Securing Your Data for AI with Microsoft Purview

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Matt JonesBusiness Development Manager – Security ANZ
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I'm continually surprised by how frequently people overlook the importance of establishing robust data governance from the outset. Without clear rules in place, organisations are left vulnerable to potential risks and the “baddies” can certainly have a lot of fun.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a great tool to revolutionise how businesses operate, but it also introduces new challenges, especially around data security and compliance. When sensitive information flows through AI models, the risk of data leaks, regulatory breaches, and misuse skyrockets. That’s why Microsoft Purview is essential in my opinion for organisations embracing AI responsibly.

Why AI Data Security Is Critical

AI tools often process confidential data—customer details, intellectual property, financial records. Without proper safeguards, this data can:

  • Leak through AI prompts or outputs.
  • Violate compliance standards like GDPR or HIPAA.
  • Be exposed via shadow AI tools or insider threats.

The solution? A governance-first approach that ensures data security without slowing innovation.

While there are many tools to assist you with data governance, if you have Microsoft A5 or E5 Purview Licencing is included, so is a good place to start!

Microsoft Purview: Why?

Purview provides Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) for AI, allowing you to secure AI interactions across their environment.

Here’s how it works, Purview allows you to:

  1. Discover and Monitor AI Usage
    • Identify which AI apps (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot, ChatGPT Enterprise, Azure AI Foundry) are in use.
    • Track prompts and responses for compliance and auditing.
  2. Classify and Protect Sensitive Data
    • Apply sensitivity labels and data loss prevention (DLP) policies to prevent confidential data from being shared with AI tools.
    • Automate labelling for high-risk datasets.
  3. Enforce AI-Specific Policies
    • Deploy one-click policies to block risky actions like pasting sensitive data into AI prompts.
    • Configure endpoint DLP for browsers to monitor third-party AI interactions.
  4. Audit and Investigate
    • Use Purview Audit to capture AI interactions in a unified log.
    • Enable eDiscovery and legal hold for AI-related content.
  5. Integrate with Azure AI and Custom Apps
    • Embed Purview APIs into AI applications for runtime governance.
    • Leverage native integration with Azure AI Foundry for enterprise-grade security.

Where do you start? What are the best Practices for Securing AI Data.

Steps to begin:

  1. Start with Data Discovery – Identify and classify sensitive data before connecting to AI tools. This is probably the most difficult and important part of this process as not all staff will agree on this. My suggestion here, get an expert to help you with this, using their knowledge and best practise.
  2. Enable DSPM for AI – Activate monitoring and compliance controls in Purview.
  3. Implement DLP and Sensitivity Labels – Protect critical assets like training datasets and proprietary code.
  4. Audit Regularly – Review AI interactions for compliance and anomalies.
  5. Educate Users – Train employees on safe AI usage and governance policies.

Whether your organisation is actively leveraging AI technologies or just beginning the journey, it is essential to safeguard your most valuable data assets.

By implementing thorough preparation, establishing robust governance practises, and utilising solutions like Purview, you can ensure the highest level of data security and compliance.

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Continue your journey toward a secure, resilient workplace with SoftwareOne.

Let’s collaborate to make your AI adoption seamless and secure, paving the way for smart innovation without unnecessary risks.

Continue your journey toward a secure, resilient workplace with SoftwareOne.

Let’s collaborate to make your AI adoption seamless and secure, paving the way for smart innovation without unnecessary risks.

Author

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Matt Jones
Business Development Manager – Security ANZ

In my 20 years in technology, I’ve worked with some great people in many roles from running IT companies, to commercialising global products and recently working at Veeam helping customers protect their valuable data. The one common thing I have learnt is you can never learn to much, and there are always smarter people than you to learn from.

I’m very busy outside of work coaching soccer (Yes the real football) Under 10 Elite kids and watching them become awesome soccer stars. Since I was a kid seeing Nivana play in 91 I’ve been a music lover and love the feeling of a great live show or a new vinyl record. I also love banging out some tunes on my piano, violin or guitar with my kids who are 8 and nearly 2.