Preparing Your Data for Microsoft 365 Copilot: Why Security Comes First

Microsoft 365 Copilot has the potential to transform business productivity by drafting proposals, summarising meetings, and analysing spreadsheets in seconds.

However, Copilot inherits all existing user permissions. If your internal SharePoint folders have "Everyone except external users" permissions on sensitive folders (like payroll or executive reviews), Copilot can surface those files to staff members in conversational queries.

Before rolling out Copilot licenses, conduct a permission audit and implement Microsoft Purview sensitivity labels to maintain strict data boundaries.