Microsoft is making Microsoft Teams safer by default, and most organizations will start seeing these changes in January 2026.
Beginning January 12, 2026, Microsoft will automatically turn on new safety features in Teams for companies using standard settings. The goal is simple: reduce the risk of cyber threats showing up in everyday chats and messages, without requiring IT teams to manually turn protections on.
As tools like Teams become central to how people work, they’ve also become a popular target for cybercriminals. Microsoft’s latest update is designed to close common gaps and help organizations stay protected, even if security settings haven’t been fine-tuned.
Companies that already customized their Teams settings won’t be affected by this.
Why Microsoft Is Making This Change
Most people trust messages that come through Teams because they feel “internal.” Attackers know this, and increasingly use chat tools to send fake links or harmful files that look legitimate.
Microsoft is responding by building safety directly into Teams, so protection doesn’t depend on someone remembering to flip the right switch. This approach helps prevent problems before they reach employees.
What Will Change in Microsoft Teams
Starting in 2026, Teams will quietly add a few safety checks in the background:
Fewer Dangerous Files in Chat
Some file types are commonly used to spread viruses or ransomware. Teams will block those files automatically so they never reach your employees.
Safer Links
Links shared in Teams messages will be checked before someone clicks them. If a link looks suspicious, Teams will show a warning to help users avoid phishing scams.
Easy Reporting When Something Looks Wrong
If a safe file or link is blocked by mistake, users can report it. This helps Microsoft improve accuracy without slowing down legitimate work.
What Employees May Notice
Most of the time, employees won’t notice anything at all. In some cases, they may see:
- A warning message on a link
- A file that won’t send through chat
These small interruptions are designed to prevent much bigger problems, like stolen passwords or ransomware spreading inside the company.
What Businesses Should Do Now
Even though these changes are automatic, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time:
- Make sure employees know why Teams may look slightly different
- Decide how your organization should share files safely
- Update internal help or onboarding materials if needed
Organizations that want different behavior will need to adjust their settings before January 12, 2026.
How Aldridge Can Help
Built-in security is a great start, but it works best when it’s aligned with how your business actually operates.
Aldridge helps organizations make sure tools like Microsoft Teams are secure, easy to use, and configured the right way from day one. If you’re not sure how these changes affect your environment, or want help preparing your team, contact Aldridge today to walk you through it.