[m365weekly] #175

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Issue #175


☁️Productivity & Modern Workplace

Limit frontline worker access to Teams when off shift. Managing frontline worker access to Microsoft Teams during off-shift hours just got easier. With the new off-shift access controls, you can now ensure that your team members disconnect when they’re not on duty, promoting a better work-life balance.

Master VLOOKUP in Excel Quickly: Under 60 Seconds Guide! VLOOKUP in Excel is a lifesaver when you need to find specific data quickly. This tutorial breaks down the process into simple steps, showing you how to match data across columns in under a minute.

Find the largest files in OneDrive for Business. Quickly check your OneDrive for Business storage usage by scrolling to the bottom of the left navigation pane under “My files.” The used storage link shows a list of your largest files, making it super easy to manage space and identify storage hogs. 

[FEATURED STORY] The next level of security and email deliverability

To ensure your Microsoft 365 domain is secure and up to modern Internet Standards, consider configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to protect against email phishing. Enabling IPv6 and setting up inbound SMTP DANE with DNSSEC will further enhance your domain’s security. After implementing these steps, use tools like Internet.nl to verify your setup and aim for a 100% score, ensuring everything is properly configured.

How to Configure Microsoft 365 domain security.


☁️Copilot & AI

Choose the BEST Method to Achieve your outcomes with Copilot. This video dives into how Microsoft Copilot can revolutionize your Excel tasks, turning even simple spreadsheet activities into efficient workflows. You just need to find your use cases and shift your mindset towards integrating AI for smarter work processes.

Use Coaching with Copilot suggestions on how to improve your content in Word. Coaching with Copilot in Word is your new writing assistant that goes beyond checking grammar and spelling by offering suggestions to enhance your content’s clarity, impact, organization, style, and tone.

Microsoft Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 Adds Online Canvas Feature. Microsoft 365 Copilot is transforming how we interact with applications by using natural language commands to streamline tasks. With the introduction of new features like Copilot Pages and enhanced capabilities in Teams and Outlook, you can expect greater flexibility and productivity.


☁️Sysadmin Stuff

How to Set up outbound spam notifications in Exchange Online. Ensure you’re always in the loop when it comes to suspicious or spam emails sent by your Microsoft 365 users by setting up outbound spam notifications in Microsoft Defender. By enabling notifications in the anti-spam outbound policy, admins can be immediately alerted if Exchange Online flags any emails, allowing for quick action.

Force Password Change for All Users in Microsoft 365. You can force a password change for all users by connecting to Microsoft Graph PowerShell and running specific scripts. This method saves time and ensures you maintain control over user access with ease.


☁️Security & Data Governance

Microsoft Copilot for Security (6 months later). Microsoft Security Copilot has seen some improvements, like a faster setup process and no throttling in the XDR Portal during the first hour of use. You now have access to a more seamless initial experience and take advantage of guided responses with pre-canned actions. However, issues remain with the accuracy of KQL syntax in advanced hunting, which might be a dealbreaker if precise query results are crucial for your operations.

Secure Third-party Applications with MS Secure Score Recommendations. Microsoft Secure Score offers tailored recommendations to enhance the security of third-party apps integrated with Microsoft 365, like Atlassian, Dropbox, Meta Workplace, NetDocuments, and Zendesk. Key suggestions include enabling multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, session timeouts, and IP restrictions, which help safeguard user accounts and streamline authentication processes. 

6 Essential Microsoft 365 Password Settings for Enhanced Security. Enhancing your Microsoft Secure Score is a great way to bolster your organization’s security. Key strategies include setting passwords to never expire, using custom banned password lists, and enabling self-service password reset, etc.


☁️Noteworthy (long)reads

 Why Putting all Your Company Data in OneDrive is a Recipe for Disaster. Relying solely on OneDrive for all your company’s data storage can lead to chaos, especially for industries with strict compliance requirements. The decentralized nature of OneDrive complicates file findability, compliance enforcement, and security management, posing risks to certifications and business operations.

Google Files Antitrust Complaint Against Microsoft in Europe. Google accuses Microsoft of using its business software dominance to unfairly lock clients into Azure cloud services by imposing punitive fees for transferring projects to competitors. This move highlights the ongoing rivalry between the tech giants.

Take Your First Microsoft Exam! Getting a Microsoft Certification can be a rewarding experience that demonstrates your expertise. Start by choosing a fundamental-level exam that aligns with your existing knowledge, and make use of study guides and resources available online. Remember, even if you don’t pass on your first try, it’s a valuable learning experience, and you can always retake the exam.


DATES TO KEEP IN MIND

December 16, 2024Retiring of Delve application.

End of 2024 – Mail and Calendar Apps in Windows will be retired. The new Outlook will be installed on new Windows 11 devices.

October 2026Retirement of Microsoft Publisher app which has been a part of Office Suite for years.

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☁️On a Less Serious Note


☁️ Last but not least …

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