When you rely on Microsoft 365 for your business email, you might wonder if the built-in security features are enough or if investing in premium email security is necessary. Premium email security refers to advanced protections beyond the standard spam filters and malware scans included with basic Microsoft 365 plans. These enhanced services help protect your business from sophisticated phishing attacks, ransomware, data leaks, and other email-based threats that can disrupt operations or compromise sensitive information.
Why this matters for Canadian SMBs
Email remains the primary channel for business communication, making it a top target for cybercriminals. A successful phishing attack or malware infection can lead to costly downtime, data loss, or unauthorized access to customer information. For a typical Canadian small or mid-sized business, even a single incident can damage customer trust and create compliance headaches, especially with privacy regulations like PIPEDA. Additionally, recovering from an email breach often involves expensive IT support and lost staff productivity.
A practical example
Consider a 50-person Canadian consulting firm using Microsoft 365. One employee receives a convincing phishing email that bypasses the default filters and clicks a malicious link. This action installs ransomware on their device, encrypting important client files and halting work. Without premium email security features such as advanced threat protection, sandboxing, or real-time URL scanning, the attack spreads before IT can respond. A managed IT provider with premium email security would detect and isolate the threat early, minimizing damage and downtime.
What to consider when evaluating premium email security
- Threat detection capabilities: Does the solution include real-time scanning, sandboxing of attachments, and URL rewriting to block malicious links?
- Phishing and spoofing protection: Are there advanced filters to identify and quarantine suspicious emails that mimic trusted contacts?
- Data loss prevention (DLP): Can the service detect and block sensitive information from leaving your organization via email?
- Reporting and alerts: Does your IT provider offer clear, actionable reports on email threats and incidents?
- Integration with your existing Microsoft 365 setup: Will the premium security tools work seamlessly without disrupting daily workflows?
Simple checks you can perform internally
- Review your current Microsoft 365 security settings and check if advanced threat protection features are enabled.
- Ask employees if they have received suspicious emails recently and if they know how to report them.
- Verify your password policies and multi-factor authentication status to reduce account compromise risks.
- Check how your backups are handled and ensure email data is included and regularly tested for recovery.
Deciding whether to pay for premium email security depends on your business's risk tolerance, the sensitivity of your data, and the potential impact of an email breach. For many Canadian SMBs, the added layer of protection can prevent costly incidents and support compliance efforts.
To make an informed choice, discuss your current email security posture and business needs with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor. They can help assess risks, explain available options, and recommend solutions tailored to your organization's size and industry.