Microsoft 365 has made it easier than ever to share, store and access information from anywhere. But that same flexibility creates risk — especially when visibility and control over data begins to slip. With collaboration now spanning multiple apps, devices and users, sensitive data is constantly moving. And often, it’s moving without oversight.
By design, Microsoft 365 enables open communication and rapid collaboration. Files can be shared externally, documents co-edited in real time, and content accessed from almost any device. But this ease of access also makes it harder to know where data lives, who can see it, and how it’s being handled.
Permissions often sprawl unchecked. Data gets duplicated, forwarded, downloaded and re-uploaded to personal drives. Add in shared mailboxes, unmanaged mobile access and inconsistent policy enforcement, and suddenly the organisation has no reliable view of where critical data is — or who has it.
When visibility disappears, so does control. Sensitive data may be exposed, deleted, or exfiltrated without detection. Unstructured collaboration leads to data sprawl, versioning chaos and unintended sharing. And when a compliance audit rolls around, the scramble begins to locate files, access logs and evidence of policy adherence.
In regulated sectors, these failures don’t just damage trust — they bring financial and legal consequences. The cost of a breach tied to human error or poor governance continues to rise, with insider incidents now accounting for a significant share of data loss cases.
And the more complex the collaboration environment becomes, the easier it is for attackers to exploit gaps. Shadow IT, excessive permissions and ungoverned app use open the door to phishing, data leakage and misuse.
The Defence365 framework brings structure to this chaos. It’s designed to restore visibility, reduce sprawl and protect sensitive data across the full Microsoft 365 ecosystem — without slowing users down.
By layering protection into the flow of collaboration, it allows data to move securely while giving IT and compliance teams the oversight they need. From controlling how files are shared to enforcing policies based on context, it turns reactive response into proactive defence.
What this looks like in practice:
TrustLayer brings the Defence365 framework to life through four integrated protection layers:
Prevent sensitive data from leaking through email. Apply DLP rules to outbound content, scan attachments for sensitive material and ensure policy-based encryption is applied when required.
Control web uploads and cloud sharing. Block unsanctioned apps and restrict data movement to approved destinations. Enforce safe usage of SaaS platforms without blocking productivity.
Deliver security awareness training that helps users recognise and avoid risky behaviour, alongside adaptive MFA to ensure only the right people can access sensitive data.
Monitor data access, sharing trends and configuration drift across Microsoft 365 services. Maintain consistent enforcement and audit readiness without guesswork.
Data doesn’t stay still — and neither should your security. Microsoft 365 enables fast, flexible collaboration, but without layered protection, that speed creates exposure.
The Defence365 framework, powered by TrustLayer, ensures that data stays visible, governed and protected — no matter where it travels or how users choose to work.
I recently switched to TrustLayer for our cloud security needs, and it's been a great decision. The intuitive interface and excellent support make managing our email platform for over 800 users feel effortless. TrustLayer's emphasis on complete visibility and data protection gives me peace of mind, knowing our business operates fearlessly.
