How to Turn Off Microsoft Security Defaults

Microsoft is taking a significant step towards enhancing the security of its users by introducing security defaults for all tenants. These security defaults are designed to provide an additional layer of protection against cyberattacks and identity attacks. However, some organizations may not need or want these security defaults enabled, which is why Microsoft has given customers the option to turn them off.

So, how do you turn off Microsoft security defaults? The process is relatively straightforward. To disable security defaults, administrators can simply navigate to Azure Active Directory properties or the Microsoft 365 admin center and toggle off the security defaults feature. This will prevent all users in the tenant from being prompted to register for multifactor authentication (MFA) via the Microsoft Authenticator app.

It's worth noting that customers who choose to disable security defaults will still be able to opt out of MFA, but they will no longer be required to use it every time they sign in. Instead, administrators will need to perform MFA only when necessary, based on factors such as location, device, role, and task.

Microsoft has emphasized the importance of MFA in protecting against cyberattacks, citing that 99.9% of compromised accounts do not have MFA enabled and are therefore vulnerable to identity attacks. The company's security defaults feature includes Conditional Access and Identity Protection, which can help protect organizations against a wide range of threats.

In addition to enabling or disabling security defaults, administrators will also be required to provide a reason for doing so. This is part of Microsoft's efforts to continually improve its security services and better understand the needs of its customers.

Overall, turning off Microsoft security defaults is a straightforward process that can help organizations tailor their security settings to meet their specific needs. However, it's essential to carefully consider the potential risks and consequences of disabling these security features before making any changes.

Turn off microsoft security defaults