What You Need to Know About Microsoft’s 2026 Microsoft 365 Updates
What’s Changing?
Stronger Built-In Security
Protection against advanced phishing and malware
URL “time-of-click” protection to block malicious links when users click them
Enhanced anti-phishing and Safe Attachments capabilities applied by default
Expanded Device Management Capabilities
Secure remote support for devices (Remote Help)
Advanced analytics to improve user experience
Endpoint privilege management to support least-privilege access
Enterprise application management with preconfigured deployment options
Mobile application management enhancements and specialty device support
Increased Email Storage
What This Means for Your Organization
Enhanced security protections will be enabled by default for all users
IT administrators may see new alerts and insights within the Microsoft Defender portal
Intune features will become available but are not automatically configured
Users will benefit from increased protections and additional mailbox storage
Compliance and Data Considerations
Additional telemetry, alerts, and analytics data may be generated as part of normal operations
Email content and URLs may be more extensively analyzed to detect threats
Machine learning is used to improve detection of phishing, malware, impersonation, and zero-day attacks
New insights and alert types will enhance reporting and monitoring capabilities
What Should You Do Now?
Review Security Settings
Evaluate built-in protection policies in Microsoft Defender
Consider enabling stricter security presets where appropriate
Add exclusions or custom policies as needed
Validate Email & Security Workflows
Review mail flow configurations
Ensure third-party email security tools are aligned with Microsoft’s protections
Plan for Intune Adoption
Identify opportunities to leverage new device management and analytics capabilities
Review existing endpoint management policies
Microsoft 365 Pricing Updates – What to Expect
Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6 → $7/user/month
Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50 → $14/user/month
Microsoft 365 Business Premium: No change ($22/user/month)
Prices and may vary based on your agreement
Most customers will see changes at their next renewal period
How RMON Networks Can Help
Align Microsoft 365 security settings with best practices
Optimize Defender and Intune configurations
Ensure compliance with industry standards
Provide ongoing monitoring and support