In October 2024, Microsoft announced that CSP customers with Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium licenses can purchase Copilot directly using just their credit card. What this means is that AI discussions can now occur across your customers’ businesses, potentially involving stakeholders outside your direct engagement. While MSPs may choose to disable this feature outright, many are preparing to have AI-readiness conversations, with data protection as a starting point.
AI and data protection go hand-in-hand
Data is the foundation of AI. The more information Copilot has access to, the richer the insights. However, handling sensitive corporate data requires careful consideration. Customers depend on MSP guidance to help them leverage AI while keeping their data protected.
Let’s explore how AI and data protection intersect.
Key takeaways for MSPs:
- Data is the Backbone of AI: Unlike general-purpose AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft 365 Copilot is uniquely powerful because it integrates both public and private company data to deliver tailored value. This reliance on sensitive data makes protection not just important but critical to ensuring Copilot delivers accurate and effective outputs.
- Malicious or Accidental Deletion of Data Will Limit Effectiveness: Microsoft 365 Copilot depends on having access to reliable and comprehensive data. If critical information is deleted—whether intentionally or accidentally—Copilot’s functionality is reduced, leading to less accurate insights. Protecting data ensures that Copilot operates at its full potential.
- Unprotected Data Threatens Core Business Operations: Beyond its use in Copilot, data is a critical foundation for an organization’s daily operations. Without proper safeguards, sensitive information is exposed to risks like breaches, theft, or unauthorized access. These incidents can disrupt workflows, compromise valuable data, and harm both the organization’s reputation and its ability to function effectively.
How to protect data from AI risks in 2025
As AI continues to evolve, so do the risks it presents. For MSPs, this means adapting data protection strategies to address the unique challenges that AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot bring to the table. Here are key goals to prioritize as you prepare for 2025:
- Strengthen Your Backup Strategy – AI tools like Copilot rely on vast amounts of data to function effectively, making robust, automated backup solutions more critical than ever. Regular, secure backups not only protect customers from data loss but also safeguard against threats like overexposure, accidental deletion, or malicious tampering. A strong backup plan ensures business continuity and resilience.
- Educate Customers on AI Risks – Many businesses are eager to adopt AI but may not fully understand the risks involved, particularly around data security. MSPs have a vital role in bridging this gap. Take the lead by educating your customers on potential risks, from data breaches to misuse of sensitive information, and emphasize the importance of implementing a comprehensive data protection strategy.
- Prioritize Data Classification and Governance – AI tools like Copilot don’t need access to all data—and treating all data equally can lead to unnecessary exposure of sensitive information. Work with customers to classify their data and establish governance frameworks that define what AI can and cannot access. This ensures Copilot operates within controlled boundaries, protecting privacy and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
The financial benefits of committing annually and paying yearly encourage longer-term client engagement, as customers look for year-round support.
Conclusion
It's essential to embrace AI with data protection in mind. With Microsoft’s self-service options accelerating AI discussions across businesses, MSPs have a unique opportunity to lead these conversations by implementing modern and secure data strategies. Download our guide, Securing Tomorrow: AI and Data Protection, to learn how you can lead the way to AI-readiness by securing and optimizing your clients’ data today.
