Microsoft Teams is set to enhance its administrative capabilities with the introduction of rule-based controls for managing Microsoft 365-certified applications. This feature, identified as Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 485712, aims to bolster organizational security by providing administrators with more granular control over app availability within the Teams environment.
Overview of the New Feature
Scheduled for a worldwide rollout beginning mid-July 2025 and concluding by early August 2025, this update will be enabled by default. Administrators will gain the ability to manage the availability of Microsoft 365-certified apps through the Teams admin center's Org-wide settings. This marks a significant shift from the previous model, where bulk management of third-party apps was limited. (mc.merill.net)
Key Functionalities
- Automated Validation: The system will automatically assess Microsoft 365-certified applications against administrator-defined criteria, such as publisher verification, permission scopes, and compliance standards.
- Centralized Control Panel: Administrators can configure app availability via the Teams admin center by navigating to Manage apps > Actions > Org-wide app settings > Microsoft 365 certified apps. The default setting post-rollout will be "All apps available." (mc.merill.net)
- Customization Options: Through the "Customize availability" feature, admins can implement detailed controls based on specific API permissions, data access levels, and publisher authenticity. This ensures that only applications meeting stringent security requirements are accessible within the organization.
Organizations currently utilizing third-party app tenant settings will experience seamless integration with no required action. However, tenants with disabled Org-wide app settings should review their configurations prior to the rollout. Microsoft has provided a 30-day grace period following the feature's activation, allowing administrators to adjust settings without immediate impact on app availability. After this period, any configuration changes will take effect immediately, ensuring real-time enforcement of security policies. (mc.merill.net)
Implications for Organizations
This development represents a significant advancement in app governance within Microsoft Teams. By enabling rule-based management of certified applications, organizations can enhance their security posture, reduce administrative overhead, and ensure compliance with internal policies. Administrators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new settings and plan accordingly to leverage the benefits of this feature.
For more detailed information, administrators can refer to the official Microsoft 365 Roadmap entry for this feature. (app.cloudscout.one)
Source: CyberSecurityNews Microsoft Teams New Feature Enables Admins to Manage Certified M365 Apps for Enhanced Security
