6 Top Security Considerations for Microsoft 365 Copilot

With Microsoft rolling out its AI-powered assistant, Microsoft 365 Copilot, organisations have a lot to gain in terms of productivity. However, before you jump in, it is important to think about security. Without proper precautions, you could face unauthorised access, data leaks, or even compliance issues.
Here are the most important security areas to focus on before deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot:

1. Organised and Secure SharePoint Setup
   SharePoint is one of Copilot’s key data sources, so having a well-structured and secure setup is essential. Make sure your SharePoint sites are properly organised with clear permission boundaries. Sensitive files should be kept in restricted libraries. It is also a good idea to regularly review who has access and audit these permissions frequently to keep everything secure.
2. Granular Access Control
   Since Copilot interacts with your organisation’s data, controlling who has access is crucial. Role-based access control (RBAC) is an effective way to ensure that people can only access the data they need for their job. Regularly auditing user permissions and sticking to the principle of least privilege will help minimise risks. Be careful with external sharing too, control it tightly to avoid accidental data leaks.
3. Conditional Access and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   Because Copilot operates in the cloud, it is important to secure that access. Conditional Access policies should be set up to only allow access from trusted devices and locations. Enforce MFA for all users. Keeping an eye on unusual login behaviour will help you catch potential security threats early.
4. Data Protection: DLP and Sensitivity Labels
   To avoid accidental data exposure, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies are necessary. They can flag or block the sharing of sensitive data. Sensitivity labels should also be applied across your SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive documents to ensure important data stays protected.
5. User Training and Security Awareness
   Training is key when it comes to preventing misuse of Copilot. Employees need to understand how to use AI tools safely, especially when it comes to managing sensitive information. Make sure they know not to share confidential details through Copilot’s outputs.
6. Compliance and Data Residency
   Finally, make sure that Copilot aligns with your organization’s compliance and data residency needs. Whether it is GDPR or another regulatory framework, review your obligations to ensure Copilot’s data usage meets your governance standards. Regular audits of Copilot’s interactions will also help you stay compliant.

Conclusion
By addressing these critical security considerations. From SharePoint organisation to compliance. You will be better prepared to safely deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot. These steps will help you harness Copilot’s full potential while keeping your data secure and meeting all necessary regulatory standards.