On March 24, 2025, Microsoft announced new data protection features for its Edge for Business browser, aimed at enhancing security in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments.

These features serve as a vital tool for IT and security professionals to manage AI usage while ensuring data security and organizational compliance.

Key components of this initiative include Intune device health checks, Purview data security controls, and app protection policies, which collectively create a secure browsing solution for BYOD scenarios.

Edge for Business is designed as a secure enterprise browser that integrates with Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licenses, providing enterprise-grade protections against cybersecurity threats.

New features will extend data security controls to personal and unmanaged devices, facilitating secure access to corporate resources.

Purview now offers inline protection that prevents users from submitting sensitive data to consumer AI applications like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

Organizations can implement nuanced data security policies, allowing personal devices to access non-sensitive information while restricting access to sensitive data.

Suspicious files and URLs will be executed in a secure sandbox environment to identify and neutralize potential threats before reaching users.

These agents will help triage phishing alerts, manage data loss prevention, and improve compliance within organizations.

The enhancements address the increased cybersecurity threats organizations face in flexible work arrangements and the integration of AI into workflows.

Starting in May 2025, Microsoft Defender will offer new AI detections for emerging threats, responding to a reported increase in security incidents related to AI usage.

Threat actors have exploited Microsoft Teams to trick users into downloading malware or granting unauthorized access for ransomware attacks.