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

2 minute read

Kelsey Smith

March 20th, 2025

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

2 minute read

Kelsey Smith

March 20th, 2025

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a revolutionary tool, transforming the way organisations operate. But as the use of AI tools increase, so does the importance of AI and data protection 

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 sprawl

sensitive documents, emails, and communications can be indexed and retrieved unintentionally

Compliance risks

regulated industries must adhere to strict data governance laws, and unchecked AI access can lead to violations 

Insider threats

even well-intentioned employees might expose confidential data when interacting with AI tools

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 

Your next steps to ensure the secure adoption of Copilot for M365  

Implementing any AI tool, including Copilot for Microsoft 365, requires a strategic approach to AI and data protection. Join our upcoming webinar in April to learn more about best practices for secure Copilot deployments. 

  • The importance of protecting your data when using Copilot and AI tools 
  • How Phoenix and Rubrik are working to ensure data protection 
  • Insights from our guest speaker, Greg van der Gaast 

Book a free Copilot risk assessment

We also offer a free Copilot risk assessment to evaluate your current security posture and identify areas for improvement. Get full visibility over your environment’s current security stance now. 

Headshot of Kelsey Smith

About the author

Kelsey joined Phoenix in late 2022 as the Content and Social Media Apprentice, moving into Content Executive in 2024 after working closely with the Marketing Team to develop her skills in digital marketing. Kelsey’s passion lies in content creation, which is reflected in her contributions across all areas of the business, from external and internal campaigns to our social media accounts.

Kelsey is not only keen to learn about marketing, but also the challenges organisations face and how Phoenix helps them overcome these.