Microsoft Copilot is powerful but enabling it without preparation can expose sensitive data. Before turning on Copilot, your Microsoft 365 tenant must be secure, structured, and governed. Copilot respects existing permissions, which means poor hygiene = AI-amplified risk.
Key Areas to Prepare
- Identity & Access
- Enforce MFA for all users
- Remove legacy authentication
- Review guest access and dormant accounts
- SharePoint & OneDrive Permissions
- Eliminate “Everyone” and “Everyone except external users”
- Reduce oversharing across Teams and SharePoint
- Ensure clear site ownership
- Data Classification & Sensitivity
- Apply sensitivity labels
- Identify high-risk data locations
- Restrict external sharing where required
- Governance & Monitoring
- Audit access regularly
- Use Secure Score recommendations
- Monitor Copilot activity with Purview
Why This Matters
Copilot doesn’t create new access — it reveals what already exists. A well-prepared tenant ensures AI improves productivity without increasing risk.
My365Expert Tip: Copilot readiness is a security project first, not an AI toggle.
