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Microsoft is preparing to introduce a significant security upgrade to its workplace communication platform, Microsoft Teams, by automatically enabling mandatory messaging safety features starting January 12, 2026. The move signals a shift toward a “secure-by-default” approach, aimed at protecting users and organisations from the growing threat of phishing, malware, and malicious links shared through workplace chats.
Under the new update, Microsoft Teams will turn on advanced messaging safety protections for organisations that are still operating on default security settings. These protections are designed to prevent the sharing of harmful content and reduce the risk of cyberattacks that often originate through chat platforms.
The upcoming safety features include automatic blocking of dangerous or weaponisable file types, warnings for suspicious or malicious web links, and a new option allowing users to report false security alerts. Messages containing high-risk attachments may be blocked entirely, while questionable links will be clearly flagged to prevent accidental clicks.
Microsoft’s decision comes amid increasing concerns that collaboration tools have become a prime target for cybercriminals. With Teams deeply embedded in daily business operations across industries, attackers are increasingly exploiting chat messages and file sharing to spread malware or carry out phishing attacks. By activating protections automatically, Microsoft aims to reduce dependency on manual security configuration and strengthen baseline protection for all users.
The change will mainly affect organisations that have not customised their Teams messaging security policies. Businesses that already use tailored security settings will retain their existing configurations unless they choose to adopt the new defaults. Microsoft has advised IT administrators to review their current policies ahead of the rollout to ensure compatibility with internal workflows.
Once the update takes effect, users may notice new warning indicators on messages containing potentially unsafe links, as well as restrictions on certain file attachments. The added reporting feature will allow employees to flag incorrect detections, helping security systems improve accuracy over time without disrupting productivity.
Cybersecurity experts say the update reflects a broader industry shift toward proactive threat prevention rather than reactive damage control. As digital collaboration continues to expand, embedding strong security at the platform level is becoming essential, especially for organisations without dedicated cybersecurity teams. Microsoft’s upcoming changes reinforce its focus on safeguarding enterprise communication and protecting sensitive data shared across Teams. As the rollout date approaches, organisations are encouraged to educate users about the new safeguards and prepare for the transition to a more secure messaging environment.
