3 Hidden Microsoft 365 Features You’re Missing and Why You Need Them Now.

You’re probably familiar with Microsoft 365’s core tools like Exchange Online and Teams but did you know there are powerful features that can elevate your workflow even further? Today, we are diving into three game-changing features that might be flying under your radar: Microsoft 365 Backups, Microsoft eSignature, and Double Key Encryption for governance, risk, and compliance. Let’s explore how these tools can streamline your processes and safeguard your business.

1. Double Key Encryption aka DKE

This is controversial topic because of hype versus reality. In today’s world of AI, organizations have rushed into deploying Copilot without fully teasing out rightful access. The reality is 99% of Microsoft 365 environments are brownfield and require careful consideration ensuring Microsoft Graph controls are properly retrofitted. Especially in regulated industries such as financial services and healthcare. This is where Double Key Encryption comes in. In fact, Microsoft just posted "Transparency Note for Copilot for Microsoft 365" speaking to how organizations "need to consider their particular legal and compliance obligations when using Copilot for Microsoft 365, especially in regulated industries."

• Why DKE and how it can be leveraged in your regulated organization. 
• Primer on DKE: Starts with an information classification approach https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/double-key-encryption#when-your-organization-should-adopt-dke.
• Microsoft "Transparency Note for Copilot for Microsoft 365" https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/copilot/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot-transparency-note

2. Microsoft 365 Backups: Safeguard Your Data

Everyone assumes that because a service is cloud based, that means there are backups. That is incorrect. While there are multiple layers to prevent data loss, per the shared responsibility model, backups are the responsibility of the customer. Microsoft 365’s native backup feature provides peace of mind by creating regular backups of your Exchange Online mailboxes, Teams, SharePoint sites, and OneDrive accounts. It’s a pay-as-you-go service, perfect for businesses needing flexible data recovery solutions.

• Why regulated industries should use: You can easily restore deleted or corrupted files with just a few clicks, minimizing downtime and avoiding permanent data loss.
• Retention policies are not backups and improper application of retention policies can lead to data loss! Personally know of more than one customer that permanently lost C-Suite emails due to improper use of retention policies. 
• How It Works: Enable backups through the Microsoft 365 admin center and set up policies to regularly back up critical data​

3. Microsoft eSignature: Streamline Document Signing

No more bouncing between platforms for document signing! With Microsoft eSignature, you can request and manage eSignatures directly within SharePoint. Whether you're sending contracts, approvals, or other documents, this tool keeps everything within Microsoft’s secure environment, ensuring a smooth, legally binding signature process.

• Why It’s a Game Changer: You can manage signatures internally and externally without relying on third-party services, saving time and reducing the risk of data leaks.
• How to Use It: In SharePoint, you can set up a document for signing, select recipients, and track the status—all from a single dashboard.

Next Steps:

While Microsoft 365 is best known for its productivity apps, features like Backups, Syntex eSignature, and DKE offer essential enhancements for security and efficiency. By leveraging these hidden gems, you’ll not only protect your business but also improve workflow efficiency. Start using them today to unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365.