Microsoft Events brings Quentin Rhoads-Herrera and Caleb McDowell together at Ignite 2025 to discuss AI-driven threats and a practical roadmap for adopting Microsoft Purview to safeguard sensitive data.

Data Protection in the Age of the Adversary: Accelerating Microsoft Purview Adoption

Speakers:

• Caleb McDowell
• Quentin Rhoads-Herrera

Overview

Cyber adversaries are constantly evolving, leveraging vast amounts of data and advanced AI techniques to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks. This Microsoft Ignite 2025 session spotlights real-world threat stories and explores cutting-edge defensive measures, focusing on the strategic adoption of Microsoft Purview for sensitive data protection.

Session Highlights

• The Shifting Threat Landscape:

  • Exploration of how adversarial tactics have changed with advancements in AI.
  • Specific example: misuse of Apple’s AI protocol to bypass security tools.

• Defensive AI and Security Copilot:

  • Discussion of applying AI technologies for cyber defense and the pivotal role of Security Copilot in data discovery and response automation.
  • Emphasizing a secure AI implementation framework.

• Data Governance as a Security Imperative:

  • Rise of data governance as a core component of modern security strategies.
  • Practical steps: tracking and tagging documents for enhanced visibility and turning on auditing features to enforce data governance and collaboration.

• Four-Phase Adoption Approach for Microsoft Purview:

  1. Assessment: Identify sensitive data and assess risks.
  2. Planning: Map out governance and compliance needs.
  3. Implementation: Roll out Microsoft Purview capabilities for classification, protection, and monitoring.
  4. Continuous Improvement: Regularly update processes to keep pace with evolving threats and regulatory demands.

Recommendations

• Stay informed on the latest tools and threat vectors.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning in security teams.
• Leverage integrated Microsoft solutions—such as Security Copilot and Purview—to create resilient, compliant, and secure data environments.

For further resources and on-demand sessions, visit Microsoft Ignite.