How to Securely Use Microsoft Copilot With Dynamics 365

The introduction of Microsoft Copilot is changing the way we work within Dynamics 365, Outlook, Excel, and other everyday business applications. However, you may wonder how you can safely integrate Copilot into your business operations without compromising your data security and privacy.

Before introducing Microsoft Copilot to your Dynamics 365 environment, I recommend taking the time to understand how it works, how it uses your data, the security features in place, and how to safely start using it for your business.

How Microsoft Copilot Works with Your Data

Dynamics 365 Copilot

Dynamics 365 Copilot integrates into your ERP or CRM environment, allowing you to use natural language to ask questions, automate mundane tasks, navigate your interface, and more. There are specific functionalities for Copilot in Dynamics 365 Business Central, Copilot in Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, and Copilot in Dynamics 365 CRM.

Dynamics 365 Copilot searches your solution to generate a natural language response based on the data you have access to. If a user has permission to view data in D365 and shares it with Copilot or asks a related question, Copilot will have access to it.

Microsoft 365 Copilot

The Copilot functionality available for Microsoft 365 (now called Microsoft 365 Copilot) enables easy interaction with applications such as Outlook and Teams. Using the chat feature, you can enable Copilot to search both the web and your M365 environment for responses. By analyzing your input and context, Copilot suggests relevant and coherent text that you can accept, reject, or modify.

This is secured by Microsoft Enterprise Compliance, ensuring your data is protected and safe and that it stays internal. If you choose to search the web, your data is not shared; instead, you’re telling it you want to start looking at information from the Internet as opposed to just searching in your work account files.

Dynamics 365 Copilot Licensing

All Dynamics 365 Copilot functionality is included with your D365 licenses and integrates seamlessly into the solutions you’re already using.

Note that there is also the “Copilot for Sales” license, which is not part of the Dynamics 365 Sales license itself, but provides additional functionality that can be leveraged in Dynamics 365 Sales. Copilot for Sales licenses cost $50/user/month on an annual commitment and yearly payment.

Security Features for Microsoft Copilot

One advantage of using Copilot as your AI tool is that it inherits your current privacy, security, and regulatory configurations. This includes features such as multifactor authentication, compliance policies, procedures, and boundaries.

Data Protection: One of Copilot’s greatest strengths is the protection of client data from being used to train other Large Language Models and prevent data leakage.

Access Control: Copilot will not pull data from areas of your organization that users do not already have access to. It is based on data users can already personally access, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure and only accessible to authorized users.

Data Usage: Copilot does not learn from the prompts, responses, or data accessed through your Microsoft Graph, thereby preventing data leakage.

Unauthorized Access Prevention: Copilot has protection in place to detect protected material and prevent unauthorized access.

Continuous Learning: When you chat with Copilot, and it provides information, users can push the thumps up or the thumbs down on the information they received so that Copilot can continue learning from those interactions.

Visit Microsoft Learn to stay updated and to learn more about your Data, Security, and Privacy for Microsoft Copilot.

How to Begin Using Microsoft Copilot Safely for Your Business

Copilot has completely changed how I work and has created efficiencies throughout my day. Whether it’s catching up on emails in 15 minutes instead of hours or summarizing meetings and pinpointing task-related conversations, the impact is clear.

Reflecting on how I used Copilot when I first started and the numerous ways I find efficiencies with it now, I find it so important for users to start using and embracing it.

User Education and Adoption

Getting started with Dynamics 365 Copilot can be a significant step for your business. It’s natural to have concerns about data security and how Copilot will use your information. The key is to dive in while ensuring your data is well-curated to fully leverage Copilot’s features.

Copilot’s most powerful capability is its ability to enable people to learn new ways of doing their jobs. Training your team is essential to maximizing its potential.

When using Copilot, it’s crucial to be mindful of the data you share. To mitigate risks and ensure your critical data remains secure, avoid sharing any highly sensitive, confidential, or regulated information. Always review and verify the suggestions provided by Copilot for accuracy before accepting them. This ensures that Copilot’s suggestions align with your business needs and standards.

Review User Permissions

It’s important to set permissions according to your organization’s compliance standards. Review your existing user permissions in Dynamics 365 to prevent any issues with data access. Proper permission will control who can see and use specific data, maintaining the integrity of your information.

Additionally, providing feedback using the thumbs up or thumbs down prompt helps Copilot’s performance. You should also report any issues or concerns you encounter while using Copilot.

Account Security

Before you begin using Copilot, ensure that accounts and processes are secure by enforcing multi-factor authentication. This way, as you begin rolling out Copilot, it adds an extra layer of protection, making it difficult for unauthorized users to gain access.

Copilot Implementation Strategy

To start using Copilot in your Dynamics 365 environment, once your user permissions are reviewed and secure, my recommendation is to just turn Copilot on and explore the new features. Like with any new technology, identify within your organization who is going to be your champions.

Assign them Copilot licenses as a first wave and track their usage. Once they are proficient, they can help establish an educational foundation for the rest of your organization. Gradually, you can begin rolling it out to the organization.

Microsoft Copilot is a powerful AI assistant that can enhance productivity and creativity in Dynamics 365 and the rest of your business software. However, it’s essential to use it safely and wisely.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure that your data security and privacy are respected and protected, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of Microsoft Copilot without compromising your data.

For more information about leveraging Copilot to improve your efficiency in Dynamics 365, you may be interested in the following resources:

• Copilot in Dynamics 365 Business Central
• Copilot in Finance & Operations
• Copilot in Dynamics 365 CRM

If you’re looking for a partner to help you with Dynamics 365 integrations, implementation, training, support, or strategic guidance, learn more about about Encore Business Solutions.