Microsoft 365, Google Workspace: are they really secure?

One Sky Solutions

28/11/2025

⌛ 6 min

The convenience of cloud computing

Your SMB may already be using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace for email, documents, meetings or project management. These solutions are powerful, flexible, easy to use and widely adopted. The move to the cloud has often been synonymous with modernization. But is it also synonymous with security?

Many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe that entrusting their data to technology giants like Microsoft or Google is enough to protect them. Unfortunately, history shows us that it's not quite that simple.

Loopholes are not always where you think they are

Yes, Microsoft and Google invest billions in cybersecurity. Yes, their infrastructures are among the most robust in the world. The problem isn't always theirs... it's ours.

A password that's too simple, a phishing link that's clicked too quickly, a file that's not shared properly, and it's your critical data that falls into the wrong hands. These platforms are secure, but only if they are properly configured and used.

Why are SMEs particularly at risk?

SMEs have become prime targets for cybercriminals:

They hold sensitive data (customers, contracts, finances).
They often have neither the time, expertise nor budget to defend themselves effectively.
They trust their Cloud tools, without always understanding their limits.

A single compromised account in Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 can give a hacker access to your entire organization: emails, Drive, OneDrive, Teams, calendars, internal documents-the risk is real.

Five essential precautions for securing Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace :

1. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts

This is THE basic measure. Without MFA, a stolen password is all you need to get in. With MFA, you need a second proof of identity (often via a telephone). It's simple, free and effective at over 90 % against unauthorized access.

2. Manage access rights rigorously

Limit access to sensitive documents to the people concerned. Avoid public shares by default. Monitor "link open to all" permissions. An externally shared file can easily circulate without your consent.

3. Monitor suspicious connections

Microsoft and Google offer integrated monitoring and alert tools. Use them. Receiving an alert when an account connects from another country or at an unusual time can avert disaster.

4. Raise your team's awareness

Human failings are the most frequent. Train your employees to recognize fraudulent e-mails, not to share passwords, and to use Cloud tools responsibly. An informed user = reduced risk!

5. Back up your data, even in the cloud

Many people are unaware that neither Microsoft nor Google can guarantee complete restoration of your data. data after accidental or malicious deletion. Consider a third-party cloud backup solution tailored to SMBs.

Best practices specific to each platform :

Microsoft 365

Use Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to detect email attacks.
Enable audit logs to track user activity.
Apply DLP (Data Loss Prevention) policies to prevent information leaks.

Google Workspace

Activate Google Security Alerts and the Security Center (included in Business Plus and higher editions).
Restrict external access to Drive files by default.
Check Admin Console activity regularly.

A question of governance, even in the cloud

Just because your tools are cloud-based doesn't mean you can forget about cybersecurity. Your responsibility doesn't disappear, it evolves. You need to put clear governance in place:

Appoint a safety officer (internal or external).
Document your Cloud policies: access, share and password management.
Regularly audit your practices and configurations.

Support: a strength for SMEs

You don't need to become a cybersecurity expert. But you do need the right advice. Call on a partner like One Sky, who understands the challenges facing businesses here. We'll help you :

Assess your cloud security posture
Configure your platforms correctly
Train your teams
Meeting the requirements of Law 25 and other standards

Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are safe under certain conditions

These platforms offer a solid foundation, but they're not secure by default. It's your responsibility, as a small business owner, to reinforce and support them, and to build a culture of cybersecurity within your team.