In recent years, educational institutions globally have embarked on a journey to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their learning environments. This move is aimed at equipping students and staff with innovative tools and skills for the future. However, as these institutions expand their AI capabilities, they face the critical challenge of maintaining a balance between innovation and security. To achieve this balance, Microsoft has introduced a suite of tools including Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft Intune. These tools are designed to protect sensitive data and secure AI applications effectively.
The foundation of Microsoft Security’s approach is built on the principles of Trustworthy AI. These principles include fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. By adhering to these principles, security teams can effectively prepare for AI implementation. There is a video available that demonstrates how Microsoft Security builds a trustworthy foundation for developing and using AI, further illustrating these principles in action.
Charlie Bell, the Executive Vice President of Security at Microsoft, emphasizes that trust is integral to Microsoft’s operations. He assures customers and the community that cyber safety is prioritized above all else.
Gain Visibility into AI Usage and Associated Risks
The introduction of generative AI in educational settings holds immense potential to revolutionize the way students learn. However, it also poses potential risks such as the exposure of sensitive data and improper AI interactions. Microsoft Purview offers comprehensive insights into user activities within Microsoft Copilot, enabling institutions to manage these risks effectively. The features of Microsoft Purview include:
- Cloud Native: It allows management and protection across Microsoft 365 apps, services, and Windows endpoints.
- Unified: Institutions can enforce policy controls and manage policies from a centralized location.
- Integrated: This feature supports role classification, data loss prevention (DLP) policies, and incident management.
- Simplified: Institutions can quickly get started with pre-built policies and migration tools.
Microsoft Purview Data Security Posture Management for AI (DSPM for AI) provides a centralized platform for securing data used in AI applications and monitoring AI usage proactively. This service includes Microsoft 365 Copilot and other Microsoft copilots, as well as third-party AI applications. DSPM for AI equips institutions with tools to safely adopt AI while maintaining productivity and protection. The features include:
- Insights and analytics into AI activity within organizations.
- Ready-to-implement policies for data protection and loss prevention in AI interactions.
- Data assessments to identify, remediate, and monitor potential data oversharing.
- Compliance controls for optimal data handling and storage practices.
By offering real-time insights and analytics, Purview enables quick resolution of security concerns, ensuring a robust approach to AI adoption.
Protect Your Institution’s Sensitive Data
Educational institutions are custodians of vast amounts of sensitive data, including student and staff information as well as historical records for alumni and former employees. To maintain trust, these institutions must address unique challenges related to data management and cyber threats. A comprehensive data lifecycle management plan is essential in this context.
Microsoft Entra ID plays a crucial role in controlling access to sensitive information. For example, if unauthorized users attempt to access sensitive data, Copilot will block access, thus safeguarding student and staff data. Key features of Microsoft Entra ID include:
- Understand and Govern Data: It helps manage visibility and governance of data assets.
- Safeguard Data, Wherever it Lives: Protects sensitive data across clouds, apps, and devices.
- Improve Risk and Compliance Posture: Identifies data risks and meets regulatory compliance requirements.
Furthermore, Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is integral to safeguarding data by ensuring that only authorized users access the information they need. Institutions can create policies for generative AI apps like Copilot or ChatGPT, allowing access only to users on compliant devices who accept the terms of use.
Implement Zero Trust for AI Security
In the era of AI, adopting a Zero Trust framework is essential for protecting employees, devices, and data by minimizing threats. This security model requires that all users, whether inside or outside the network, are authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated before accessing applications and data. Enforcing security policies at the endpoint is vital to implementing Zero Trust across an organization. A robust endpoint management strategy enhances AI language models while improving security and productivity.
Before introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot into a learning environment, Microsoft recommends building a strong security foundation based on Zero Trust principles. The Zero Trust strategy treats each connection and resource request as originating from an uncontrolled network, thereby ensuring that every request is verified. The principle "never trust, always verify" underlines this approach.
For a detailed guide on applying Zero Trust principles to Microsoft 365 Copilot, a resource is available that outlines the steps necessary to prepare an environment for Copilot.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint work in tandem to provide visibility and control over data and devices. These tools allow institutions to block or warn users about risky cloud apps. Unsanctioned apps are automatically synced and blocked across endpoint devices through Microsoft Defender Antivirus within the Network Protection service level agreement (SLA). Key features include:
- Triage and Investigation: Provides detailed alert descriptions and context, enabling investigation of device activity with full timelines and access to robust data and analysis tools.
- Incident Narrative: Reconstructs the broader attack story by merging relevant alerts, reducing investigative effort, and improving incident scope and fidelity.
- Threat Analytics: Monitors threat posture with interactive reports, identifies unprotected systems in real-time, and provides actionable guidance to enhance security resilience and address emerging threats.
Using Microsoft Intune, institutions can restrict the use of work apps like Microsoft 365 Copilot on personal devices or implement app protection policies to prevent data leakage. These measures ensure that all work content, including that generated by Copilot, can be wiped if the device is lost or dissociated from the organization.
Assess Your AI Readiness
Assessing an institution’s readiness for AI transformation can be a complex process. A strategic approach is necessary to evaluate capabilities, identify areas for improvement, and align with priorities for maximum value.
The AI Readiness Wizard is a tool designed to guide institutions through this process. It helps evaluate the current state, identify gaps in the AI strategy, and plan actionable next steps. This structured assessment encourages reflection on current practices and prioritizes key areas for strategic development. Resources are available at every stage to support advancement and progress.
As AI programs evolve, prioritizing security and compliance from the outset is crucial. Microsoft tools such as Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft Intune help ensure that AI applications and data are both innovative and secure by design. Institutions can take the next step in securing their AI future by using the AI Readiness Wizard to evaluate their current preparedness and develop a successful AI implementation strategy. By partnering with Microsoft Security, educational institutions can build a secure, trustworthy AI program that empowers students and staff alike.
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