CIA Brief 20260131

Splitting single-tenant Microsoft Defender XDR Sentinel logs in multiple company scenarios –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/coreinfrastructureandsecurityblog/splitting-single-tenant-…

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

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/sharepoint-showcase-highlights-cop…

What’s New in Microsoft 365 Copilot | January 2026 –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/what%E2%80%99s-new-in-microsoft-36…

Turning threat reports into detection insights with AI –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/01/29/turning-threat-reports-detection-insights-…

Silicon to Systems: What powers Microsoft’s AI Infrastructure –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFqxwv-fiWI

Microsoft Azure Maia 200: Scott Guthrie EVP –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGecvPR2QWo

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

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-entra-blog/upcoming-conditional-access-change-im…

Microsoft Purview | Data Security Triage Agent in DLP –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZQKnvSV3B0

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | Mail Bombing and Mixed-Mode Attack Protection –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXGsQpqCWD4

The 6 pillars that will define agent readiness in 2026 –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/copilot-studio/the-6-pillars-that-will-defin…

UPDATE: New timeline for transitioning Sentinel experience to Defender portal –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsentinelblog/update-new-timeline-for-transitionin…

New Microsoft Data Security Index report explores secure AI adoption to protect sensitive data –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/01/29/new-microsoft-data-security-index-report-e…

General availability of source specific filters in Copilot Search –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/general-availability-of-source-spe…

Trust DigiCert Global Root G2 Certificate Authority to Avoid Exchange Online Email Disruption –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/trust-digicert-global-root-g2-certificate-authori…

Voice in Microsoft 365 Copilot – Hands-Free Productivity –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeFpj-Ea3iY

Conditional Access for Agent Identities in Microsoft Entra –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/coreinfrastructureandsecurityblog/conditional-access-for-a…

More control over proofing language in OneNote on Windows –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/more-control-over-proofing-languag…

Agent Mode is Here: Build & Edit Spreadsheets with Copilot in Excel –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDv8B_N_V1A

Advance Your SOC Skills with the Power of Microsoft Sentinel data lake and graph –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft-security-blog/advance-your-soc-skills-with-the-p…

Updated Exchange Online SMTP AUTH Basic Authentication Deprecation Timeline –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/updated-exchange-online-smtp-auth-basic-authentic…

St. Luke’s saves nearly 200 hours monthly with AI-powered Security Copilot agents –

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

Microsoft 365 Accessibility, a year in review: Building accessible experiences with support from AI –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/microsoft-365-accessibility-a-year…

Accelerating Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption with Automated Readiness Assessment –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365copilotblog/accelerating-microsoft-365-copilot…

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-…

After hours

Alex Honnold BEST MOMENTS Free Soloing Taipei 101 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkVZm5UuXIs

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

January Microsoft 365 Webinar resources

The slides from this month’s webinar are available at:

https://github.com/directorcia/general/blob/master/Presentations/Need%20to%20Know%20Webinars/202601.pdf

and the video recording is also up on Youtube here:

Video URL – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5dXVGbfcXE

Watch out for next month’s webinar.

Robert.agent 2025 insights

I ran Copilot across all the emails received by my M365 email agent in 2025 and used the results to create the infographic above, once again using Copilot to do it.

Remember, simply put you M365 question in the body of an email and send it to robert.agent@ciaops365.com for a detailed response within a few minutes.

New publication–Copilot Training & User Enablement Playbook for MSPs

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

Copilot Training & User Enablement Playbook for MSPs

Unlock the True Value of Microsoft 365 Copilot for Your Clients

The “Copilot Training & User Enablement Playbook for MSPs” is the definitive guide for Managed Service Providers who want to deliver not just Copilot deployments, but real, measurable outcomes for their clients. This comprehensive playbook empowers MSPs to transform Copilot from a shelfware add-on into a daily productivity engine—ensuring clients see rapid ROI, higher user satisfaction, and a competitive edge.

What’s Inside?

End-to-End Enablement Program: Step-by-step instructions for designing and delivering a structured Copilot training and change management program, including interactive workshops, ongoing coaching, and promotional strategies.
Ready-to-Use Collateral: Templates for reference guides, cheat sheets, workshop agendas, and communication materials that can be quickly customized for any client.
Proven Adoption Tactics: Practical advice on driving mindset shifts, securing executive sponsorship, and celebrating early wins to build momentum and sustain usage.
Pricing Models & Service Bundles: Clear guidance on how to package, price, and position your training services for maximum value and recurring revenue.
AI Center of Excellence Blueprint: A roadmap for offering ongoing support, Q&A clinics, and advanced user enablement as a premium retainer service.

Why Purchase This Playbook?

Accelerate Client ROI: Ensure your clients realize the full value of their Copilot investment—studies show that structured training and change management dramatically increase productivity and adoption rates.
Differentiate Your MSP: Stand out from competitors who simply “drop off” technology. This playbook positions you as a strategic partner, not just a software reseller.
Drive Real Outcomes: Move beyond installation to deliver tangible business results—like reduced document prep time, improved collaboration, and a culture of innovation.
Reusable, Scalable Assets: Save time and boost margins with ready-made, customizable materials and a repeatable delivery model.
Future-Proof Your Offering: Stay ahead with up-to-date best practices, ongoing support models, and strategies for evolving client needs.

Who Should Buy?

MSPs seeking to add high-value, high-margin services to their portfolio.
IT consultants and trainers responsible for Microsoft 365 Copilot rollouts.
Organizations that have deployed Copilot but struggle with low user adoption.

Don’t just deploy Copilot—make it indispensable.
Purchase the “Copilot Training & User Enablement Playbook for MSPs” and become the partner your clients trust to unlock the full power of AI in their workplace.

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

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

Need to Know podcast–Episode 359

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!

Brought to you by www.ciaopspatron.com

you can listen directly to this episode at:

https://ciaops.podbean.com/e/episode-359-reinsurance/

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

‘AI adoption is accelerating, but confidence is collapsing’: The more workers use AI, the less they trust it. Baby boomers show a 35% drop

Data Security Posture Management for AI | Microsoft Community Hub

GitHub Copilot CLI

Bringing work context to your code in GitHub Copilot – Microsoft for Developers

PowerShell script to extract M365 security data for your own AI analysis – CIAOPS

Essential 8 AI report via PowerShell – CIAOPS

Unlocking Microsoft 365 Security: How I Automated AI-Powered Risk Analysis with PowerShell

YouTube

Microsoft and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team unite to drive innovation from factory to circuit – Source

Microsoft OneDrive, a year in review: AI-powered file management and smarter collaboration

Demystifying Exchange Online Mailbox Quotas | Microsoft Community Hub

SherpaTech

Insurance Health Check

MSP/ IT Professional Insurance Quote and Policy portal

Insurance Checklists

Unlocking Microsoft 365 Security: How I Automated AI-Powered Risk Analysis with PowerShell

Video URL – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyPXlI6GHCo

In this video, I walk you through my exclusive PowerShell script that transforms Microsoft 365 security management. Watch as I extract real-time security data from my Microsoft 365 tenant, summarize it, and seamlessly upload it to a custom AI Foundry agent powered by GPT-5. You’ll see how I authenticate using Azure AD, leverage model routing for the best AI analysis, and generate a detailed, actionable HTML security report—complete with risk assessments, prioritized recommendations, and remediation guides. This tool is available only to subscribers, so if you want to supercharge your Microsoft 365 security with AI automation, this is a must-watch! Drop your questions in the comments and discover what’s possible when PowerShell meets next-gen AI. See the blog post at – https://blog.ciaops.com/2026/01/22/co…

Essential 8 AI report via PowerShell

I recently provided a PowerShell script to extract M365 data for your own AI analysis. Also as part of that I provided two recommended prompts you can use to generate a report based on that data. I have now added an Essential 8 prompt you can use to generate a detailed Essential 8 analysis and report, which you an find here:

https://github.com/directorcia/Office365/blob/master/Analysis/Secure%20Score/prompt-e8.txt

You can see the result of this prompt in the images provided, which in this case was used with Copilot Researcher with Claude.

You can of course, use this prompt with any AI you prefer and just use it as a starting point and customise to suit your needs

If you have any further suggestions for prompts with this extract security data please let me know.

CIA Brief 20260124

Exchange Online Public Folder Data and Retention Questions –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/exchange-online-public-folder-data-and-retention-…

Inside the takedown of RaccoonO365: How Phishing-as-a-Service fuels ransomware’s engine –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/topics/cybersecurity/stories/raccoono365/

Inside the takedown of RaccoonO365: How Phishing-as-a-Service fuels ransomware’s engine –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/topics/cybersecurity/stories/raccoono365/

Ford builds trust across global operations with Microsoft Defender –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55tcTDO1Sbw

Microsoft and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team unite to drive innovation from factory to circuit –

https://news.microsoft.com/source/2026/01/22/microsoft-and-mercedes-amg-petronas-f1-team-unite-to-d…

Microsoft Security success stories: Why integrated security is the foundation of AI transformation –

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/01/22/microsoft-security-success-stories-why-int…

Message Trace Support Using Graph API is now in Public Preview –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/message-trace-support-using-graph-api-is-now-in-p…

Automating Microsoft Sentinel: A blog series on enabling Smart Security –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftsentinelblog/automating-microsoft-sentinel-a-blog…

Microsoft OneDrive, a year in review: AI-powered file management and smarter collaboration –

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/microsoft-onedrive-a-year-in-revie…

After hours

Free climbing in Greenland – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep-xRQDTiOg

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