The SOC Handbook: How to Effectively Manage Microsoft 365 Alerts

This report provides practical guidance for IT administrators and security teams on effectively managing Microsoft 365 security alerts. Drawing on insights from Defense.com's Security Operations Centre (SOC), it explains the most common Microsoft 365 alerts, how to assess their severity, recommended response actions, and security best practices. The guide also highlights key controls—including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Conditional Access, endpoint protection, least privilege access, and security awareness training—to help organizations strengthen Microsoft 365 security and reduce cyber risk.