Why 39D Standardises on Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Cybersecurity has changed significantly over the last few years. Business email accounts are now one of the most common entry points for cyber attacks, with phishing, password theft and unauthorised sign-ins becoming increasingly sophisticated.

At 39D, we've standardised our managed Microsoft 365 clients on Microsoft 365 Business Premium because it provides the security features modern businesses need to protect their users, devices and business data.

Rather than simply providing email and Office applications, Business Premium delivers enterprise grade security tools that help reduce risk while remaining straightforward for users.

Why Passwords Are No Longer Enough

For many years, a username and password were considered sufficient protection. Today, that is no longer the case.

Passwords can be guessed, reused across multiple websites, leaked in data breaches or stolen through phishing emails. Once an attacker has valid credentials, they can often gain access to business email, documents and cloud services.

That is why we enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for our managed clients wherever possible.

Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA adds an additional layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity using a second method, such as approving a notification in the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Even if a password is compromised, an attacker is unlikely to gain access without that second authentication factor.

By implementing MFA across Microsoft 365, we help protect access to:

• Outlook email
• Microsoft Teams
• OneDrive
• SharePoint
• Microsoft 365 applications
• Connected business services

Smarter Security with Conditional Access

One of the biggest advantages of Microsoft 365 Business Premium is Conditional Access.

Rather than treating every sign in the same, Conditional Access evaluates factors such as location, device compliance and sign in risk before deciding whether access should be granted.

This allows organisations to:

• Require MFA when users sign in.
• Block sign ins from high risk locations.
• Allow access only from trusted, compliant devices.
• Prevent older authentication methods that bypass modern security.
• Apply additional security checks when unusual activity is detected.

This creates a far stronger security model than relying on passwords alone, while maintaining a practical experience for legitimate users.

Protecting Business Devices

Business Premium also includes tools that help us manage and secure company laptops, desktops and mobile devices.

These capabilities allow us to:

• Encrypt business devices.
• Apply security policies consistently.
• Keep systems updated.
• Deploy endpoint protection.
• Secure company data on both office and remote devices.

Whether staff are working from the office, home or travelling, these protections help maintain a consistent level of security.

Why We've Made It Our Standard

Standardising on Microsoft 365 Business Premium allows us to provide a consistent security baseline across our managed clients.

Combined with our wider security approach, including Cyber Essentials certification, secure identity management and ongoing monitoring, it helps reduce the risks businesses face every day.

A Word from Our Founder

"Cybersecurity is not a one off product. It is an ongoing responsibility. By moving our managed clients to Microsoft 365 Business Premium, we can provide a far stronger baseline of protection around identity, devices and access to business data."

Matthew Southgate
Founder, 39D

Is Your Microsoft 365 Secure?

If your business is still using Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Standard, relies solely on passwords or is unsure whether MFA and Conditional Access have been configured correctly, it may be time to review your security.

We can assess your Microsoft 365 environment, identify security gaps and help you implement the protections included with Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

‍