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Microsoft is Changing the Game – Do You Have an Advisor Keeping You Ahead?

Microsoft is constantly evolving, and the latest changes are more significant than ever. New licensing models, stricter security requirements, and rapid technological advancements bring both opportunities and risks for businesses.

But what does this mean for you? And do you have a partner ensuring your company takes advantage of these opportunities while avoiding pitfalls?

Why did i create this blogpost?

Microsoft’s rapid changes can significantly impact businesses, yet many companies struggle to keep up.

In this blog post, I highlight the most critical changes I’ve come across to illustrate why having a strategic advisor by your side is essential - someone who helps you stay ahead of the curve and helping companies navigate Microsoft’s continuous developments, avoid common mistakes, and maximize new opportunities.

When Microsoft changes the rules, businesses feel the impact immediately. Many struggle to keep up, and the consequences can be costly.

However, I recognize this is an ongoing challenge that no one can tackle alone. That’s why collaboration and discussions with knowledgeable colleagues and Microsoft themselves are invaluable. Something I am using myself on a daily basis

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the most noteworthy recent changes and what they could mean for your business. Hopefully, this will inspire your security journey.

Interesting actions & Initiatives

Microsoft Secure Future Initiative (SFI)

In November, Microsoft announced its Secure Future Initiative, an exciting development introducing new security principles:

• Secure by Design – Security is prioritized from the very beginning in the design of every product and service.

• Secure by Default – Security protections are enabled and enforced automatically, requiring no additional effort and leaving no room for optional configurations.

• Secure Operations – Security controls and monitoring are continuously improved to address both current and emerging threats.
  

While the initiative may still seem somewhat abstract, it’s clear that Microsoft is taking a strong, proactive approach to security. This evolving strategy is particularly interesting to follow.

Microsoft six SFI pillars that define their approach to security

Some of the areas that have sparked my interest recently are

Business Premium + E5 Security

Microsoft has now made it possible for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to access security features that were previously reserved for Enterprise licenses. With a Business Premium license and an E5 Security add-on, companies can leverage advanced security tools such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2, Entra ID P2, Microsoft Defender for Identity, and more. This provides a significant security boost—without the need to upgrade to a full E5 license.

More details in my blog: BP + E5 Security | SecureHub

Global Secure Access (Entra ID) - Changes and new functionality

As organizations transition to modern work environments, traditional VPN solutions are struggling to keep up with increasingly stringent security demands. Microsoft Global Secure Access offers a robust approach, redefining secure network connectivity through a Zero Trust model and seamless integration with Microsoft Entra ID.

While Global Secure Access is not a new solution, continuous updates and enhancements make it more relevant than ever. Regardless of company size, businesses should explore how Global Secure Access can strengthen network security with intelligent, identity-based access controls.

More details in my blog - Entra ID Suite | SecureHub

Secure & Compliance

• Entra ID Suite – New Features for Secure Access for your employees

• Secure Access Service Edge - Building Zero-Trust with MS Entra and Conditional Access

• MS Purview – New features - Oversharing Assessment, DLP for M365 Copilot, Screen Recording, etc.

• Server 2025 - Really Strong Storage, Network "SDN" and security capabilities. which incorporates Microsoft Security by Default policy

• Microsoft Security Copilot for Security Partners - "Public Preview"

Microsoft (Hybrid) Cloud

• Copilot Actions - Regain focus time and simplify your workday
• Azure Local - Cloud Infrastructure for distributed locations, enabled by azure arc.
• Windows 365 Frontline - Share a single Cloud PC across multiple people
• Windows 365 Link - A compact and secure device that instantly connects users to their cloud-based Windows 365 desktop
• Azure Migrate - a lot of awesome updates, like the capability to create a business case base on existing workloads

Windows Resilience Initiative

• Windows Hotpatch - Install security patches without restarting Windows
• Quick Machine Recovery - Execute target fixes from Windows Update even when Windows is unable to boot.
• Smart App Control - Control what apps can run ensuring only verified apps are allowed.
• Administrator Protection - Standard User permission by default, so users can remain in control of system resources.

Network Announcements

• Azure Bastion (developer) - Always available, lightweight SKU to securely connect to VMs
• Azure Network Security Perimeter - Define trust boundary for secure inbound, outbound, and service to service communication
• Networking skills for Microsoft Copilot in Azure - Skills to plan, design, troubleshoot and secure your Azure Network
• Firewall Skills for copilot in Azure - Attack investigation capabilities for Firewall are now accessible

Examples of current Microsoft changes impacting businesses:

• Phase-out of Entra Connect (version 2.3) from April 1, 2025
• Limitation on the maximum number of outgoing emails from March 25, 2025
• Critical Windows Update vulnerability identified in February 2025
• Closure of unlicensed OneDrive access from March 18, 2025
• Changes to Microsoft SMTP and certificates
• Retirement of Azure API from January 28, 2025

Only based on 2025... and much more low impact changes

Why is it important to have an advisor who stays ahead?

If you don’t have a partner closely following Microsoft’s developments, you risk:

• Overpaying for your licenses.
• Exposing your company to unnecessary security risks.
• Missing out on new opportunities to improve operations.

We continuously see businesses overlooking critical changes, costing them dearly. A strategic partner ensures you’re always one step ahead—not just by avoiding problems but by leveraging new potential.

Are you confident that your company is prepared for the latest Microsoft changes? If not, let’s have a conversation about how you can best safeguard your business.

Let’s Navigate the Ever-Changing Landscape Together

The above are just my thoughts and observations from recent trends - many of which are often overlooked. If you have insights, input, or see other areas that significantly impact businesses, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help companies build the right foundation for the future.

Don’t pay for what you don’t need, but don’t neglect what you should be using.