Need to Know podcast–Episode 361

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.

Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com

you can listen directly to this episode at:

https://ciaops.podbean.com/e/episode-361-phil-meyer/

Subscribe via iTunes at:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/ciaops-need-to-know-podcasts/id406891445?mt=2

or Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7ejj00cOuw8977GnnE2lPb

Don’t forget to give the show a rating as well as send me any feedback or suggestions you may have for the show.

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

Security, AI & Cloud Updates

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/

New Publication–Achieving SMB1001:2026 with M365 Business Premium

https://directorcia.gumroad.com/l/smb10012006

Unlock Your Path to SMB1001:2026 Certification—The Definitive Guide for Modern Cybersecurity Excellence

Are you ready to elevate your business’s cybersecurity posture and achieve the new SMB1001:2026 standard? This publication, Achieving SMB1001:2026 Compliance with Microsoft 365 Business Premium, is your essential roadmap to mastering the latest requirements from Dynamic Standards International (DSI), released in September 2025.

Why Choose This Guide?

Comprehensive Coverage of the Latest 2026 Standard: Stay ahead with detailed explanations of all new controls, refinements, and tier changes introduced in SMB1001:2026. Learn how to implement advanced requirements like DMARC email authentication, Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR), AI governance, and enhanced supplier security—features not found in previous editions1.
Step-by-Step Implementation: Benefit from practical, actionable guidance for every control across Bronze to Diamond levels. Each section provides clear instructions for leveraging Microsoft 365 Business Premium tools—Intune, Defender for Business, Purview, and more—to meet compliance efficiently and confidently.
Gap Analysis & Control Mapping: Instantly identify what’s changed from SMB1001:2025 to 2026. The publication includes side-by-side tables and checklists, so you can pinpoint new, relocated, and updated controls, ensuring your compliance journey is audit-ready and future-proof1.
Real-World Solutions: Discover how to use Microsoft 365’s integrated security features to satisfy every requirement—from patch management and password hygiene to advanced backup strategies and supplier trust programs. Includes tips for evidence collection, policy documentation, and ongoing compliance management.
Focused on the Latest Threats: The 2026 standard responds to today’s evolving cyber risks, including email-based attacks, AI misuse, and supply chain vulnerabilities. This guide shows you how to implement controls that directly address these challenges, protecting your business from costly incidents and regulatory penalties.
Accelerate Your Certification: Whether you’re starting at Bronze or aiming for Diamond, this publication provides a clear, phased roadmap. Achieve certification faster, reduce audit stress, and gain a competitive edge with a security posture aligned to global best practices.

Who Should Buy This Guide?

IT Managers, MSPs, and Security Professionals seeking a practical, up-to-date reference for SMB1001:2026 implementation.
Business Owners and Executives wanting to understand the value and process of certification, and how it strengthens business resilience.
Compliance Officers and Auditors needing authoritative guidance on evidence collection, policy updates, and audit preparation.

Key Benefits

Save Time and Resources: Avoid costly trial-and-error with proven, step-by-step instructions and ready-to-use checklists.
Reduce Risk: Implement controls that directly mitigate ransomware, phishing, and supply chain threats.
Future-Proof Your Business: Stay compliant with the latest cybersecurity standard, ensuring your organization is prepared for evolving regulations and threats.

Don’t settle for outdated guidance—choose the publication that’s fully aligned with SMB1001:2026 and unlock your path to certification and cyber resilience.

SMB1001:2025 is available here – https://directorcia.gumroad.com/l/smb1001-2025?layout=profile

See all the titles available at – https://directorcia.gumroad.com/

CIA Brief 20260214

Multi-Geo In-Region Routing General Availability –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/multi-geo-in-region-routing-general-availability/…

Introducing Security Dashboard for AI (Now in Public Preview) –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/introducing-security-dashboard-for…

Your Data, Your Choices: Understanding Microsoft’s Privacy Commitments –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/your-data-your-choices-understandi…

Manipulating AI memory for profit: The rise of 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-sent…

Microsoft Entra Agent ID explained –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-B-kD28P2I

From signal to strategy: Closing attack paths with identity intelligence –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftthreatprotectionblog/from-signal-to-strategy-clos…

After hours

These Al Prompts Exposed My Biggest Blind Spots

– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjTaZvvOtxU

Editorial

If you found this valuable, the I’d appreciate a ‘like’ or perhaps a donation at https://ko-fi.com/ciaops. This helps me know that people enjoy what I have created and provides resources to allow me to create more content. If you have any feedback or suggestions around this, I’m all ears. You can also find me via email director@ciaops.com and on X (Twitter) at https://www.twitter.com/directorcia.

If you want to be part of a dedicated Microsoft Cloud community with information and interactions daily, then consider becoming a CIAOPS Patron – www.ciaopspatron.com.

Watch out for the next CIA Brief next week

New publication–Selling & Delivering Microsoft 365 Copilot with AI Governance for SMBs

https://directorcia.gumroad.com/l/governance

Governance Playbook for MSPs: Selling & Delivering Microsoft 365 Copilot with AI Governance for SMBs

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot—safely and securely—with this comprehensive Governance Playbook, designed specifically for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) serving small and midsize businesses (SMBs).

Why Purchase This Playbook?

Become the Trusted AI Advisor: Position your MSP as the go-to expert for responsible AI adoption. This playbook empowers you to guide clients through every step of deploying Copilot, from policy creation to technical configuration and ongoing compliance monitoring.
Mitigate AI Risks: Protect your clients from data leaks, compliance violations, and costly mistakes. The playbook provides actionable strategies to ensure Copilot respects permissions, sensitivity labels, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies—reducing risk and maximizing ROI.
Accelerate Secure Productivity: Help clients harness Copilot’s productivity benefits without compromising security. Align AI use with business goals and build lasting trust through robust governance.

What’s Inside?

Step-by-Step Guidance: Detailed instructions for drafting AI usage policies, configuring compliance settings, auditing Copilot activity, implementing sensitivity labels, and training users.
Ready-to-Use Templates: Includes editable AI Usage Policy templates, Sensitivity Labeling Guides, Compliance Checklists, Training Decks, FAQs, and Incident Response Plans—client-branded for ongoing use.
Technical Controls: Learn how to validate and enhance Microsoft 365 security, set up Purview audit logs, restrict SharePoint/Teams access, and manage retention policies.
Pricing Models & Packaging: Explore hourly consulting, fixed-price projects, and ongoing managed service options (Bronze/Silver/Gold tiers) to monetize your governance expertise.
Deliverables: Receive a toolkit of compliance reports, governance logs, controls test documentation, and user training materials to showcase your thoroughness and value.

Key Benefits

Reduce risk and ensure compliance with proven governance strategies.
Enhance client confidence and MSP revenue by delivering end-to-end Copilot solutions.
Save time with ready-made templates and checklists for rapid deployment.
Position your MSP for future strategic projects in cloud, security, and AI readiness.

Investing in this playbook means preventing costly breaches and compliance fines, enabling safe productivity gains, and cementing your role as a strategic technology partner.

Perfect for MSPs looking to differentiate their offerings and deliver a complete, secure, and effective Microsoft 365 Copilot solution. Purchase now to elevate your service and become the trusted advisor your clients need!

Now included with MSP AI Playbook bundle – https://directorcia.gumroad.com/l/mspaipb

See all the titles available at – https://directorcia.gumroad.com/

CIA Brief 20260209

Exchange Online EWS, Your Time is Almost Up –

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%9…

New Clickfix variant ‘CrashFix’ deploying Python Remote Access Trojan –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/02/05/clickfix-variant-crashfix-deploying-python…

From runtime risk to real‑time defense: Securing AI agents –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/01/23/runtime-risk-realtime-defense-securing-ai-…

Detecting backdoored language models at scale –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/02/04/detecting-backdoored-language-models-at-sc…

The Microsoft Copilot Data Connector for Microsoft Sentinel is Now in Public Preview –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsentinelblog/the-microsoft-copilot-data-connector…

Admin tasks in Microsoft Intune: Centralized control today, AI-ready for tomorrow –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftintuneblog/admin-tasks-in-microsoft-intune-centra…

Microsoft Defender | Threat Intelligence Briefing Agent –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86nfFsaBSfk

Microsoft Purview Data Security Investigations is now generally available –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/microsoft-purview-data-security-in…

Secure Boot playbook for certificates expiring in 2026 –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/secure-boot-playbook-for-certificates-e…

Case study: Securing AI application supply chains –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/01/30/case-study-securing-ai-application-supply-…

After hours

Why One-Person Companies ar ethe future of work – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGdG-04TkDs

Editorial

If you want to be part of a dedicated Microsoft Cloud community with information and interactions daily, then consider becoming a CIAOPS Patron – www.ciaopspatron.com.

Watch out for the next CIA Brief next week

Unlocking AI Power: My first attempt at a Multi-Model Prompting App with Azure AI Foundry

Video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8nh2sbO-Go

Join me as I walk you through the innovative AI app I’ve been developing! In this video, I demonstrate how you can send prompts to a variety of large language models—or even leverage an agent with grounded data—for smarter, more accurate responses. You’ll see how the model router selects the best LLM for your needs, compare outputs from different models like GPT OSS120B and DeepSeek-R1, and discover the advantages of using agents with real data sources. Plus, I showcase user-friendly features like exporting results, saving prompts, and customizing your workspace. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or just curious about the latest in prompt engineering, this demo will inspire you to explore new possibilities with Azure AI Foundry!

I’m looking for feedback on whether this type of app has value and what additional features and functionality could be added? Let me know in the comments.

Need to Know podcast–Episode 360

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.

Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com

you can listen directly to this episode at:

https://ciaops.podbean.com/e/episode-360-shervin-shaffie/

Subscribe via iTunes at:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/ciaops-need-to-know-podcasts/id406891445?mt=2

or Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7ejj00cOuw8977GnnE2lPb

Don’t forget to give the show a rating as well as send me any feedback or suggestions you may have for the show.

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

FY26 Q2 – Press Releases – Investor Relations – Microsoft

The Microsoft Copilot Data Connector for Microsoft Sentinel is Now in Public Preview | Microsoft Community Hub

Secure Boot playbook for certificates expiring in 2026

SharePoint Showcase highlights: Copilot and agents governance and security essentials for admins

What’s New in Microsoft 365 Copilot | January 2026 | Microsoft Community Hub

Upcoming Conditional Access change: Improved enforcement for policies with resource exclusions

CIAOPS Need to Know Microsoft 365 Webinar – February

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Now in our tenth year!

Join me for the free monthly CIAOPS Need to Know webinar. Along with all the Microsoft Cloud news we’ll be taking a look at the new Baseline Security Mode.

Shortly after registering you should receive an automated email from Microsoft Teams confirming your registration, including all the event details as well as a calendar invite.

You can register for the regular monthly webinar here:

February Registrations

(If you are having issues with the above link copy and paste – https://bit.ly/n2k2602 )

The details are:

CIAOPS Need to Know Webinar – February 2026
Friday 20th of February 2026
11.00am – 12.00am Sydney Time

All sessions are recorded and posted to the CIAOPS Youtube channel.

Also feel free at any stage to email me directly via director@ciaops.com with your webinar topic suggestions.

I’d also appreciate you sharing information about this webinar with anyone you feel may benefit from the session and I look forward to seeing you there.