Best practices checklist for SharePoint site security

SharePoint is a widely used platform for document management and collaboration. It allows organizations to create and manage team sites, document libraries, and lists. While SharePoint offers various security features to ensure the safety of your data, it is essential to implement best practices to further enhance site security. In this blog post, we will discuss a SharePoint site security best practices checklist.

1. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is a security measure that requires users to provide two forms of authentication before accessing a SharePoint site. It adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to your site. You can enable two-factor authentication in the SharePoint admin center.

2. Limit Access to Sensitive Information

Limit access to sensitive information to only those who need it. Grant permissions to users and groups on a need-to-know basis. Use SharePoint groups to assign permissions to a group of users instead of individual users. Regularly review and audit user permissions to ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information.

3. Use Secure Communication

SharePoint uses SSL encryption to secure communication between the user’s browser and the SharePoint server. Use SSL certificates from trusted certificate authorities to ensure secure communication. Avoid using unsecured protocols like HTTP and FTP for file transfer.

4. Enforce Password Policies

Enforce strong password policies to ensure that users create strong passwords. Password policies should include complexity requirements such as a minimum length, a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Set a password expiration policy to force users to change their passwords periodically.

5. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Use antivirus and anti-malware software to scan files uploaded to SharePoint sites. Install and regularly update antivirus software on all SharePoint servers and client computers to protect against malware threats.

6. Regularly Backup Data

Regularly backup SharePoint site data to ensure that data can be recovered in case of a disaster. Implement a backup schedule and perform regular backups of your SharePoint data to a secure location.

7. Train Users on Security Best Practices

Educate users on security best practices such as password management, phishing scams, and malware threats. Conduct regular training sessions and provide resources such as user manuals and videos to help users understand how to use SharePoint securely.

8. Monitor Site Activity

Regularly monitor site activity to detect and prevent security breaches. Use SharePoint audit logs to track user activity, including changes to permissions and access to sensitive information. Configure alerts to notify administrators of suspicious activity, such as multiple failed login attempts.

In conclusion, implementing these best practices can help you enhance the security of your SharePoint site. Remember to regularly review and update your security policies and procedures to keep up with evolving threats. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your SharePoint site remains secure and your data is protected.