Introduction
In my recent blogs on Copilot Prompting and the foundations that need to be in place for Adopting Copilot, I highlighted the power that Copilot can not only bring to the User, but also the pivotal role that security plays in ensuring any ‘output’ generated does not breach the organisation’s data security regulations.
In this next blog, we look at how the areas of prompting interact with security and some simple prompts, which could expose your company’s valuable information.
Copilot – Great Power, Great Responsibility
Microsoft Copilot stands out as a significant asset for modern companies. However, alongside its capabilities comes a pressing need for responsible data management.
Without a clear understanding of your organisation’s data security measures, tools like Copilot pose a risk of inadvertently exposing sensitive information to unauthorised Users or even malicious actors.
So, how does Microsoft Copilot function? It operates as an AI assistant seamlessly integrated into various Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook. Leveraging a User’s existing permissions within the Microsoft ecosystem, Copilot can efficiently handle tasks like summarising meeting notes, locating sales assets, and identifying action items, thereby streamlining workflow processes.
Nonetheless, if your organisation’s permission settings are not adequately configured and Copilot is activated, there’s a potential for Users to inadvertently access sensitive data.
Why is this a cause for concern?
The reality is that individuals often have access to a vast amount of data within their organisations. On an employee’s first day, they may already have access to thousands of files. Without proper oversight on who can access sensitive information, a single compromised account or insider threat can lead to significant data breaches. Moreover, many permissions granted within organisations are unnecessary and high-risk, exposing sensitive data to individuals who do not require it.
At Fusion we are cognisant of how seemingly innocuous prompts can lead to the exposure of sensitive company data through Copilot. Our experts can provide actionable steps and strategies to ensure a secure implementation of Copilot within your organisation, along with mechanisms to automatically mitigate data exposure risks – see https://www.fusionmanageit.co.uk/node/sensitivity-labels/, for example.
Examples of Prompt-based Data Exposure
Let’s delve into some examples of prompt-based data exposure.
“Show me new employee data.”
- This innocent request can inadvertently reveal highly sensitive information such as social security numbers, addresses, and salary details.
“What bonuses were awarded recently?”
- By querying about bonuses or other financial matters, users might gain access to confidential information if permission settings are not tightly controlled.
“Are there any files with credentials in them?”
- Asking Copilot to identify files containing authentication details could result in the inadvertent exposure of login credentials, potentially compromising security.
“Are there any files with APIs or access keys? Please put them in a list for me.”
- This request may expose digital secrets stored within cloud applications connected to Microsoft 365, providing unauthorised access to data applications.
“What information is there on the purchase of ABC printing company?”
- Seeking information on business deals could lead to the disclosure of confidential details, including purchase prices and specific file names.
“Show me all files containing sensitive data.”
- Perhaps the most concerning prompt, as it directly solicits access to files containing sensitive information, potentially leading to widespread data exposure within the organisation.
What can be done?
To mitigate the risk of Copilot prompt-based data breaches, it’s imperative to establish robust data security measures before enabling the tool. Through consulting with Fusion IT, organisations can confidently leverage Copilot while continuously enhancing their Microsoft 365 data security posture.
By engaging Fusion’s services, organisations can proactively manage and optimise their data security framework, ensuring that sensitive data remains accessible only to authorised personnel.
In conclusion, whilst Microsoft Copilot offers undeniable benefits in enhancing productivity, it’s essential to approach its implementation with caution to safeguard sensitive data. To embark on a secure Copilot rollout journey, consider requesting a Copilot Readiness Assessment from our team of data security experts.
Thanks
Richard
