CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts

Episode 355 - Learning reboot

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 –

https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/10/28/the-next-chapter-of-the-microsoft-openai-partnership/

Automate with Workflows Agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot (Frontier) –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvk1ScZT-lo

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) –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v27H_R1ltB0

Microsoft 365 Copilot now enables you to build apps and workflows –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/10/28/microsoft-365-copilot-now-enables-you

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 –

https://microsoft.ai/news/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 –

https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/10/16/mddr-2025/

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 –

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2025/10/16/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 –

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-annual-letter-thinking-decades-executing-quarters-satya-nadella-7…

Episode 354 - Phil Meyer

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.

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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/ 

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Show Notes

Email philme@catalyst345.com to receive the invitation to Phil’s online meetings

http://aka.ms/wti for that Work Trends Index

Philip Meyer | LinkedIn for LinkedIn profile

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 -

https://microsoft.design/articles/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 -

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/excelblog/building-agent-mode-in-excel/4457320

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 –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biWymgItJ_I

Introducing Knowledge Agent in SharePoint –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/spblog/introducing-knowledge-agent-in-sharepoint/4454154

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 –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/officeeos/get-ready-now-one-month-until-office-20162019-en…

Episode 353 - AI services analysis

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

X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia

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

CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS

Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops

Get your M365 questions answered via email

 

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 –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/08/27/microsoft-ranked-number-one-in-modern-endpoint-security-market-share-third-year-in-a-row/

Securing and governing the rise of autonomous agents –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/08/26/securing-and-governing-the-rise-of-autonomous-agents/

How systems integrators are scaling innovation with Microsoft 365 Copilot and agents –

https://partner.microsoft.com/en-US/blog/article/copilot-partner-spotlight-august-2025

Microsoft deployment blueprint – Address oversharing concerns for your M365 Copilot deployment –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/healthcareandlifesciencesblog/microsoft-deployment-blueprint—address-oversharing-concerns-for-your-m365-copi/4434598

Staying Ahead of Compliance: Keep Up with Key Insights from our Quarterly Compliance Update –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/staying-ahead-of-compliance-keep-up-with-key-insights-from-our-quarterly-complia/4448011

Microsoft Security Copilot in Intune deep dive – Part 1: Features available in public preview –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/microsoft-security-copilot-in-intune-deep-dive-%E2%80%93-part-1-features-available-in-pu/4406244

What’s New in Microsoft Intune: August 2025 –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftintuneblog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-intune-august-2025/4445612

OneNote for Windows 10 support is ending –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/onenote-for-windows-10-support-is-ending/4445230

Think before you Click(Fix): Analyzing the ClickFix social engineering technique –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/08/21/think-before-you-clickfix-analyzing-the-clickfix-social-engineering-technique/

Deep Dive: DLP Incidents, Alerts & Events – Part 1 –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/deep-dive-dlp-incidents-alerts–events—part-1/4443691

Deep Dive: DLP Incidents, Alerts & Events – Part 2 –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/deep-dive-dlp-incidents-alerts–events—part-2/4443700

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/ 

Episode 352 - Agents to the Rescue

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

X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia

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

CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS

Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops

Get your M365 questions answered via email

 

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 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

 

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/deep-dive-dlp-incidents-alerts--events---part-2/4443700

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/  

Episode 351 - Learning is a superpower

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

CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS

X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia

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

CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS

Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops

Get your M365 questions answered via email

 

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/

 

Episode 350 - Power Up

In Episode 350 of the CIAOPS “Need to Know” podcast, along with the latest news from the Microsoft Cloud, we explore how Microsoft Power Pages is revolutionising web development for SMBs. Learn how this low-code platform enables businesses to build secure, scalable portals—without needing full-stack developers. From customer support portals to partner onboarding, discover real-world use cases, a step-by-step guide to building your first portal, and how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can offer Power Pages as a service. This episode is a must-listen for IT professionals, MSPs, and business leaders driving digital transformation.

Resources

CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS

X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia

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

CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS

Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops

Get your M365 questions answered via email

 

Show Notes

Security & Compliance

• Microsoft Purview powers data protection in Security Copilot: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/microsoft-purview-powering-data-security-and-compliance-for-security-copilot/4433522
• AI Governance with Purview: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/secure-and-govern-ai-apps-and-agents-with-microsoft-purview/4429925
• Defender for Office 365 email security performance: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/17/transparency-on-microsoft-defender-for-office-365-email-security-effectiveness/
• Cloud Storage Protection in the age of AI: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/MicrosoftDefenderCloudBlog/protecting-cloud-storage-in-the-age-of-ai/4433854
• New Regulatory Frameworks in Defender for Cloud: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftdefendercloudblog/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-adds-four-new-regulatory-frameworks/4433440

AI & Copilot

• Copilot Memory for personalised AI: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/introducing-copilot-memory-a-more-productive-and-personalized-ai-for-the-way-you/4432059
• Security Copilot Admin Tools: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/securitycopilotblog/new-tools-for-security-copilot-management-and-capacity-planning/4432723
• Intune Integration with Copilot: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/microsoft-security-copilot-in-intune-deep-dive---part-3-explore-and-act-on-your-/4433019
• Surface Management Portal now supports Copilot: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/surfaceitpro/now-generally-available-microsoft-security-copilot-in-surface-management-portal/4429558

Learning & Productivity

• Microsoft Forms Tips: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/get-the-most-out-of-microsoft-forms-with-these-little-known-features/4432179

Threat Intelligence

• Octo Tempest Attacks: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/16/protecting-customers-from-octo-tempest-attacks-across-multiple-industries/
• Defender Experts on proactive threat hunting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqlxXf6JeQg

Platform & Tools

• Apple Device Enrollment in Intune: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/intunecustomersuccess/understanding-apple-enrollment-methods-in-microsoft-intune/4434586

Recognition & Industry Updates

• Microsoft Named Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/07/16/microsoft-is-named-a-leader-in-the-2025-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-endpoint-protection-platforms/

AI Governance & Design

• Agent Governance in Microsoft 365: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/healthcareandlifesciencesblog/mastering-agent-governance-in-microsoft-365/4416620

Media & Branding

• Microsoft Stream & Clipchamp brand unification: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft_365blog/microsoft-stream-and-microsoft-clipchamp-brand-unification-update-for-microsoft-/4433155

 

Episode 349 - MCP is for me

Explore the future of AI integration, Microsoft Cloud updates, and security innovations tailored for the SMB market. In this episode, we dive into the transformative role of AI MCP servers, the latest Microsoft 365 and Teams updates, and practical security and compliance strategies. Whether you're an IT pro, business leader, or tech enthusiast, this episode delivers actionable insights and resources to stay ahead in the Microsoft ecosystem.

 

Resources

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Join my Teams shared channel - Join my Teams Shared Channel – CIAOPS

CIAOPS Merch store - CIAOPS

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CIAOPS Blog - CIAOPS – Information about SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, Mobility and Productivity from the Computer Information Agency

CIAOPS Brief - CIA Brief – CIAOPS

CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS

Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops

Get your M365 questions answered via email

What’s new in Microsoft Entra – June 2025: Highlights include upcoming support for backing up account names in the Authenticator app using iCloud Keychain
Enhancing Defense Security with Entra ID Governance: Discusses how Entra ID Governance strengthens defense sector security
What’s New in Microsoft Teams | June 2025: Covers new Teams features and enhancements 3. 
What’s new in Microsoft Intune: June 2025: Summarizes Intune updates including device management improvements
Microsoft Intune data-driven management | Device Query & Copilot: Introduces new Copilot-powered device query features

Data Breach Reporting with Microsoft Data Security Investigations: Guidance on regulatory breach reporting
Modern, unified data security in the AI era: New Microsoft Purview capabilities for AI-driven data protection
Safeguarding data with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Focuses on compliance and security in Copilot deployments
Protection Against Email Bombs: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 introduces new protections
Introducing the Microsoft 365 Copilot App Learning Series: Learning resources for Copilot adoption
Making the Most of Attack Simulation Training: Best practices for security training
Processing status pane for SharePoint Autofill: New UI enhancements for SharePoint 
Introducing the New SharePoint Template Gallery: Streamlined template discovery and usage
Planning your move to Microsoft Defender portal: Transition guidance for Sentinel customers
Jasper Sleet: North Korean IT infiltration tactics: Threat intelligence update
Managing warehouse devices with Microsoft Intune: Real-world Intune use case

Integrating Microsoft Learn Docs with Copilot Studio using MCP

Episode 348 - Email my agent

Welcome to Episode 348 of the CIAOPS Need to Know podcast — your regular dose of insights, updates, and practical guidance on Microsoft technologies, cybersecurity, and the evolving digital workplace with a special focus on what's best for SMB.

Resources

CIAOPS Need to Know podcast - CIAOPS - Need to Know podcasts | CIAOPS

X - https://www.twitter.com/directorcia

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

CIAOPS Labs - CIAOPS Labs – The Special Activities Division of the CIAOPS

Support CIAOPS - https://ko-fi.com/ciaops

 

Microsoft Defender & Security

• Case management now supports multiple tenants – Enhances multi-tenant visibility in Microsoft Defender.
• Best Practices for Investigating Phishing Incidents – Guidance for handling phishing in Defender for Office 365.

Microsoft 365 & Copilot

• Copilot Notebooks in OneNote – Now available for enterprise users on Windows.
• Microsoft 365 Insider Round-Up: June 2025 – Monthly feature and update digest.
• Copilot Release Notes – June 4 – Latest improvements and fixes.
• New FAQ web part in SharePoint – Copilot-powered FAQ integration.
• Copilot vulnerability report – Security concerns around AI agent hacking.

AI & Innovation

• New methods boost LLM reasoning – Research on improving model reasoning.
• Empowering AI skills in teams – Microsoft’s initiative to boost AI adoption.

Identity & Access

• Getting started with Microsoft Entra Suite – Overview of Entra capabilities.
• Understanding and Mitigating Golden SAML Attacks – Security guidance for identity compromise.

Governance & Policy

• Microsoft to block third-party app access – Policy change on app consent.
• Microsoft 365 Local – Sovereign cloud solutions for Europe.

Thought Leadership

• Breaking down the infinite workday – Microsoft WorkLab’s insights on work-life balance.

Get your M365 questions answered via email

Episode 347 - Right to Left

In this episode I take a look at some of the latest announcements from Microsoft Build as well as recent changes to the Microsoft 365 home page. As expected Build gave us lots of new and enhanced capabilities coming to services like Copilot Studio and provide a raft of enhanced ways to better use AI across tenant information. There are still plenty of security updates to be across so listen along for all the details.

Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com

Resources

@directorcia

Join my shared channel

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Support CIAOPS

Build 2025 Book of news

Microsoft Build

Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot Tuning

Multi-agent orchestration, maker controls, and more: Microsoft Copilot Studio announcements at Microsoft Build 2025

The Microsoft 365 Copilot app: Built for the new way of working

What’s new in Microsoft 365 Copilot | May 2025

Automating Phishing Email Triage with Microsoft Security Copilot

Defending against evolving identity attack techniques

What’s new in Microsoft Intune: May 2025

Monitoring & Assessing Risk with Microsoft Entra ID Protection

Discover how automatic attack disruption protects critical assets while ensuring business continuity

Access chats while sharing your screen in Teams meetings

New Russia-affiliated actor Void Blizzard targets critical sectors for espionage

Episode 346 - It's better when you add on

In this episode I have a chat about the E5 security add on for Microsoft 365 Business premium and what additions it provides for security. Microsoft Build is also this week so we expect plenty of news and update there. Stay tuned for that but for now listen along get up to date with the Microsoft Cloud.

Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com

Resources

@directorcia

Join my shared channel

CIAOPS merch store

Become a CIAOPS Patron

CIAOPS Blog

CIAOPS Brief

CIAOPSLabs

Support CIAOPS

Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 grant discontinuation

Simple, Smart, and Secure: The next step in sharing files in Microsoft 365

Introducing all-new Surface Copilot+ PCs: The Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch

Copilot on Windows: “Hey, Copilot!” begins rolling out to Windows Insiders 

Start, Fresh — Redesigning the Windows Start menu for you 

SharePoint in the Era of AI: Spring 2025 Updates

Empowering multi-agent apps with the open Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol 

Managing and migrating Macs with Microsoft Intune

Getting Started with the New Purview eDiscovery (E3)

Transitioning to Microsoft Planner and retiring Microsoft Project for the web

OneDrive: Personalized Intelligence. Seamless Collaboration. Always On

Microsoft 365 E5 versus Business Premium with E5 Security Add-on: A Comparative Analysis for Small Businesses