---
title: "Best practices guide: Enhancing Microsoft Exchange Online security"
description: This best practices guide from the Acronis Threat Research Unit (TRU) offers a clear, actionable roadmap for hardening Microsoft Exchange Online against the most common threats.
canonical_url: https://www.acronis.com/en/resource-center/resource/enhancing-microsoft-exchange-online-best-practices-guide/
locale: en
last_updated: 2026-10-27
---

April 09, 2025

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# Best practices guide: Enhancing Microsoft Exchange Online security

[View this asset as a PDF](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/downloads/fd3c4445ecd09e9faa681be9be2f4109 "View this asset as a PDF")

### A step-by-step guide to reducing risk, stopping email-based threats and securing Microsoft 365 with built-in and advanced configurations

Misconfigured or under-protected Microsoft Exchange Online environments are a leading cause of data breaches and phishing attacks. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based communication and collaboration, securing Exchange Online has become a critical priority for IT teams and managed service providers.

This best practices guide from the Acronis Threat Research Unit (TRU) offers a clear, actionable roadmap for hardening Microsoft Exchange Online against the most common threats. Whether you're managing a small business environment or a complex enterprise deployment, this guide provides step-by-step recommendations to enhance security and reduce risk.

**Download this guide to learn how to**

• Enable key security features such as external email tagging and first-contact warnings.

• Block risky actions like auto-forwarding to external domains.

• Secure shared mailboxes and prevent spoofing through proper configuration.

• Implement advanced protection with Safe Links, Safe Attachments and multifactor authentication.

• Understand which features are available in your current Microsoft 365 plan.

With real-world PowerShell commands, licensing insights and references to official Microsoft documentation, this guide empowers IT teams to take immediate action — no guesswork required.

Download the TRU Best Practices Guide to enhancing Microsoft Exchange Online security and start closing your configuration gaps today.

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