Microsoft 365 Copilot secure AI integration for SMEs

Is Your AI Secure? Why SMEs Should Consider Microsoft 365 Copilot

Introduction

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are revolutionising the workplace, offering new efficiencies and opportunities for innovation. However, insights from the 2024 Microsoft Data Security Index highlight a growing concern: 65% of organisations report employees using unsanctioned AI tools, putting sensitive data at significant risk.

For SMEs, this creates an urgent need to assess their AI usage. If employees are using external AI tools for business tasks, it’s time to consider a secure alternative. Switching to Microsoft 365 Copilot ensures generative AI security by keeping your business data protected within the Microsoft ecosystem.

AI is quickly becoming being essential for day to-day work — and organizations must embrace and actively adapt to that new reality

Key Insights from the 2024 Microsoft Data Security Index

  1. Fragmented Security Increases Risks
    • Organisations using 11 or more data security tools reported 202 security incidents annually, compared to 139 for those using fewer tools.
  2. Generative AI is Driving Security Incidents
    • Data security breaches tied to generative AI tools surged from 27% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.
  3. AI Can Enhance Security
    • 77% of organisations believe AI helps detect unprotected sensitive data and identify threats faster.

What Does This Mean for SMEs?

Many employees rely on tools like ChatGPT to simplify tasks such as drafting emails or analysing data. While these tools are helpful, they also introduce major vulnerabilities:

Microsoft 365 Copilot secure AI integration for SMEs
  • Data Exposure: Information entered into external platforms is not secured within your Microsoft 365 environment.
  • Compliance Risks: Sensitive business data may be mishandled, leading to potential GDPR violations.
  • Lack of Oversight: IT teams often cannot monitor external AI usage, creating blind spots.

Why Choose Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Microsoft 365 Copilot integrates generative AI seamlessly within your secure Microsoft ecosystem. Here’s why it’s the right choice:

  1. Enterprise-Grade Security
    Data stays within the trusted Microsoft 365 environment, protected by advanced security features.
  2. Compliance Assurance
    Built-in GDPR compliance ensures your business meets regulatory standards.
  3. Boosted Productivity
    Employees can leverage AI capabilities in familiar tools like Word, Excel, and Teams without compromising security.

Steps SMEs Can Take to Secure AI Usage

  1. Adopt Microsoft 365 Copilot
    Equip your team with AI tools that align with your existing security framework.
  2. Implement Best Practices
    • Block access to unauthorised AI apps.
    • Train employees on secure AI usage.
    • Log AI activities for audit and incident response.
  3. Streamline Your Data Security Stack
    Simplify your tools to reduce complexity and improve visibility.

Learn More

Gain deeper insights into the risks and opportunities of generative AI by exploring the full Microsoft Data Security Index. For a detailed guide on securing AI adoption, check out the Data Security as a Foundation for Secure AI Adoption white paper.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Secure AI

Already considering Microsoft 365 Copilot? Learn more about its benefits in our previous blog post.

Final Thoughts

Generative AI offers SMEs incredible potential for innovation—but only when used responsibly. By adopting secure, integrated solutions like Microsoft 365 Copilot, your business can stay ahead of emerging risks while enhancing productivity.

Ready to safeguard your business? Contact us today to find out how we can help.

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