Microsoft Outlook Or Gmail: Which Is More Secure?
Microsoft and Google are two of the most recognizable names in the world of technology, so it should come as no surprise that they both have something great to offer businesses looking to add a productivity suite to their tech arsenal—Microsoft 365 and G Suite.
Microsoft 365 and G Suite 101
Despite having very similar current functions, their roots couldn’t be more different.
Microsoft Office has been around in one version or another for many years, with programs like Word going back to nearly the beginning of personal computing. G Suite, on the other hand, started as the powerhouse Google search engine, eventually offering users the option to edit documents collaboratively and growing from there.
If you’re trying to figure out email offering is right for you (Microsoft Outlook or Gmail), a key consideration is security. Email is perhaps the most ubiquitous technology used in the business world today—possibly even more so than the phone. It’s instantaneous, can deliver important files, and doesn’t require the immediate attention that a phone call does.
However, just as it’s popular with consumers around the world, it is just as common a method for hackers targeting unsuspecting businesses. The simple fact is that a misleading email can cause a lot of problems, which is why it’s so important to have the right protections in place.
Head To Head: Cybersecurity Capabilities
G Suite
Features:
- Data Loss Protection
- Malware Protections
- Spam Detection
- Brand phishing defense
- Phishing Prevention
Compliance Certifications:
- ISO 27001, 27018
- SOC 2, SOC 3
- HIPAA
- FERPA
- COPPA
- EU Data Protection Directive and GDPR
- User Access
Microsoft 365
Features
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Mobile device management (ATP)
- Advanced Threat Protection
- Encrypted Email
- Azure Identity Protection (AIP)
- Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
- Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Compliance Certifications:
- ISO 27001, 27018
- SSAE16
- SOC1 Type II & SOC2 Type II
- FISMA
- HIPAA
- EU Data Protection Directive and GDPR
- User Access & Administration
In general, Microsoft and Google’s security capabilities come out roughly even. However, there is one key feature that gives Microsoft the edge: the Authenticator app.
What’s So Special About Microsoft Authenticator?
At an RSA security conference, Microsoft engineers told attendees that 99.9% of the accounts that are compromised each month don’t have a multi-factor authentication solution enabled.
MFA is a great way to add an extra layer of protection to the existing system and account logins. By requiring a second piece of information like a randomly-generated numerical code sent by text message, you’re able to make sure that the person using the login credentials is actually who they say they are. Biometrics like fingerprints, voice or even iris scans are also options, as are physical objects like keycards.
Whereas Google uses an effective two-factor authentication solution, Microsoft’s Authenticator is more robust:
- Microsoft Authenticator can support the same account across multiple devices.
- Microsoft offers a backup feature that helps when a given device is lost or stolen.
- Microsoft’s support for custom icons makes it easier to locate each account and code.
Verdict: Microsoft 365 Is More Secure
If you’re looking for something that’s thoroughly integrated and comprehensively secure, Microsoft’s offering is an extraordinary option. It’s the most robust and feature-laden and will keep you more confidently secure.
