Managed IT Support Services Provider Explores Microsoft Security Copilot

Microsoft’s Response To AI-Driven Threats 

The AI revolution that is currently making its way to mainstream use. It is rapidly changing the cyber security landscape. Along with these changes, businesses and other organizations also need to keep up. This is so they don’t fall victim to cyber criminals. They need a tool to help them respond proactively to these threats. Also, be able to quickly and effectively counter any breach. However, the gap in technological needs and availability of skilled staff has proved that managing a company’s cybersecurity posture is challenging. And so, a cybersecurity and managed IT support services company explore the newly launched Microsoft Security Copilot.

As an industry leader, Microsoft is not unaware of these challenges. Hence, the creation of Microsoft Security Copilot. Launched April 1st, 2024, this is Microsoft’s security solution which uses the power of generative AI. Not only does it work with other Microsoft security products, but it also integrates natural language. This means that responses are tailored to the needs of the security professional for better guidance and insights.

What is Microsoft Security Copilot?

Microsoft Security Copilot is the first AI-powered tool for the use of cyber security professionals. Simply put, it is a tool for the good guys. It is aimed at helping your trusted IT professionals to be quicker, more thorough and increasing team competence against threats.  

It makes use of large-scale data, threat intelligence (gathered from trillions of security signals gathered by Microsoft daily) and large language models (LLMs). This results in well-fitting responses as well as accurate and intelligent directions as to what needs to be done. This means a better way to forecast, detect and respond to threats.

With the use of Microsoft Security Copilot, cybersecurity professionals can now secure business systems at the speed and accuracy of AI. Thereby elevating your cybersecurity posture.

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How Does It Work?

Cybersecurity and managed IT support services company explains… 

Microsoft Security Copilot can be a standalone product or as an embed or add-on to your current security products. This is because it was created to work seamlessly with other Microsoft security products like Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Intune as well as Microsoft Sentinel. Other third-party security systems such as Service now are also compatible with the Microsoft Security Copilot. List of other security tools that the Security Copilot can work with are as follows: 

• Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence  
• Microsoft Entra 
• Microsoft Purview  
• Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management  
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud
   

Now, going back to the fact that Microsoft Security Copilot uses large language models (LLMs). LLMs is basically an algorithm used in AI that makes use of human language, also called natural language. This enables the AI to understand the complex relationship of words and their meanings or implications. Because of this, the Security Copilot makes it easy for users to ask about security issues.

You can ask direct questions such as: 

• What are the best practices to secure the (name of program or network)? 
• How does (virus or malware name) impact the company? 
• Generate a report on the latest security breach.  
• How to neutralize TrickBot?  

You can use natural language prompts with Security Copilot. This makes it easy to ask for information or guidance on various security topics. 

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Security Copilot

Pros: 

With the power of AI backing up your security you get to: 

• Sift out what others don’t see
  With Microsoft Security Copilot, analyzing available data is now faster and more accurate. It removes all unnecessary information to detect possible threats even before they become a major issue. Similarly, it can detect which threats are real threats and decrease false alarms. This relieves the security team of unnecessary burden and stress, hence allowing them to stay focused on real issues.
   
• Be faster than the real threat
  AI-powered security protocol makes data available and interpreted quickly. Therefore, in case of breach, incident response also becomes faster. This makes it possible to neutralize the threat in minutes.
   

• Improve team skills and efficiency
  The AI behind the Security Copilot reduces the time and effort exhausted on manual data analysis thereby making operations more efficient. Also, because this technology is from generative AI, which means it learns as it goes, junior members of the team can advance and improve their skills. This is because the system will offer them step-by-step guidance on how to perform their tasks. This frees up senior members of the team so they can focus on strategies and other matters.
   
• Can be used as stand alone or with other Microsoft products
  This provides options that would work best with the user. If opting for being an embed to a current Microsoft security product being used, this also integrates easily. With this combination, it enhances the cybersecurity system in place. Therefore, it also makes the response capability better.
   
• Generative AI means it continues to learn
  Being able to continue to learn at a fast pace, this means that the Copilot will continue to improve in its ability. This includes the forecasting, identification and neutralization of threats. It also is cost-effective considering that it evolves along with the evolution of possible threats and can even stop threats before they become more dangerous

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Cons: 

• Cost
  The use of the new Microsoft Security Copilot will entail cost. Whether used as a standalone product or as an add-on or embed. License would have to be paid for. Microsoft, however, is introducing it with a pay-as-you-go system to make it accessible to as many users as possible. Similarly, with this software, there may be a need for upgrades in either software or hardware for it to function at its best.
   
• Challenges in compatibility of other tools
  Although Microsoft Security Copilot will work with other security products from Microsoft, we have very little data as to whether it can work with other programs. Companies with varied security tools may find challenges in integration and compatibility. Likewise, operational apps that are vital to the user’s operation may also be affected with the introduction of this new Security Copilot.
   
• Need for training
  As with anything new, training is necessary for the staff to be able to use it properly. Familiarization of the functionality and its potential capabilities are necessary to maximize the investment made for this product. Training may include both IT personnel directly involved in daily security operations and regular staff in the company system or network.
   

At the End of the Day

Despite the considerations that business will have to face in the use of Microsoft Security Copilot, it is clear that its use would be more favorable. The cybersecurity landscape is changing as we speak. Threat actors are already deploying AI as means to wreak havoc among businesses, big and small. It is therefore wise to also use AI to combat these threats. Not doing so would make your company like sitting ducks to these cyber criminals. 

Managed IT support services company can help you get started!

Microsoft Security Copilot is a new product and is the first of its kind. Tackling this by yourself can be very challenging especially for a new or inexperienced person in the realm of cybersecurity. We, a cybersecurity and managed IT support services company, can assist you in making sure you maximize this tool for your business. Our team of cybersecurity and Microsoft tools experts can help you navigate through these complexities. From the installation, integration and training, we got you!

Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.

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