Email philme@catalyst345.com to receive the invitation to Phil’s online meetings
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Episodes
Regular Microsoft Cloud information featuring Azure and Office365 with Microsoft MVP Robert Crane - A mix of current Microsoft cloud news, analysis and industry expert chat.
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026
In this episode I speak with Phil Meyer about the current state and future of the technical community in SMB around the Microsoft products and services. Things are changing, demographics, technology as well as customers are impacting the concept of 'community'. Phil and I dive deep and share our opinions. Plenty of news and update from the Microsoft Cloud as well to dig into for you.
Resources
Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode:
- CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/
- CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/
- CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/
- CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/
- Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/
- CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/
- CIAOPS Publications: https://directorcia.gumroad.com
- Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/
- Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
- Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/
- Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-free/
- CIAOPS Email list - https://bit.ly/cia-email
- Achieving SMB1001 publication - https://directorcia.gumroad.com/l/smb10012006
Show Notes
Email philme@catalyst345.com to receive the invitation to Phil’s online meetings
-
Introducing Security Dashboard for AI (Public Preview)
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/introducing-security-dashboard-for-ai-now-in-public-preview/4494637 -
Your Data, Your Choices: Microsoft’s Privacy Commitments
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/your-data-your-choices-understanding-microsoft%E2%80%99s-privacy-commitments/4489814 -
Manipulating AI Memory for Profit: AI Recommendation Poisoning
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/02/10/ai-recommendation-poisoning/ -
What’s New in Microsoft Sentinel – February 2026
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsentinelblog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-sentinel-february-2026/4494218 -
Closing Attack Paths with Identity Intelligence
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftthreatprotectionblog/from-signal-to-strategy-closing-attack-paths-with-identity-intelligence/4491856 ] -
Exchange Online EWS – End of Life Reminder
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/exchange-online-ews-your-time-is-almost-up/4492361 -
What’s New in Microsoft Intune — January 2026
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftintuneblog/whats-new-in-microsoft-intune-%E2%80%93-january-2026/4476487 -
Real‑time Defense: Securing AI Agents
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/01/23/runtime-risk-realtime-defense-securing-ai-agents/ -
Detecting Backdoored Language Models at Scale
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/02/04/detecting-backdoored-language-models-at-scale/
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
In this episode I'm joined by Shervin Shaffie from Microsoft to do a deep dive into Copilot Studio. That's the service from Microsoft that allows you to create agents in a 'low-code' manner right inside the M365 environment. Shervin has some great Youtube content I highly recommend and provides some great insights and tips and tricks in this episode when working with agents in Microsoft 365. I'll also brin you up to date with the latest Microsoft Cloud news. Listen along.
Resources
Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode:
- CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/
- CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/
- CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/
- CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/
- Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/
- CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/
- CIAOPS Publications: https://directorcia.gumroad.com
- Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/
- Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
- Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/
- Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-free/
- CIAOPS Email list - https://bit.ly/cia-email
Show Notes
Shervin Shaffie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherv/
Principal Copilot Engineer at Microsoft
Collaboration Simplified YouTube: https://youtube.com/@collaborationsimplified
All About AI Podcast: https://cosi.pro/aipodcast
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday Jan 26, 2026
I am joined by Andrew and Tim from Sherpatech to discuss updates and new challenges in the insurance market. If you missed last year's episode you'll find it here Episode 338 - Ensure to Insure. We discuss what impact AI is likely to have and how the insurance market is shaping up for 2026. I also have a few interesting updates and information from the Microsoft cloud for this first episode of 2026. So listen along and enjoy!
Resources
Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode:
- CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/
- CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/
- CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/
- CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/
- Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/
- CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/
- CIAOPS Publications: https://directorcia.gumroad.com
- Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/
- Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
- Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/
- Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-free/
- CIAOPS Email list - https://bit.ly/cia-email
Show Notes
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Welcome to another podcast episode where I aim to bring you up to date with the latest in the Microsoft Cloud as well as share my knowledge and insights. In this episode I dig into how you need to focus and avoid distractions as well as building your knowledge with products and automations you already have.
Resources
Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode:
- CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/
- CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/
- CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/
- CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/
- Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/
- CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/
- Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/
- Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
- Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/
- Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-free/
- CIAOPS Email list - https://bit.ly/cia-email
Announcements
-
Flight School: Mastering Copilot for IT Pros
A new training resource for IT professionals to maximize Copilot capabilities.
https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/14/flight-school-mastering-copilot-for-it-pros/
-
ACSC Essential Eight Maturity Level 3
Guidance on implementing security best practices with Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/12/08/implementing-acsc-essential-eight-maturity-level-3-with-microsoft-365-business-premium-publication/
Show Notes
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
I am joined once again by Phil Meyer to review the most important and relevant announcements from Microsoft Ignite. Plenty around AI but also a few other gems you may have overlooked, so sit back and listen in as we focus on what you should be paying attention to.
Resources
Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode:
- CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/
- CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/
- CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/
- CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/
- Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/
- CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/
- Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/
- Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
- Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/
- Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-free/
- CIAOPS Email list - https://bit.ly/cia-email
Announcements
Flight School: Mastering Copilot for IT Pros – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/14/flight-school-mastering-copilot-for-it-pros/
CIAOPS Academy deprecation notification – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/10/ciaops-academy-deprecation-notification/
Show Notes
Microsoft 365 powered by Work IQ: Built to Support How You Work –
Synced Passkeys in Microsoft Entra for Phishing-resistant MFA –
Ignite’25 Spotlight: Announcing Microsoft Baseline security mode –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/ignite%E2%80%9925-spotlight-announcing-m…
Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot Business: Empowering Small and Medium Businesses with AI –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-…
Future-Proofing Your Channel Business: Strategies for Asia Partners - Future-Proofing Your Channel Business: Strategies for Asia Partners | PBRK440 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvwZYUbVW08
Question - https://youtu.be/xvwZYUbVW08?t=2604
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
In this episode of the Need to Know Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of learning in the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem, with a spotlight on the SMB market. From the latest in Microsoft 365 Copilot innovations to critical cybersecurity updates and the end of CIAOPS Academy, this episode delivers essential insights for IT professionals and business leaders navigating the modern digital workplace.
Resources
Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode:
- CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/
- CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/
- CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/
- CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/
- Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/
- CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/
- Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/
- Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
- Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/
- Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-free/
- CIAOPS Email list - https://bit.ly/cia-email
Announcements
Flight School: Mastering Copilot for IT Pros – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/14/flight-school-mastering-copilot-for-it-pros/
Disabling Office Macros via ASR to Meet Essential Eight Requirements – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/13/disabling-office-macros-via-asr-to-meet-essential-eight-requirements/
ASD OWA settings check script – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/13/asd-owa-settings-check-script/
ASD Mailflow settings check script – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/12/asd-mailflow-settings-check-sript/
CIAOPS Academy deprecation notification – https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/11/10/ciaops-academy-deprecation-notification/
Show Notes
The next chapter of the Microsoft–OpenAI partnership –
Automate with Workflows Agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot (Frontier) –
Introducing Researcher with Computer Use in Microsoft 365 Copilot –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-researcher-with-comput…
Build apps in minutes with App Builder agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot (Frontier) –
Microsoft 365 Copilot now enables you to build apps and workflows –
Introducing Teams Mode for Microsoft 365 Copilot –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-teams-mode-for-microso…
Introducing MAI-Image-1, debuting in the top 10 on LMArena –
Building human-centric security skills for AI –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftlearnblog/building-human-centric-security-skills-…
GenAI vs Cyber Threats: Why GenAI Powered Unified SecOps Wins –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/genai-vs-cyber-threats-why-genai-p…
What’s new in Microsoft 365 Copilot | October 2025 –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/Microsoft365CopilotBlog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-36…
The 5 generative AI security threats you need to know about detailed in new e-book –
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/30/the-5-generative-ai-security-threats-you-n…
SharePoint Showcase highlights: Smarter Copilot responses using metadata with the Knowledge Agent –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/sharepoint-showcase-highlights-sma…
Work smarter with Copilot in the People, Files, and Calendar apps –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/work-smarter-with-copilot-in-the-p…
The weakest link: Stolen staff passwords now the biggest cyber threat to workplaces –
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-weakest-link-stolen-staff-passwords-now-the-biggest-cyb…
Cyber security priorities for boards of directors 2025-26 –
https://www.cyber.gov.au/business-government/protecting-business-leaders/cyber-security-for-busines…
Secure external attachments with Purview encryption –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/azurepurviewblog/secure-external-attachments-with-purview-…
What’s New in Microsoft Intune: October 2025 –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftintuneblog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-intune…
Custom detections are now the unified experience for creating detections in Microsoft Defender –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftthreatprotectionblog/custom-detections-are-now-th…
10 ways Microsoft Intune supports a smooth upgrade to Windows 11 –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftintuneblog/10-ways-microsoft-intune-supports-a-sm…
How Windows 11 and AI are transforming the future of work –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/how-windows-11-and-ai-are-transforming-…
Security Copilot Agents: The New Era of AI, Driven Cyber Defense –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/security-copilot-agents-the-new-er…
6 truths about migrating Microsoft Sentinel to the Defender portal –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsentinelblog/6-truths-about-migrating-microsoft-s…
Microsoft named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SIEM –
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/16/microsoft-named-a-leader-in-the-2025-gartn…
Extortion and ransomware drive over half of cyberattacks –
Microsoft 365 Insider Round-Up: October 2025 –
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/microsoft-365-insider-round-up-october-2025-microsoft-365-insider-ub…
Making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC –
Microsoft raises the bar: A smarter way to measure AI for cybersecurity –
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/14/microsoft-raises-the-bar-a-smarter-way-to-…
Building a lasting security culture at Microsoft –
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/13/building-a-lasting-security-culture-at-mic…
Satya – My annual letter: Thinking in decades, executing in quarters –
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
In Episode 354 of the CIAOPS "Need to Know" podcast, host Robert Crane sits down with Philip Meyer, a seasoned Microsoft veteran, to explore the seismic shifts in the IT landscape driven by artificial intelligence. From reflections on decades of industry evolution to practical advice for SMBs and partners, this episode delivers a rich blend of insights, personal stories, and actionable strategies. Topics include AI's impact on employment, cybersecurity challenges, digital labor, and the future of partner enablement.
Resources
Explore the tools, communities, and content mentioned in this episode:
- CIAOPS Need to Know Podcast: https://ciaops.podbean.com/
- CIAOPS Blog: https://blog.ciaops.com/
- CIAOPS Labs: https://blog.ciaopslabs.com/
- CIAOPS Brief: https://blog.ciaops.com/tag/cia-brief/
- Join the Teams Shared Channel: https://blog.ciaops.com/2022/07/29/join-my-teams-shared-channel/
- CIAOPS Merch Store: https://my-store-c5d877-2.creator-spring.com/
- Become a Patron: https://www.ciaopspatron.com/
- Direct Support: https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
- Get Your M365 Questions Answered: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/06/11/get-your-m365-questions-answered-via-email-2/
- Test Your Microsoft 365 Speed: https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/07/21/test-your-microsoft-365-speed-in-seconds-for-free/
Show Notes
Microsoft named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for XDR -
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/10/02/microsoft-named-a-leader-in-the-idc-market…
Retail at risk: How one alert uncovered a persistent cyberthreat -
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/09/24/retail-at-risk-how-one-alert-uncovered-a-p…
Fluid forms, vibrant colors -
What’s new in Microsoft 365 Copilot | September 2025 -
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/Microsoft365CopilotBlog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-36…
An IT pro’s guide to Windows 11, version 25H2 -
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/an-it-pro%E2%80%99s-guide-to-windows-11…
Announcing Microsoft Sentinel Model Context Protocol (MCP) server – Public Preview -
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/announcing-microsoft-sentinel-mode…
Microsoft Sentinel data lake is now generally available -
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/microsoft-sentinel-data-lake-is-no…
Empowering defenders in the era of agentic AI with Microsoft Sentinel -
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/09/30/empowering-defenders-in-the-era-of-agentic…
Microsoft 365 Backup: Protect your business with data recovery -
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365_backup_blog/microsoft-365-backup-protect-you…
Office Agent – “Taste driven” multi-agent system for Microsoft 365 Copilot -
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/office-agent-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cta…
Vibe working: Introducing Agent Mode and Office Agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot -
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/29/vibe-working-introducing-agent-mode-a…
Building Agent Mode in Excel -
Microsoft Sentinel and Defender: ITSM Integrations Explained –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsentinelblog/microsoft-sentinel-and-defender-itsm…
AI vs. AI: Detecting an AI-obfuscated phishing campaign –
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/09/24/ai-vs-ai-detecting-an-ai-obfuscated-phishi…
Expanding model choice in Microsoft 365 Copilot –
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/24/expanding-model-choice-in-microsoft-3…
Introducing Channel Agent in Teams –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/Microsoft365InsiderBlog/introducing-channel-agent-in-teams…
SharePoint Showcase highlights: Get the most out of SharePoint agents –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/sharepoint-showcase-highlights-get…
New collaborative agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot –
Introducing Knowledge Agent in SharePoint –
AI and Microsoft Teams: A New Era of Collaboration –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftteamsblog/ai-and-microsoft-teams-a-new-era-of-col…
Microsoft 365 Insider Round-Up: September 2025 –
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/microsoft-365-insider-round-up-september-2025-microsoft-365-insider-…
Addressing multi-tenant management challenges for MSPs with Microsoft Intune and partner innovations –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftintuneblog/addressing-multi-tenant-management-cha…
Defending against evolving identity attack techniques –
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/05/29/defending-against-evolving-identity-attack…
Copilot Chat comes to the Microsoft 365 apps –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/copilot-chat-comes-to-the-microsof…
Get ready now: One month until Office 2016/2019 end of support –
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
In this episode I talk about a recent series of blog posts I wrote about some analysis I did on various AI services available today as well as my thoughts on these. I also cover off the latest news and information in the Microsoft Cloud for you. Listen along.
Resources
CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS
Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS
CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS
Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron
CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency
CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS
Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
Welcome to the Microsoft Incident Response Ninja Hub –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsecurityexperts/welcome-to-the-microsoft-incident…
Listen to an audio recap of your meetings in Teams –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/Microsoft365InsiderBlog/listen-to-an-audio-recap-of-your-m…
Introducing Surveys Agent, your personal survey expert –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/introducing-surveys-agent-your-per…
What’s New in AI for Security from Microsoft Entra? –
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-entra-blog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-ai-for-security…
Microsoft ranked number one in modern endpoint security market share third year in a row –
Securing and governing the rise of autonomous agents –
How systems integrators are scaling innovation with Microsoft 365 Copilot and agents –
Microsoft deployment blueprint – Address oversharing concerns for your M365 Copilot deployment –
Staying Ahead of Compliance: Keep Up with Key Insights from our Quarterly Compliance Update –
Microsoft Security Copilot in Intune deep dive – Part 1: Features available in public preview –
What’s New in Microsoft Intune: August 2025 –
OneNote for Windows 10 support is ending –
Think before you Click(Fix): Analyzing the ClickFix social engineering technique –
Deep Dive: DLP Incidents, Alerts & Events – Part 1 –
Deep Dive: DLP Incidents, Alerts & Events – Part 2 –
New SKUs available for M365 Business premium - https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/deep-dive-dlp-incidents-alerts–events—part-2/4443700
Testing the differences between AI services – CIAOPS - https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/09/06/testing-the-differences-between-ai-services/
An analysis of how AI services vary – CIAOPS - https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/09/07/an-analysis-of-how-ai-service-vary/
Comparison of AI-Generated Articles – CIAOPS - https://blog.ciaops.com/2025/09/08/comparison-of-ai-generated-articles/
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
In this episode of the CIAOPS "Need to Know" podcast, we dive into the latest updates across Microsoft 365, GitHub Copilot, and SMB-focused strategies for scaling IT services. From new Teams features to deep dives into DLP alerts and co-partnering models for MSPs, this episode is packed with insights for IT professionals and small business tech leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve. I also take a look at building an agent to help you work with frameworks like the ASD Blueprint for Secure Cloud.
Resources
CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS
Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS
CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS
Become a CIAOPS Patron - CIAOPS Patron
CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency
CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS
Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops
Microsoft 365 & GitHub Copilot Updates
GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/08/07/available-today-gpt-5-in-microsoft-365-copilot/
GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/08/07/available-today-gpt-5-in-microsoft-365-copilot/
GPT-5 Public Preview for GitHub Copilot: https://github.blog/changelog/2025-08-07-openai-gpt-5-is-now-in-public-preview-for-github-copilot/
Microsoft Teams & UX Enhancements
Mic Volume Indicator in Teams: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/Microsoft365InsiderBlog/new-microphone-volume-indicator-in-teams/4442879
Pull Print in Universal Print: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/pull-print-is-now-available-in-universal-print/4441608
Audio Overview in Word via Copilot: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/Microsoft365InsiderBlog/listen-to-an-audio-overview-of-a-document-with-microsoft-365-copilot-in-word/4439362
Hidden OneDrive Features: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/get-the-most-out-of-onedrive-with-these-little-known-features/4435197
SharePoint Header/Footer Enhancements: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/spblog/introducing-new-sharepoint-site-header--footer-enhancements/4444261
Security & Compliance
DLP Alerts Deep Dive (Part 1 & 2): https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/deep-dive-dlp-incidents-alerts--events---part-1/4443691
Security Exposure Management Ninja Training: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/securityexposuremanagement/microsoft-security-exposure-management-ninja-training/4444285
Microsoft Entra Internet Access & Shadow AI Protection: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-entra-blog/uncover-shadow-ai-block-threats-and-protect-data-with-microsoft-entra-internet-a/4440787
ASD Blueprint for Secure Cloud - https://blueprint.asd.gov.au/
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
In Episode 351 of the CIAOPS “Need to Know” podcast, we explore how small MSPs can scale through shared knowledge. From peer collaboration and co-partnering strategies to AI-driven security frameworks and Microsoft 365 innovations, this episode delivers actionable insights for SMB IT professionals looking to grow smarter, not harder.
Resources
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Security & Threat Intelligence
Secret Blizzard AiTM Campaign: Microsoft uncovers a phishing campaign targeting diplomats. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/31/frozen-in-transit-secret-blizzards-aitm-campaign-against-diplomats
Multi-modal Threat Protection: Defender’s advanced capabilities against complex threats. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftdefenderforoffice365blog/protection-against-multi-modal-attacks-with-microsoft-defender/4438786
AI Security Essentials: Microsoft’s approach to AI-related security concerns. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/ai-security-essentials-what-companies-worry-about-and-how-microsoft-helps/4436639
macOS TCC Vulnerability: Spotlight-based flaw analysis. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/28/sploitlight-analyzing-a-spotlight-based-macos-tcc-vulnerability/
Copilot Security Assessment: Microsoft’s framework for secure AI deployments. https://security-for-ai-assessment.microsoft.com/
Identity & Access Management
Modern Identity Defense: New threat detection tools from Microsoft. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/31/modernize-your-identity-defense-with-microsoft-identity-threat-detection-and-response/
AI Agents & Identity: How AI is reshaping identity management. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-entra-blog/ai-agents-and-the-future-of-identity-what%E2%80%99s-on-the-minds-of-your-peers/4436815
Token Protection in Entra: Preview of enhanced conditional access. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/conditional-access/concept-token-protection
Microsoft Earnings & Business Updates
FY25 Q4 Earnings: Strong growth in cloud and AI revenue. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/earnings/FY-2025-Q4/press-release-webcast
Copilot & AI Enhancements
Copilot Without Recording: Use Copilot in Teams without meeting recordings. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-copilot-without-recording-a-teams-meeting-a59cb88c-0f6b-4a20-a47a-3a1c9a818bd9
Copilot Search Features: Acronyms and bookmarks walkthrough. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nftEC73Cjxo
Copilot Search Launch: General availability announcement. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/announcing-microsoft-365-copilot-search-general-availability-a-new-era-of-search/4435537
Productivity & Power Platform
PowerPoint Tips: 7 hidden features to elevate your presentations. https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/take-your-presentation-skills-to-the-next-level-with-these-7-lesser-known-powerp/4433700
New Power Apps: Generative AI meets enterprise-grade trust. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/blog/power-apps/introducing-the-new-power-apps-generative-power-meets-enterprise-grade-trust/