Microsoft 365
How small and mid-size firms should use Business Standard, Business Premium, Intune, and Entra authentication — without buying more license than they will actually run.
- From Authenticator MFA to multi-device passkeys
Organizations that already require Microsoft Authenticator remain exposed to phishing that relays push approvals and one-time passwords. Multi-device passkeys are FIDO2 credentials held on the user's devices rather than as shared secrets. A sound Entra ID design assigns methods by role and migrates the tenant in sequence so that a lost or replaced phone does not interrupt access.
- Business Standard, Business Premium, and Intune
Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium include substantially the same productivity applications. Premium adds Intune, Conditional Access, and Defender, which constitute the identity and device controls most small and mid-size firms require. Standard remains sufficient only where those controls are not part of the operating requirement.
- Intune and authentication that people will actually follow
Authentication and device management must be implemented together. Multifactor authentication, Intune enrollment of company computers, application protection on personal devices, and tested emergency administrator accounts are the controls that make Business Premium effective. Policy that users can route around is not a substitute for that design.