Security alerts do not only happen during office hours. A compromised account or device can begin creating suspicious activity at any time, and a faster investigation can limit how far an attack progresses.
Large organisations may have their own security operations centre, often shortened to SOC. Smaller businesses can access the same kind of continuous attention through a managed security monitoring service.
What the service should include
A useful monitoring service is more than software that sends notifications. It should provide a clear cycle:
- Watch. Relevant activity from covered Microsoft 365 services and devices is monitored around the clock.
- Investigate. A trained specialist reviews credible alerts and the surrounding activity.
- Respond. Agreed action is taken when a genuine threat is confirmed.
- Report. The client receives a clear record of activity, action and recommendations.
Why human investigation matters
Security platforms can create many alerts. Some are harmless changes in normal behaviour. Others are early signs of a compromised account or device. The value comes from somebody establishing the difference and understanding what the activity means for that business.
What baseMSP manages
baseMSP provides the client relationship, Microsoft 365 foundation, service coordination and regular reviews. The continuous security service uses specialist monitoring and response capability behind that relationship without asking the client to interpret the underlying technology.
Monthly reporting explains what was reviewed, which incidents were investigated, what action was taken and whether the business should consider any improvement.
What it does not replace
24/7 monitoring does not replace the everyday IT helpdesk. It also does not remove the need for multi-factor authentication, managed devices, suitable licences, employee awareness or a tested incident plan.
The security baseline prevents common problems. Continuous monitoring looks for suspicious activity that still occurs after that baseline is in place.
Choosing the right level
baseMSP offers Core Security Monitoring and Extended Security Monitoring. The wider option brings in more of the organisation’s covered technology where that broader visibility is justified. Both include continuous monitoring, investigation, response and monthly reporting.
See the Microsoft 365 Security service for the current coverage, licence foundation and transparent pricing.
