Why Microsoft Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) & ATP are Necessary for NIST Compliance
In a 2018 report provided by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), researchers found companies “severely underestimate(d) the costs of becoming compliant by as much as a factor of 10”. The burden of compliance is significant yet important, and businesses are considering ways to secure their information systems without breaking the bank. One area of cost savings at first glance: email only users. These individuals will likely only need a corporate email, which would reasonably lead IT leadership to purchase an Exchange Only license and carry on. However, we advise contractors purchase Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and Enterprise Mobility + Security (EM+S) in addition to their Exchange license as a best practice for NIST 800-171 compliance. Without the proper understanding of NIST compliance requirements, it is easy to misinterpret the need for ATP & EM+S licensing. It is also reasonable to think consultants are trying to make a quick dollar by upselling. Assuming these individuals are not entirely self-serving, let’s dive into this a little more using a friendly campfire analogy. S’mores. Purchasing an Exchange Only license is like having a s’more without the marshmallow & the graham. The marshmallow & the graham are necessary for the security and protection of the chocolate. They are the quintessential vessels that encompass and bring cohesion to the s’more as a whole. S’more explanation below.
