AI and data protection: how to keep Copilot for Microsoft 365 secure

Why is AI and data protection so important? 

Copilot has the same data access controls as M365, which means that users can only see data that they have permission to view. But as the use of Copilot expands across an organisation and data gets shared by end users, Copilot could unintentionally access and surface confidential information, leading to compliance breaches and data leaks. 

To maximise the benefits while reducing Copilot data security risks, organisations must implement security measures that protect internal and sensitive data. This ensures that AI remains an asset, not a liability. 

Copilot relies on large datasets to generate responses, but lack of proper governance can lead to:  

Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) for Copilot for Microsoft 365 

What is DSPM? 

DSPM uses automation to both identify vulnerable areas and put safeguards in place to protect that data. Providing visibility into where data is, who has access to it, how it has been used, and the current security state of that data is essential to prevent unauthorised access or data leaks. 

DSPM operates by continuously scanning and classifying data across an organisation’s Microsoft 365 environment. Using automated policies, it ensures sensitive data is not exposed to AI tools like Copilot without appropriate permissions. DSPM also integrates with existing security frameworks, providing real-time alerts and remediation actions to prevent data leaks. 

By integrating DSPM, organisations can confidently leverage Microsoft 365 Copilot while ensuring compliance and security across their assets. 

Rubrik DSPM for Copilot data security  

Rubrik DSPM for Copilot provides the data visibility and control needed to ensure sensitive data is correctly accounted for. By integrating DSPM, organisations can confidently leverage Microsoft 365 Copilot while ensuring compliance and security across their data landscape, by: 

• Identifying sensitive data across Microsoft 365 to ensure only authorised access 

• Enforcing security policies that restrict AI tools from retrieving confidential or regulated information 

• Monitoring data movement in real-time to detect and prevent unauthorised sharing