- Microsoft automatically enables security features for enterprise users
- Updates include malicious URL blocking and phishing detection.
- Any user who prefers to have these features disabled can do so in Settings.
Microsoft is strengthening its security posture for enterprises and, starting January 12, 2026, Microsoft Teams will automatically enable critical messaging security features in an effort to protect users who rely solely on standard security configurations.
The new administrative update is part of Microsoft's move toward a “security by default” culture that protects organizations, reduces the attack surface and raises standards across the board.
“We're improving messaging security in Microsoft Teams by enabling key security features by default,” Microsoft informed admins in the Microsoft 365 Message Center update. “This update helps protect users from malicious content and provides the ability to report incorrect detections.”
Safe by default
The update will mean changes for all tenants who have default messaging security settings, with three protections automatically enabled.
The first of these is Weaponized File Type Protection, a feature that blocks messages containing dangerous file types or malicious URLs in Teams channels and chats, especially those that are high-risk vectors for malware execution.
Other security enhancements include malicious URL detection to scan links in real time to flag suspicious sites and domains—added protection against phishing attacks. Appearance AI has led to a huge increase in the frequency and severity of phishing attacks.therefore, additional protections will be aimed at mitigating these effects.
The latest feature added is a feedback mechanism that reports incorrect security detections, prompting end users to detail false positives so Microsoft can calibrate threat detection algorithms.
Any administrators who prefer to keep more basic security measures in place should review their settings before January 12th. You can do this by going to the Teams admin center and then going to Messages > Messaging Settings > Message Security.
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