Organizations across all industries are intrigued by AI and its potential impact on their business. While some are exploring use cases and working on selecting the right AI technologies, many are actively implementing Generative AI, with Microsoft 365 Copilot emerging as a widely used tool. As Copilot is integrated into their workflows, addressing Microsoft Copilot security, governance, and compliance implications becomes crucial.
One of the most overlooked aspects of AI adoption is ensuring that existing data is properly governed, structured and secured. Without clear policies and access controls, AI systems like Microsoft 365 Copilot may pull from irrelevant or unstructured data, leading to inefficiencies and unreliable outputs. Worse, a lack of governance can introduce security vulnerabilities, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized users.
Below, we outline key considerations for addressing Microsoft Copilot security concerns, ensuring a secure and compliant deployment, and protecting sensitive business data.
Top Concerns for Generative AI Adoption
GenAI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and its associated agents can dramatically boost productivity by summarizing emails, drafting documents and even automating tasks. However, with these benefits come significant risks, particularly regarding data security and governance.
The main issues include:
- Lack of visibility into risks: 58% of organizations struggle to identify the risks introduced by generative AI.
- Lack of controls to mitigate data leakage: 97% of organizations feel they lack sufficient controls to prevent data leakage.
Microsoft Copilot Security and Compliance Challenges
There are also several Microsoft Copilot security and compliance challenges to keep top of mind:
- Accessing sensitive data: Ensuring only authorized personnel can access critical information.
- Inadvertent data leaks: Preventing accidental exposure of sensitive data.
- Generating unethical or high-risk content: Avoiding the creation of content that could pose legal or ethical risks.
Microsoft 365 Service Boundary
To address these challenges, Microsoft 365 offers built-in security features, such as data encryption and adherence to privacy commitments. It also respects existing access controls.Some of these robust features include:
- Data encryption – Protecting data both at rest and in transit.
- Data isolation – Ensuring separation between different data “containers”.
- Compliance with privacy commitments – Adhering to regulations such as GDPR.
- Access controls and policies – Implementing stringent access management protocols.
However, these built-in measures may not be enough to mitigate all risks, and organizations might need additional steps to prevent data oversharing and leakage.
Copilot Data Shield Implementation
To further mitigate these risks, Withum has developed the Copilot Data Shield, a solution designed to ensure a secure and effective Microsoft Copilot implementation. The implementation involves a systematic approach:
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Risk Assessment | Analyzing potential risks associated with data usage |
| Identify Copilot Pilot Users | Selecting initial users to pilot the system |
| Licensing Review | Ensuring appropriate licensing for all components |
| Implementation for Existing and Future Data | Planning for both current and future data usage |
| Phased Approach | Rolling out the implementation in stages to manage risk and ensure smooth adoption |
Deliverables for our Copilot Data Shield package include:
- Security Gap Reports:Detailed reports identifying existing security gaps that are currently hindering the safe rollout of Copilot within the organization.
- Dynamic Purview-Based Solution:A new solution based on Microsoft Purview that will dynamically prevent the creation of any new data security and compliance gaps once Copilot is live, ensuring continuous security and compliance.
To accommodate various combinations of Microsoft licenses, our solution works with both M365 E3/Business Premium as well as ones with more advanced packages such as M365 E5.
Concerned About Microsoft 365 Copilot Security?
Read our case study to see how a professional services firm safeguarded sensitive data while deploying AI.
What’s Next?
To take the next step in securing your AI deployment and maximizing the benefits of Microsoft Copilot, explore the following resources:
- Watch this on-demand webinar to learn more about Copilot Data Shield
- Sign up for the Copilot Data Shield Assessment: Evaluate your organization’s data governance readiness.
- Contact Withum for Jumpstart program funding and Copilot demo: Learn about available funding options and see Copilot in action.
By prioritizing data governance and security from the start, organizations can confidently embrace AI without compromising sensitive information. A structured approach ensures that AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot operate effectively, securely, and in alignment with business objectives. As AI adoption accelerates, businesses that establish strong data foundations today will be better positioned to unlock AI’s full potential while maintaining trust and compliance.
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Ready to secure your AI adoption journey? Contact Withum’s AI Services Team to learn how we can help you protect sensitive data and ensure a safe Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout.
