Mastering Data Governance with Microsoft Copilot

Implementing data governance is required step for a successful implementation of Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, especially when dealing with sensitive organizational data. Microsoft Copilot, as an AI-driven tool, utilizes vast amounts of data from various sources within the Microsoft 365 suite, including SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams, to generate responses and assist users in their tasks. Effective data governance ensures that this data is used responsibly, securely, and in compliance with organizational policies and standards.

Data governance for Microsoft Copilot is larger than basic data management; it's about ensuring that as AI technologies become more integrated into daily workflows, they do so in a way that aligns with core non-functional requirements of security, privacy, and compliance.

Without robust data governance:‍

• There's a risk of sensitive data being exposed or misused.
• Over sharing of data could lead to employees observing information that they normally would not have access to.
• Compliance violations could occur, leading to legal and financial repercussions.
• The organization's intellectual property could be jeopardized.

Implementing effective data governance practices ensures that Microsoft Copilot enhances productivity and collaboration without compromising on security or compliance. It enables organizations to harness the power of AI responsibly, making it a valuable ally in the digital workplace.

The following are some practical examples on ensuring secure data for Microsoft Copilot.

Maintaining appropriate levels of Data Sensitivity

Example #1: When MicrosoftCopilot generates summaries from documents stored in SharePoint or OneDrive, data governance policies ensure that it only accesses documents the user has permission to view. This prevents sensitive information from being inadvertently exposed or in other words, prevents oversharing.

Implementation:

• ApplySensitivity Labels: Use Microsoft Information Protection to classify documents as confidential. Copilot can be configured to recognize these labels and restrict its processing based on the classification.
  • ‍Overview - MicrosoftInformation Protection SDK. | Microsoft Learn

• Configure Access Permissions: Regularly review and adjust permissions in SharePoint and OneDrive to ensure Copilot interacts only with appropriate data.
  • ‍Manage sharing settings for SharePoint and OneDrive in Microsoft 365 - SharePoint in Microsoft365 | Microsoft Learn

MaintainingPrivacy and Compliance

Example #2: As Copilot can process data from Teams chats for generating responses or summaries, it's vital to ensure that this does not breach any privacy regulations or internal policies.

• Implementation: Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies: Enforce DLP policies in Teams to prevent Copilot from processing data that contains sensitive information, such as personal

Discover how prepared your organization is to implement data governance with Microsoft Copilot. Take our interactive quiz today and unlock insights into your readiness level. Find out if you're leading the pack, or if there are key areas you need to strengthen for a secure and compliant digital workspace. Don't miss this opportunity to assess and enhance your data governance strategy with Microsoft Copilot.

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