Resources & insights

How Secure Is Microsoft Copilot, Really?

This is a really common question – and for good reason. When it comes to integrating AI into your business workflows, security is critical. Microsoft has invested heavily in making Copilot a secure and trustworthy tool, and it shows in several key areas.

Enterprise-Grade Data Protection

Copilot includes Enterprise Data Protection as a core feature. The AI models used in Copilot, developed in partnership with OpenAI, are hosted and operated entirely within Microsoft’s own data centres. These models inherit the robust security and compliance controls of Microsoft 365, ensuring that:

• Your data never leaves Microsoft’s environment
• Your data is never used to train the AI models
• All AI outputs are governed by Microsoft’s Responsible AI standards

This multi-layered approach ensures that Copilot’s responses are not only relevant but also safe and appropriate for business use.

Data Access and Privacy Controls

Copilot generates responses by combining your business data with your queries. However, it only accesses the data that you have permission to see. If you don’t have access to a file or document, Copilot won’t be able to retrieve or reference it either.

This means each user gets a personalised and secure view of organisational data – tailored to their access rights. However, it also highlights the importance of strong data governance. If someone has access to sensitive information, Copilot can surface it in responses. That’s why reviewing and tightening access controls is essential.

We explore this further in our article: How Should Private Equity Firms Approach Data Governance When Deploying Copilot?

Transparency and Traceability

Copilot is designed to keep you in control. It provides clear citations for the data it uses, allowing you to trace responses back to their original sources – whether that’s a specific point in a meeting transcript or a section of a document. This transparency helps build trust and makes it easier to verify information.

Built-In Microsoft 365 Security Features

Copilot also integrates with Microsoft 365’s native security tools. For example, it respects and displays sensitivity labels within its responses. If a document is marked as “Confidential,” “Sensitive,” or “Under NDA,” Copilot will reflect that – helping users stay aware of the sensitivity of the data they’re working with. These labels are fully customisable to match your firm’s policies.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Copilot is built with security at its core. When combined with strong internal data governance, it offers a powerful and safe way to enhance productivity using AI. You can trust Copilot to handle your data responsibly – provided your access controls and data hygiene are up to date.

Need help optimising Copilot for your organisation?
Get in touch to arrange a discovery call: https://www.doherty.co.uk/contact-us/

We’re a managed IT services and cybersecurity company in London, specialising particularly in the financial services and legal sectors.

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