Acumen, a global financial services outsourcing company, has recently undertaken a significant transformation in its security management practices to effectively support its hybrid workforce. By leveraging Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Acumen has streamlined its security protocols, ensuring robust protection for its distributed teams while maintaining compliance with diverse regulatory standards.

Background: Navigating the Complexities of a Hybrid Workforce

As organizations worldwide embrace hybrid work models, managing security across a dispersed workforce has become increasingly complex. Acumen, with its extensive international presence, faced challenges in overseeing approximately 80% of its security settings across various jurisdictions. The need for a unified, efficient security management system was paramount to safeguard sensitive financial data and maintain operational agility.

Embracing Microsoft 365 Business Premium

To address these challenges, Acumen partnered with Microsoft and Global Micro Solutions to implement Microsoft 365 Business Premium. This comprehensive suite offers a range of tools designed to enhance security and streamline device management:

  • Centralized Security Management: Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides a unified platform for managing security protocols across all devices, simplifying oversight and enforcement of security policies.
  • Advanced Threat Protection: The suite includes Microsoft Defender for Business, which offers real-time protection against sophisticated cyber threats, including phishing and malware attacks.
  • Device Management with Intune: Microsoft Intune enables Acumen to manage and secure both company-owned and personal devices, ensuring compliance with organizational security standards.

Implementation and Impact

Between 2022 and 2025, Acumen experienced substantial growth, leading to an increased number of Microsoft 365 Business Premium users. In February 2024, the company migrated 260 devices to Microsoft Intune within four months, significantly enhancing its device management capabilities. This rapid deployment was facilitated by the integration of Windows Autopilot, allowing for streamlined device provisioning and management.

The collaboration with Global Micro Solutions was instrumental in customizing the Microsoft 365 Business Premium setup to meet Acumen's unique global requirements. Their expertise ensured a smooth transition and reinforced Acumen's overall security posture. Theo Mouchteros, Head of IT Operations at Acumen, highlighted the professionalism and responsiveness of Global Micro's team, emphasizing their critical role in the successful implementation.

Achievements and Future Outlook

Through the adoption of Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Acumen has achieved a Microsoft security score of 82, doubling the industry average. This accomplishment reflects the effectiveness of the implemented security measures and the company's commitment to maintaining a secure hybrid work environment. Additionally, Acumen has reduced certain support costs by 60% by consolidating its services on Microsoft 365 Business Premium.

Looking ahead, Acumen plans to further enhance its security framework by expanding data labeling using Microsoft Purview. This initiative aims to implement more comprehensive policies for a broader employee base, ensuring sustained protection and compliance as the organization continues to evolve.

Conclusion

Acumen's strategic adoption of Microsoft 365 Business Premium serves as a compelling example of how organizations can effectively secure a hybrid workforce. By integrating advanced security tools and centralized management systems, Acumen has not only fortified its defenses against cyber threats but also streamlined its operations, setting a benchmark for others navigating similar challenges.