maintain robust security standards across your entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Interpreting Your Microsoft Secure Score and Taking Action
Understanding what your Secure Score means in practical terms is crucial for making informed security decisions.
What Different Score Ranges Mean
0-40%: Critical security gaps exist that require immediate attention
40-70%: Good foundation with room for improvement
70-85%: Strong security posture with minor optimisations needed
85%+: Excellent security implementation
Prioritising Improvements
The Secure Score dashboard provides recommended actions ranked by their impact on your score. Focus on:
- High-impact, low-effort changes first
- Actions marked as “critical” for immediate security benefits
- Improvements that align with your business needs and compliance requirements
Regular Monitoring
Your Microsoft Secure Score isn’t a one-time, check-it-and-forget-it tool. Review it regularly to ensure you’re in the best position to:
- Track the effectiveness of Microsoft 365 security improvements
- Identify new threats or vulnerabilities
- Maintain compliance with evolving security standards
Common Misconceptions About Secure Score
It’s important to understand that achieving 100% isn’t always necessary (or practical). Some security recommendations might not suit your business model or could impact productivity. The key is finding the right balance between Microsoft security tools and their usability for your organisation.
Additionally, a high score doesn’t guarantee complete security. Microsoft Secure Score is one tool in your security toolkit, but it should be part of a broader cyber security strategy that includes regular training, incident response planning, and ongoing threat monitoring.
Getting Professional Help with Your Microsoft Secure Score
While this guide provides the basics of finding and interpreting your score, the real value comes from understanding what your specific score means for your business and creating an action plan for improvement.
Many of the recommended actions require technical expertise to implement safely without disrupting your business operations. That’s where professional guidance becomes invaluable.
Ready to Improve Your Cyber Security Posture?
At Intalex, we specialise in helping UK businesses navigate their Microsoft 365 security journey. Our team can provide a comprehensive review of your Secure Score, explain what each recommendation means for your specific business context, and help prioritise improvements that deliver the greatest security benefit.
Book your complimentary Microsoft Secure Score review today and take the first step towards a more secure digital future for your business.
