Blog Post

Microsoft Security Community Blog
3 MIN READ

Navigating the New Frontier: Information Security in the Era of M365 Copilot

adahmedmsft's avatar
adahmedmsft
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Jan 24, 2024

Microsoft Purview with M365 Copilot integration marks a critical juncture in the journey of AI-enhanced productivity tools. As businesses increasingly rely on these technologies, understanding and implementing robust security measures becomes paramount.

 

Microsoft Purview enhances Copilot's capabilities and offers a multi-faceted approach to security that cannot be overstated. 

 

Some of these core capabilities include:

  • Sensitivity labels: that ensure data categorization aligns with organizational security policies. This plays a crucial role in preventing unintended disclosures.
  • Advanced data classification: that aids in the identification and protection of sensitive information.
  • Encryption in transit and at rest: this ensures that data, whether stored or in transit, remains secure from unauthorized access.
  • Comprehensive auditing: auditing capabilities in Microsoft Purview play a critical role in enhancing security. They provide detailed logs and reports on data access and activities, allowing organizations to track, review, and analyze how their data is being handled. This not only aids in identifying potential security breaches but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards by maintaining a transparent record of data usage.

To learn more about Microsoft Purview and the extensive list of capabilities please go here.

 

Insights from the field

With customer interactions on a near daily basis between myself and my Microsoft security colleagues @Melissaabd and @SanchuSankar, we have identified some insights that are relevant and important to mention here.

 

A fundamental recommendation is usingSensitivity labels in Purview. Sensitivity labels are pivotal for maintaining data security and compliance, especially when using AI tools like M365 Copilot. Sensitivity labels enable organizations to classify and protect data based on its sensitivity. By applying them, businesses can control who has access to different types of information, which can reduce the risk of accidental or unauthorized data exposure. This system of categorization aligns seamlessly with organizational security policies and establishes that data is handled appropriately and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Sensitivity labels thus form a fundamental part of a data security strategy, safeguarding sensitive information while facilitating its use efficiently.

 

Another key insight revolves around questions that are often asked about balancing the innovative features of Copilot with the need for stringent security protocols. Microsoft Purview provides that balance, offering peace of mind through: 

  • Continuous monitoring, which provides the ability to track how, when, and by whom data is accessed, and offers invaluable insights into potential security threats. 
  • Compliance management ease, which Microsoft Purview provides by simplifying compliance through the adaption to each of your various standards and requirements needs.

 

To effectively leverage Purview and Microsoft 365 Copilot, businesses should

  • Conduct Regular Security Audits: Regular audits of how Copilot and Purview are used can identify potential security gaps.
  • Employee Training: Ensuring staff are well-versed in Microsoft 365 Copilot and Purview capabilities. This is crucial for both maximizing productivity and maintaining security.
  • Adapt and Evolve: As AI and security landscapes evolve, so should the strategies to manage them.

 

The collaboration of Microsoft Purview and M365 Copilot represents a significant advancement in the realm of AI-driven productivity tools when paired with robust security measures. As businesses navigate this landscape, staying informed, vigilant, and proactive is key to reaping the benefits of AI while safeguarding invaluable data resources.

 

For more detailed information and insights, you can read more on Microsoft's website here.

Updated Jan 24, 2024
Version 2.0

1 Comment

  • These are of course recommended practices, M365 or not - it's just that with more sophisticated "surfacing mechanisms", we have to be more careful about what lies below the surface, with Purview protections there to keep bad things out of the boat. 🙂