The amount of confidential information in the healthcare industry makes them the right candidate for embracing new technologies. Electronic Health Record (EHR), a crucial system that stores vital patient information, is at the heart of it. Moreover, hospitals depend on various applications to boost business outcomes, financial performance, and safety scores. 

This speaks for itself the importance of cybersecurity in healthcare. As reported by TechCrunch, the severe cyberattack on the US healthcare giant Change Healthcare in February 2024, resulted in shutting down their entire network. The patients’ medical records in many hospitals went on hold for many weeks. Millions of patients are still rampaging about their data being exposed and not knowing what lies ahead.  

In the wake of this incident, the entire healthcare system shook up. This sets the right stage for the adoption of SIEM as a critical cybersecurity strategy. With cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing and next-gen databases, the healthcare providers are working hard to protect vital health information.

Top Healthcare Cybersecurity Concern

What is SIEM?

SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management. When built on a strong security foundation SIEM can help security professionals get a more holistic view of the various entities trying to gain access to their network. It operates by combining two of the most important functions: Information Management and Event Management.  

Information Management collects and analyzes the data from various sources while Event Management tries to find the correlation and monitors the events in real time.

How does SIEM improve healthcare security?

Let us look at how SIEM is used to detect and manage security incidents in a healthcare organization. Here are the 5 ways SIEM can revolutionize healthcare security.

1. SIEM log management

When evaluating SIEM systems, look for features like automated data analysis, near real-time alerts, actionable insights, and easy, quick setup with minimal training. These capabilities are essential as cyberattacks become more sophisticated. 

These are what SIEM does in a sound IT infrastructure:

• Data Collection: Gathers event data from across the IT infrastructure, including on-premises and cloud environments. 

• Log Sources: Pulls in data from users, devices, applications, data sources, cloud services, networks, firewalls, and antivirus software. 

• Real-time Analysis: Correlates and analyzes this data in real-time to detect unusual activity. 

• Threat Intelligence Integration: Some SIEM systems integrate with third-party threat intelligence feeds. 

• Enhanced Security: Compares internal data with known threat signatures to quickly detect and block new attack types. 

 2. Finding event correlation and applying advanced analytics

With advanced analytics, SIEM detects intricate data patterns that reveal uncanny connections between events. This not only helps to flag the incident but also helps in prompt response. It really boosts the efficiency of the IT security teams to optimize their time by shortening mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR). SIEM does all the heavy lifting of analyzing security events, freeing up IT teams for manual and time-consuming tasks.

3. Incident monitoring and alert notifications

Now you have all the activities, incidents, and data pulled in from all sources in a central dashboard. Here the security team gets a bird’s eye view of all the actions and threat identification to kick-start response and remediation. These dashboards often feature real-time data visualizations which help analysts quickly spot any spikes, dips, or trends in any suspicious activity. The security admins get immediate alerts with the predefined customizable rules set in place. They can then promptly stop the threat before things go haywire.

4. Effective compliance oversight and reporting

SIEM solutions are a go-to for healthcare organizations dealing with various regulatory compliance needs. Thanks to their data collection and analysis mechanism, SIEM is a valuable tool for gathering and verifying compliance data across the entire business infrastructure. 

Not only these but you can also generate real-time compliance reports for standards like PCI – DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX. This lightens the burden of security management and flagging potential violations early on. They also come with pre-build add-ons that automate report generation to meet compliance requirements.

5. What are some of the key benefits of SIEM?

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits SIEM brings to IT security teams: 

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: 
  • Essential for healthcare organizations of all sizes. 
  • SIEM solutions streamline security workflows and offer real-time threat recognition. 
• Automated Compliance: 
  • Centralized auditing and reporting across the entire business infrastructure. 
  • Advanced automation reduces internal resource usage while meeting compliance standards. 
• AI-Driven Automation: 
  • Integration with SOAR systems saves time and resources. 
  • Deep machine learning handles complex threat identification and incident response efficiently. 
• Improved Organizational Efficiency: 
  • Enhanced visibility of IT environments. 
  • Central dashboard for unified system data, alerts, and notifications. 
  • Facilitates efficient interdepartmental collaboration. 
• Advanced Threat Detection: 
  • Reliance on SIEM for detecting known and unknown threats. 
  • Incorporation of threat intelligence feeds and AI technology. 
  • Effective response to cyberattacks such as insider threats, phishing, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and data exfiltration. 
• Forensic Investigations: 
  • Centralized log data collection and analysis. 
  • Ability to re-create past incidents or investigate new ones. 
  • Improved security processes through thorough analysis. 
• Compliance Management: 
  • Real-time audits and on-demand reporting. 
  • Reduces resource expenditures for compliance auditing and reporting. 
• User and Application Monitoring: 
  • Tracks all network activity across users, devices, and applications. 
  • Improves transparency and detects threats across the entire infrastructure. 
  • Vital for BYOD policies, remote workforces, and SaaS applications. 

Conclusion

Healthcare organizations must go back to the basics. To effectively leverage SIEM insights, develop response playbooks and automated workflows. Strong governance is essential before SIEM implementation, including robust identity and access management, configuration management, and supply chain management policies. Without these fundamentals, a SIEM system can’t provide a comprehensive view of network activity or accurately identify attack patterns. Finally, the purpose of the SIEM solution is to help a healthcare organization bounce back quickly from a security incident.

Reference:

1. Microsoft, “Microsoft Digital Defense Report,” 2022.  
2. IBM “Cost of a Data Breach,” 2022.  
3. Sophos, “The State of Ransomware 2021,” April 2021. 
4. A commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting, “The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Azure Sentinel,” November 2020.

The post 5 Ways SIEM Can Benefit Healthcare Cybersecurity  appeared first on Netwoven.

Let us start with the basic question: Is Entra ID the same as Intune? 

To answer this question, first think of Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Entra ID as the Batman and Robin of device management and authentication. Intune swoops in with its robust security measures and tight integration with enterprise systems, ensuring everything is locked down tighter. Meanwhile, Entra ID struts in with a user-friendly interface and smooth platform integration, making authentication simpler. 

Intune users are often found singing its praises, especially about its prompt customer service and the fact that it is easy on your wallet. Fans of Entra ID rave about its affordability and the sheer efficiency it brings to the table. 

But, even superheroes have their kryptonite. Intune enthusiasts wish for a more dazzling user interface and a little boost in performance. Meanwhile, the Entra ID crowd is hoping for some sprucing up in the UI design and a few more customization options. 

In the end, whether you’re Team Intune or Team Entra ID, both have a lot to offer with their own unique flavors! In this blog we will explore how to integrate the best of both worlds.

Azure Active Directory (Microsoft Entra ID) Overview

Microsoft Entra ID is a cloud-based service for identity and access management. It enables employees access external resources, such as Microsoft 365, the Azure portal, and thousands of other SaaS applications.  It oversees access to corporate data on cloud or on-premise devices, manages user license assignments, app access, and delegates setup through groups and admin roles.

Microsoft Intune Overview

Microsoft Intune offers a cloud-based unified endpoint management solution. It simplifies management across multiple operating systems, cloud, on-premise, mobile, desktop, and virtualized endpoints. It also supports data protection on company-owned and bring-your-own -devices through non-intrusive mobile application management. Intune integrates with other services, including Azure Active Directory (AD), on-premise Configuration Manager, Mobile Threat Defence (MTD) apps & services, Win32 & custom Line of Business (LOB) apps, and more. 

Now you may well ask, “How do I integrate Microsoft Intune?”  

Even before integration happens, you must ensure the following issue is taken care of.

Issue

How to manage Azure active directory users and devices from Intune?  

Suppose you want to deploy conditional access /device restriction /compliance policy/antivirus policy, etc from Intune.

Solution

Integrate your device from Azure Active Directory with Intune to deploy the policy and manage the device. Windows devices can be enrolled into Intune automatically when they join or register with Azure Active Directory. Configure MDM auto-enrolment for Azure AD joined devices and bring-your-own-device scenarios. Automatic enrolment can be configured in Azure portal as well as in Microsoft Intune admin center.

Below are two ways to integrate Intune with Azure Active Directory.

1. Integrating Intune with Azure Active Directory using Microsoft Azure Portal

1.1 Open Azure portal ( https://portal.azure.com ), search and open Mobility (MDM and MAM).

1.2 Click on Microsoft Intune

1.3 Select “MDM user scope” All and click on Save.

2. Integrating Intune with Azure Active Directory using Microsoft Intune Admin Centre

2.1 Open Microsoft Intune admin centre ( https://intune.microsoft.com) and click on Devices> Enrol devices

2.2 Click on Automatic Enrolment, Select “MDM user scope” All and click on Save

Conclusion

After integrating Azure Active Directory with Intune, all Azure-joined or Azure AD-registered devices will be reported to Intune. This enables device management and deployment of various policies.  

It is recommended that you have the right partner to do the heavy lifting for you. They come to you with years of experience and expertise that will make your integration smooth and stress-free. Netwoven is a trusted Microsoft solutions partner with 20 years of experience in providing identity and access management solutions to our diverse portfolio of clients. 

If you are someone with the above issues and looking for a transformation, feel free to reach out to us!

The post How to Integrate Intune with Microsoft Entra ID for Seamless User and Device Management  appeared first on Netwoven.

In our extensive journey of migrating legacy applications for various organizations, we have observed how companies of different industries are still using creaky outdated systems that add to their operational costs and dampen productivity. After our clients migrated their on-prem proprietary systems to the cloud, they have not only scaled their business continuity but also fortified their security posture significantly within budget.

It’s from our firsthand experience we know, migrating legacy applications to the cloud infrastructure is not just a trend but a necessity. For businesses aiming to enhance efficiency, scalability, and flexibility, this journey often involves a crucial aspect: SECURITY. According to Flexera, 70% of businesses report that cloud services have enabled them to scale operations more effectively.  In this blog post, we’ll delve into the process of upgrading your cloud security specifically within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, emphasizing the significance of security discovery and planning.  

The Legacy Challenge in Microsoft 365 Adoption

Legacy systems, rooted in on-premises solutions, face unique challenges when it comes to integrating with cloud platforms like Microsoft 365. Outdated security protocols, limited visibility, and the struggle to adapt to the dynamic cloud environment are common hurdles. The shift to Microsoft 365 demands a meticulous approach to security to ensure a smooth transition without compromising on data integrity or confidentiality.

The Role of Security Discovery in Microsoft 365

Security discovery and planning is the first step in upgrading your cloud security. This process involves identifying your current security posture, assessing your risks, and developing a plan to mitigate those risks. There are several diverse ways to conduct a security discovery assessment. You can use Microsoft’s own security assessment tools, such as the Microsoft Secure Score. You can also use third-party security assessment tools.

Here is why it is essential:

Current Configuration Audit

Evaluate the existing configurations within Microsoft 365, including user permissions, access controls, and data sharing settings. Identify and rectify any misconfigurations that might expose the organization to risks.

Data Governance and Compliance

Understand how data is stored, accessed, and shared within Microsoft 365. This involves examining data classifications, access controls, and policies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Review user access rights, authentication mechanisms, and privilege levels. Ensure that sensitive data and applications are accessible only to authorized personnel.

Threat Detection and Response

Implement tools and protocols for detecting and responding to security threats within Microsoft 365. This involves setting up alerts, analyzing logs, and having a robust incident response plan in place.

You may also like the webinar: Protect your organization by staying compliant using Microsoft Purview

Strategic Security Planning with Microsoft 365

Once you have identified your security gaps, you can begin to develop a plan for addressing them. How do you improve your cloud security?

Your security plan must encompass the following:

• Multi-factor authentication: MFA (Multi Factor Authentication) is one of the most effective ways to protect your Microsoft 365 accounts from unauthorized access.
• Conditional Access Policies: Implement conditional access policies within Microsoft 365 to control access based on various conditions such as user location, device health, and sign-in risk.
• Security and Compliance Center: Familiarize yourself with Microsoft 365’s Security and Compliance Center, a hub for managing security policies, compliance requirements, and threat intelligence. Regularly review and adjust settings based on evolving security needs.
• Information Rights Management (IRM): Secure sensitive data by implementing IRM to control access and usage permissions, even when the data is shared outside the organization.
• Advanced Threat Protection: Leverage Microsoft 365’s advanced threat protection features to safeguard against phishing attempts, malware, and other cyber threats. Stay ahead of evolving security risks with real-time threat intelligence.
• Unified Security Management: Integrate security measures seamlessly into the Microsoft 365 environment. Utilize tools like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Identity, and Microsoft Cloud App Security for Unified Security Management.
• Security information and event management (SIEM): A SIEM solution can help you collect and analyze security logs from across your cloud environment. This data can be used to identify and respond to security threats more quickly and effectively.
• User Training and Awareness: Educate users on Microsoft 365 security best practices. This includes guidance on recognizing phishing attempts, securing documents, and understanding the shared responsibility model in the cloud.

Monitor and improve your security posture

Once you have implemented your security plan, you need to monitor and improve your security posture on an ongoing basis. The question you should address then is: How cloud security can be enhanced? This includes monitoring for new threats, vulnerabilities and adjusting your security plan as needed.

Microsoft 365 provides a variety of tools to help you monitor and improve your security posture:

Data Security and Governance: 6-Steps to kick start your initiative

In this eBook, you will get authoritative information on how to start your program in an affordable and scalable way.

Get the eBook

Conclusion

By following the steps above, you can upgrade your cloud security on Microsoft 365 and protect your data from the latest threats.

In the journey from legacy to modern cloud security within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, security discovery and strategic planning are your allies. Elevate your organization’s security posture, embrace the capabilities of Microsoft 365, and navigate the path to a secure and resilient digital future. The transition may be challenging, but with the right approach, your organization can thrive in the modern era of cloud computing. For further queries, please contact us.

The post Planning to Migrate Your Legacy Applications to the Cloud? – Here’s How appeared first on Netwoven.

https://github.com/dropbox/DropboxBusinessAdminTool

Key Steps for DropBox to SharePoint or OneDrive Migration

• Communication is key for Dropbox to SharePoint online migration. Be sure to let your users know a month in advance that there is a migration project from Dropbox to SharePoint. Follow it up with T-1 week and T-1 day notifications. Users should avoid making changes to files during the transition.
• Plan out your migration waves. If you are migrating TB of data, it will take some time, so break it up into small “waves” to minimize support calls and downtime.
• Think about how to prioritize your files – whether they’re active files or older backups. The active files have more business impact if delayed, so make sure to prioritize them for the smallest downtime window.
• Make sure the servers/computers have enough space to download from Dropbox, stage, and then upload to OneDrive or SharePoint. A rule of thumb we use is there should be 1.5x the size of what you are trying to move
• Identify and plan for external sharing requirements. If files need to be shared with outside organization, it is recommended to have a dedicated site in SharePoint, by enabling external sharing and migrating them.
• Plan for file versions. When downloading the Dropbox files, file systems will lose all version documents and metadata information. Make sure users are aware of this through FAQs and standard communications.
• User mapping should be defined manually from Sharegate tool.
• Make sure to run an inventory report on your Dropbox files and analyse your files as below
  • Total Size
    • If total size of files is more than the storage capacity that you have on SharePoint, you need to increase the site collection space quota or buy additional storage (SPO).
    • If total size is huge (e.g. 1TB), try to divide the shared file content over multiple site collections when it concerns content which needs to be shared with others.
    • If certain content is just for personal use, try to migrate that specific content into the personal site of the user.
    • Its recommend moving data in batches. Try starting the process overnight or over a weekend when your team is less likely to need access to their files.
  • No of files
    • Make sure no folder has more than 5000 files.
    • If there are 5000 files, try to divide that amount over multiple subfolders or create additional views that will limit the number of documents displayed.
  • Largest file sizes
    • Make sure, maximum size per file is not more than 2 Gigabyte else you can’t migrate them.
  • Deep folder structures nested
    • Make sure the nested folder structure’s total length should not cross more than 260 characters.
  • Clean Up/prioritize your files
    • Clean up any files that are not necessary or not being used anymore
    • Prioritize your files whether they’re active files or older backups for migration.

Migrate from Dropbox using Dropbox Business Admin Tool and ShareGate

Generate File Access and Manage Access tokens using a Dropbox admin account.

• Login to dropbox and open developer app link
  https://www.dropbox.com/developers/apps

• Select following options shown in the screenshot below for creating files access token

• On clicking the Create App it will create an API app form where you can generate Access Token

• You must have to create an API App for manage access token in the same way we did in step 3 where you need to select Team Member Management option.

• Once you created an apps it will show as below in MyApps tab.

• Click on each app and generate the respective token as shown below.

• Note these tokens to provide in tool settings and click on Apply & Restart as shown below.

Download the content from DropBox

• Now that the tool is configured, you can go to the tab “Download User Contents”

It will show all users in Dropbox.

• Right click on a user and then on List Files to show all contents for that user.

• Select all files, provide Output Directory and click on “Dump Files” button.

Migrate download files to SharePoint Online using Sharegate

• Open Sharegate, select the Migration menu on left panel and select “Import from File Share” as shown below.

• Provide destination contention as SharePoint Online link where content is to be moved.

• Select the document library you wanted to move the Dropbox files and click next.

• It will open as shown below where you locate the Dropbox files to download. For e.g. as below in G drive.

Note: Before copy, please make sure to map the users in destination.

• Click on Mapping button as shown on the screen.

• In the below screenshot, the login ID is part of BUILTIN\administrator. It is searched in left source and dragged to the source in the middle part, the same way for the target.

First, identify the Dropbox user you’re migrating. Once you’ve found the user, drag and place them in the middle section as the mapping step is now complete. [Remember here the target you should find the Dropbox user to which you are migrating and find the user and drag to destination in the middle part. Now the mapping part is completed.]

• Click on Save button.

• Select files from source and copy either drop to target location on right side or click on “Copy Now” button. This way it will migrate all the content to SPO.

Dropbox to SharePoint migration: Post migration considerations

• Promote Collaboration – Users should be guided on co-authoring i.e., allowing two users to simultaneously work on a document may seem basic, this feature can drastically improve the way that users create and edit documents.
• Enable External Collaboration –One of the most exciting features of SharePoint Online is that users can collaborate with external partners, vendors, consultants, and customers. External sharing can also be done in Office applications such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
• When applicable, create views on libraries to avoid the list/library threshold limits that were not present in Dropbox.

The post Migrate from Dropbox to SharePoint Using Sharegate appeared first on Netwoven.

Let us look at data from a different perspective today.

Data is the lifeblood circulating through an organization’s systems, and over time, it becomes the DNA that shapes the organization’s future strategies and predictions.

It has always been present, but now more than ever, businesses, institutions, and government bodies are beginning to recognize and harness its true potential, making strides in data analysis.

Hence, data warehousing is a critical element in modern business strategies.

In simple definition, a data warehouse is a place where huge amounts of data from multiple heterogeneous sources are kept for analysis and business intelligent activities. In the late 1980’s data warehouses were merely fragmented data systems. Then in 2011, Data Lakes came into being. Even if it consolidated the siloed data, the compute was slow. As we approached 2020, modern data warehouses addressed the challenges posed by Data Lakes by creating more flexible and unified environments. However, the issue of lack of integration remained. Finally, in 2023, it was possible to come up with a flexible, unified analytics platform integrated with AI.

Enter, Fabric Warehouse by Microsoft! In this blog, we will explore how Microsoft Fabric can substantially mitigate the challenges of traditional data warehousing while offering a scalable platform for future growth. We will discuss various migration strategies and highlight key features of the platform.

Challenges with traditional data warehouses

Cost

Establishing and maintaining a traditional data warehouse involves significant upfront costs.

Scalability

Scaling up or scaling out is challenging, demanding careful planning, significant time, and additional costs.

Architecture

The design and ETL processes necessitate a clear understanding of how the data will be used, lacking the flexibility to adapt to changing needs and goals.

Data Variety and Velocity

Traditional data warehouses have a tough time handling different types of data – structured, unstructured, and semi-structured. Plus, they struggle with streaming data processing. And when it comes to machine learning and AI, they often fall short due to their dependence on outdated, pre-transformed data.

Webinar: Migrate Traditional Data Warehouses to Fabric Modern Warehouse and Serverless SQL. Watch Now.

Factors driving modern data warehouse adoption

1) Data Acquisition

As businesses dive deeper into digitalization and embrace the vast interconnectivity of data from hybrid and multi-cloud setups, along with the staggering 63% growth in data volume, a unified data strategy becomes crucial. Imagine treating data like a service within specific domains, supported by a solid metadata framework. This proactive approach ensures top-notch data quality right from the start, even before setting up data pipelines.

2) Flexible and intelligent data engineering

Can it effortlessly connect with your existing setup, skipping the hassle of tinkering with pipelines, coding from scratch, or sticking to a single programming language? Streamlined integration means reaping rewards faster, boosting testing coverage without breaking the bank. Plus, it offers the freedom to tailor rules for vital pipelines right within your CI/CD workflow.

3) Data management and governance

Built on a security-first approach with compliance in mind.

Can it keep an eye on your data where it sits, without needing to move it? This not only ensures seamless scalability across your data platform but also saves costs. Plus, it guarantees that your organization stays compliant with top-notch security standards like GDPR, PCI DSS, SOC 2, open banking, and HIPAA.

4) Power BI, operational and data science in one place

Imagine having a single source of truth and unified data that powers your business intelligence reports and both batch and real-time ML/AI operations. Data engineers, scientists, and analysts all work with the same reliable data. No duplicates needed. Plus, you can create specific zones for microservices, all pulling from the same data in either batch or near-real-time.

5) Harnessing ML for automated insights

Picture this, your data warehouse platform uses clever machine learning to grasp your data environment automatically. It’s like having a built-in watchdog that alerts you the moment something goes awry. But here’s the catch, it’s not just about spotting anomalies. This system looks at the bigger picture, cutting down on false alarms and saving you from drowning in unnecessary rules and configurations. Say goodbye to wasting valuable engineering time and hello to seamless data monitoring.

Ebook: Migrating to Fabric ​Warehouse

In the eBook, discover how to tailor analytics models to your needs using best practices for Serverless SQL, optimizing data queries without managing infrastructure. Gain insights to avoid pitfalls, ensure a smooth transition, and expand the reach of transformative analytics applications.

Get the eBook

Conclusion

It’s a game-changer! With tools like Microsoft Fabric leading the charge, businesses are poised to break free from the constraints of traditional methods. Experience coherently integrating data, effortlessly scaling up, and having a watchful AI-powered eye on your operation. All without the headache of false alarms and tedious configurations. We are all ears, to listen to your specific data management concerns.  Please contact us, for more queries on your business requirements and if you are planning for a swift migration to modern data warehouse.

The future of data management is here, and it’s full of promise.

The post Why Moving to a Modern Data Warehouse is Worth the Hype appeared first on Netwoven.

Were the advertising images you viewed generated by AI? What about the source code for a new app that a developer is writing? Is Generative AI really taking over the world? 

No matter where your focus is right now, Generative AI is playing its role behind the scenes. And you might be wondering how exactly all this is happening. You might also be thinking really hard on how to implement Generative AI that mitigates your organization’s concerns like data security, ethical considerations and workforce training and re-deployment. 

To fully harness the potential of AI, professionals need to understand the use cases and implications of AI in the workplace. 

Popular belief says, AI will soon take over jobs. Is that so? Although the answer to this question in some cases is, yes but in many cases, it is no. AI will complement humans to collectively be more productive and achieve more rather than replace. 

In that journey, AI can be our Copilots giving us information that we can filter with our human intelligence. Weigh the pros and cons before we can execute them. This is how we stay ahead of the curve.  

Imagine a powerful tool that makes your business more efficient, inspires creativity, enhances customer experiences, and helps you make smarter decisions. That’s the potential of generative AI. It can analyze data to create new content and insights, driving innovation, cutting costs, and offering unique value to your customers. 

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI refers to algorithms that can generate new content, from text to images and beyond. It’s not just about automating tasks; it’s about augmenting human capabilities and fostering creativity. With Generative AI, the possibilities are endless, from drafting emails to creating marketing materials, all with a touch of personalization and flair.

How to tap into Generative AI for organizations?

Unleashing the full potential of generative AI in your workplace requires a strong foundation. This starts with high-quality, relevant data – the fuel that powers accurate and effective results. 

Identifying the tasks where generative AI can truly augment human capabilities is crucial, ensuring it aligns with your overall business strategy for maximum value and ROI. Ethical considerations like fairness, transparency, and responsible data handling are paramount to mitigate potential biases and ensuring responsible AI implementation.  

Finally, fostering a culture of experimentation, continuous learning, and collaboration allows your organization to maximize the potential of generative AI. By establishing this solid foundation, you pave the way for a successful and transformative journey with generative AI. 

As businesses continue to explore the applications of generative AI, we can expect to see a surge in innovation, reduced costs, and unique value propositions that cater to customer needs.

Ebook: A Guide to Unlocking Productivity with Generative AI in the Workplace

This eBook, brought to you by Netwoven, a global leader in Microsoft consulting services, explores into the exciting potential of AI at your workplace within the familiar Microsoft 365 suite.

Get the eBook

Copilot is a prime example of generative AI in action. It understands your context and preferences, writing natural language content for emails, documents, presentations, and more.  

Need relevant data or insights? Copilot can access your business information and suggest helpful details and actions. Best of all, Copilot works seamlessly within your existing Microsoft 365 apps, readily available anytime, anywhere. 

If you found the above article interesting, you may also like the webinar: Faster, Smarter, Better: Copilot and Generative AI in the Workplace.

Revolutionizing Customer Service with Generative AI

Let us first understand Generative AI with the help of an example. 

A customer service manager in the service industry found himself in a challenging situation. Her team was overwhelmed with a growing number of customer inquiries, varying in complexity, and the team was finding it difficult to provide consistent responses. Consequently, this resulted in extended wait times and increasing customer dissatisfaction. 

So, Netwoven decided to try something new. Microsoft brought in a cool AI tool called Copilot Studio. With this, we set up smart chatbots powered by AI. These bots don’t just understand regular language. They’re super smart and learn more as they go.

These chatbots really came in handy! They took care of all the regular questions, so the customer service team could concentrate on the more complex stuff. Plus, the chatbots always gave spot-on answers and remembered past conversations, making each chat personal. And last but not the least, they’re available all day, every day, keeping the customer service top-notch and ready to grow with the expanding customer base. This just shows how awesome Generative AI is at making customer service even better.

Security and Ethics: A Top Priority in Generative AI

As with any powerful technology, security and ethical considerations are crucial. Generative AI requires responsible implementation, with a focus on fairness, transparency, and responsible data handling to mitigate potential biases and ensure a positive impact.  

Choosing the right Copilot tool depends on your security priorities. Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers the most straightforward security as it leverages existing M365 security infrastructure (this also extends to Graph Connector sources that have properly built connectors and use the same identity as your M365). However, for customization, Copilot Studio and Azure Copilots reign supreme. While Studio and AI Copilots offer greater control, they require careful configuration to ensure secure data connections, access, and storage. If you prioritize ease of use and built-in security, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is ideal. For those comfortable with development and security best practices, Copilot Studio empowers you to build custom Copilots that perfectly fit your unique needs. Remember, with great customization comes great responsibility – securing your custom Copilots is in your hands.

You may also like: Copilot for Microsoft 365 Planning and Deployment .

Conclusion

Generative AI is not a replacement for human ingenuity; it’s a powerful partner in the journey towards a smarter, more efficient, and more creative workplace. As we embrace this new era, the role of generative AI will only grow, ensuring businesses remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing world. Organizations who are able to harness the synergistic value of the complementary human / Generative AI relationship in their daily work will stand out and win. 

While generative AI offers a wealth of benefits, remember it’s a tool, not a magic bullet. Start small, experiment with use cases relevant to your needs, and focus on measuring value. Security and ethical considerations are crucial as well. The right generative AI copilot, combined with a strategic approach, unlocks the true potential of this transformative technology. For any queries, reach out to us. We are here to unravel the Gen AI complexity that is troubling you. 

Embrace the Future, Start Your Generative AI Journey Today! 

The post How Generative AI will Shape the Future of Work  appeared first on Netwoven.

You have heard about data breaches more often than you can count. The average cost of a data breach worldwide is a staggering $4.45 million. This figure covers detection, business losses, post-breach response, and notifications.

Organizations face data breaches for various reasons. The top three culprits are:

• Attacks by cybercriminals aiming to steal sensitive data.
• Unintentional errors by insiders.
• Malicious insiders accessing confidential information.

Your sensitive data could be stored in various places:

• Cloud repositories like Box, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox.
• On-premises repositories like NetApp file shares.
• On-premises applications with databases.
• Cloud SaaS applications.
• Digital products offered to your customers.

Fortunately, technology has advanced significantly. It provides robust solutions for data protection and governance, no matter where your data resides or how it’s used.

6-Steps to Kickstart Your Data Governance Framework Implementation Plan

So, what is data security governance?

Gartner defines data security governance (DSG) as part of information governance. It focuses on protecting corporate data. This includes both structured databases and unstructured file formats. The protection is achieved through clearly defined policies and processes.

As a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), Netwoven suggests 6 key steps to secure and govern your data through a well-crafted, incremental program designed from a practitioner’s perspective.

1. Appoint your data security leader

This is the crucial first step for the initiative. Choose someone with a strong data background who has also developed security knowledge.

Their responsibilities must include:

• Serving as the single point of contact with knowledge and accountability for both technical and policy-oriented security issues and solutions.
• Implementing controls to protect against, monitor, and respond to third-party scraping activities on the web or social media.
• Notifying affected individuals and privacy regulators in case of data scraping breaches

2. Find the Ideal Vendor to Partner for the Data Security and Governance Needs

Partnering with external consultants can bring experience and reduce risk.

When choosing a cloud security provider, prioritize on:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Ease of deployment
• Cloud-native security tools
• Synergy with your organization in terms of knowledge and expertise in tools and technology, data management practices, regulatory compliance etc.

This significantly reduces the risk of breach-related costs and lowers technology and licensing expenses. It also eliminates the need for additional staffing and training, ensures up-to-date cybersecurity practices, provides scalable solutions, and offers continuous support.

With the above two steps, you have created a data governance community.

3. Kickstart Your Data Security and Governance Planning

In the planning phase of a data security and governance initiative, you first set clear goals and metrics with your CISO. Next, you gather insights from stakeholders across legal, finance, HR, IT, and more to understand business processes, applications used, and past security incidents. Partnering with vendors provides essential templates, best practices, and technology insights to speed up your project. By the end, you’ll have a solid roadmap for implementation, focused on business benefits. Using industry-standard frameworks like NIST or ISO/IEC 27001 can guide these efforts effectively.

4. Choose Suitable Third-Party Products

To set up your data security and governance system, you’ll need a toolkit that includes classification, scanning, DLP, and encryption tools. Your vendor should be your ally in figuring out exactly what you need and picking the right tool. These choices are going to stick with you for a while, so it’s important to get them right. Make sure you’re clear on your compliance obligations like GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001, and understand the risks your organization faces, from data breaches to internal threats.

Look into what functionalities you really need like encryption, authentication, and monitoring. Do your homework. Read reviews, check out blogs, and listen to podcasts to learn about different tools and frameworks. When comparing options, think about how they measure up in terms of performance, scalability, cost, and support.

Before committing, try out your shortlisted tools with a proof of concept or pilot to see how they perform in a real-world test. And don’t forget to consider how they’ll integrate with your existing systems and processes like installation, configuration, and ongoing monitoring.

Ultimately, you want tools that not only enhance your security but also fit well with your organization’s needs and future goals.

5. Perform Proof of Concepts (PoCs)

Running Proof of Concepts (PoCs) is always one of the best practices. After selecting tools, use test data and users in a PoC environment to validate the solution. This refines the approach and boosts project success chances.

To get meaningful PoC results, follow these steps:

• Understand the needs of your Line of Businesses (LoBs) and stakeholders.
• Agree on clear goals.
• Select challenging use cases.
• Define the scope and key performance indicators.
• Conduct the PoC in your test environment.
• Set a reasonable PoC timeframe.
• Gain internal support and commitment.
• Request thorough documentation and knowledge transfer from vendors.
• Objectively measure vendors’ efforts with clear rules and checklists.

By following this approach, you ensure the PoC validates the solution, meets challenges, engages stakeholders, and reduces the risk of selecting the wrong IT solution.

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6. Execute in Iterations

In this phase, refine the roadmap from the planning stage with insights from the PoC phase. Define each iteration with user requirements, a detailed design, an execution plan, and a rollout strategy. Iterations can be based on geography or business units.

The value of an iterative approach includes:

• Major requirements are set initially, but functionality can evolve.
• Risks are identified and prioritized early.
• Goals may change over time.
• Time-to-market is crucial.
• Innovative technology may bring unforeseen issues.
• Progress is easily tracked.
• Each iteration delivers an operational artifact.
• Security governance structure grows organically.
• Customer feedback is based on working products, not just specs.

Webinar: Govern your data across your entire data estate using Microsoft Purview. Watch Now.

Conclusion

Data security and governance execution is challenging, but Netwoven’s proven methodology and experience can help you succeed. Refine your roadmap using PoC insights to define clear iterations with user requirements, designs, plans, and rollout strategies. This ensures initial requirements are set, supports evolving functionality, identifies risks early, and tracks progress easily. Each iteration produces operational results, fosters organic security governance growth, and allows for timely adjustments to goals. To learn more, please contact us. Trust our expertise to strengthen your data protection strategy.

The post Developing an Enterprise Roadmap to Data Security and Governance appeared first on Netwoven.

Before joining Netwoven, I had never worked on a project making the technical changes needed to merge or separate two companies. It is a unique challenge. In this post, I will be sharing divestiture lessons I have learned, some painfully and some not. 

Think about it: “divest” usually means to shed underperforming assets (exception: divest a potential star to help it grow, though you still have a stake). Companies divest assets for all sorts of reasons. A common reason is that the company is getting out of a business they used to compete in. 

Move It or Lost It

I have experienced two things that are remarkably similar.  

I have sold my home and moved out. (I will be moving into my next home in another month). And I have managed some projects brought about because one company was divesting itself of certain assets. 

I have discovered two key characteristics of these two activities. 

First, you must move everything. Not 90%. Not 98%. Everything. We all know that the 80/20 rule applies here, and that the last 20% takes a huge amount of effort to move. 

Second, all your organizing and maintenance sins are exposed. Where did we put the keys to the garage door lock, the one we never use? Why do we have a trunk full of DVDs, when we do not even own a DVD player anymore? And so, we face the decision. Throw everything in a box and move it, even though we know we’ll never watch those DVDs again? Or clean up, purge the stuff we have outgrown, and just move what we know we will use? 

Companies face a similar set of issues when they decide to divest parts of their business. (There are also issues companies face when they acquire businesses. Let’s save that discussion for later.) 

When company A wants to divest certain parts of its business into a newly created Company B, they call us i.e. Netwoven.  

Why? Because we know how to do this detangling. Moving elements of an IT network, its data and its applications requires in-depth knowledge of the underlying networks and service architectures. We have that knowledge. And the experience of using that knowledge multiple times.

Some Divestiture Support Lessons

I have learned plenty from these divestiture support projects. I have learned some technical lessons, yes. I have also learned (re-learned, actually) that these divestiture projects do not take place in a vacuum. They happen within an organization. And across organizations. This means that process matters. HWGSDH (How We Get S*t Done Here) matters. People and their feelings matter.  

So, one divestiture lesson is this: understand the process of the divesting organization. What is the process for getting the information you need? How long will it take to get the information? 

Similarly, what is the culture of the divesting organization? Is there a strong preference for hierarchy, where you need to get permission from above your peer level before proceeding? What are the rules regarding what we do and do not do here? 

Do you understand the context for the divestiture? What is driving the desire to divest this part of the company? Do you know the negotiated date for the divestiture to be completed? Do you know what financial penalties will be imposed if the migration date is missed? 

What kind of cooperation can you expect from the divesting company? What incentives are in place to drive cooperation? 

I Want It Now. I Want it Perfect.

Another divestiture lesson is this: recognize that your project will be pulled in two directions at once. 

• There must be a strong desire to get the job done. Deploy the applications as they are used today. Doing anything differently costs time and money. 
• The opposing desire is to improve the application experience while you deploy the application. Go back and address those annoying interoperability issues. Get the workflows running as they were intended to. Move to the cloud. 

As the migration support team, you are responsible for balancing these competing desires. Where can you improve the way an application or process works, without introducing undue risk to the project? What are the changes you must make to keep the application working? What is your fallback plan if your planned improvement becomes a scheduled risk later in the project? 

People may think they know. They may say they know. They don’t know. You must discover what is there and what isn’t.

Hey, I am Working Here!

And this is a critical divestiture lesson. People were working yesterday. They are working today. They expect to work tomorrow. The business cannot afford downtime while IT figures things out. You are often working directly in a production environment.  

Think of your divestiture migration as repairing a highway. If you could shut the entire highway down for a while, you could make your repairs and finish quickly. Of course, you cannot close the highway entirely, except for brief periods. You must migrate and upgrade in place. You must minimize the impact your migration project is having on employees. 

Thanks to the pandemic, you are likely to find that application users are much less likely to be working in the office all the time. Where are they? How can you reach them? How will you handle device upgrades when it is difficult to physically touch the device?  

Another divestiture support lesson involves autonomy. What online migration tools do you use? Will the divesting company allow you to install migration-related applications in their network? How free are you to muck around the network? Can you certify that your migration tools are virus-free? Remember, to the divesting company/network, you look like a virus or an attacker. 

Roll with the Changes

Divestiture projects are big. They involve many stages and multiple consultants. Today you are handling behind-the-scenes technical changes. Tomorrow, you are asked to step up and handle rollout to end users. The constraints you originally used to scope your work can and will change. Be ready to respond!

Some Divestiture Technical Lessons

The next divestiture lesson will not shock anyone who works with technology: it’s never as straightforward as it looks. You find that components of an application aren’t there. The application does not support the more modern authentication methods you implemented elsewhere.

The divestiture lessons that are technology related change with each divestiture and set of hardware, software, and services.

Here are some challenges we ran across.     

• We implemented Entra ID and its use of modern authentication, but some of the applications cannot authenticate using modern authentication methods. They require an on-premises Active Directory. 
• We packaged applications with Intune and used Autopilot to push the applications to computers at the divested company. But not all the applications could be packaged with Intune. Or they could, but only the client “stub,” which would still need to go out to a licensing server to fetch the licensed modules of an application suite. 
• We wanted to apply information security labels to documents and files. But first, we needed to remove the information security labels that were applied by the divesting company. 
• We wanted to host applications in Azure Foundation. But some applications didn’t perform well when hosted in the cloud. We had to solve performance problems that arose because the application was originally developed with the assumption that resources would be accessed at LAN speeds.  

What Gets Migrated?

In a word, everything. OK, not really. Businesses are never so cleanly organized that divesting a business unit means cleaving the assets along some prescribed line. That said, here is a list of some of the things that get migrated. 

• People. Email addresses, identities, personal content, preferences, contacts, heretofore hidden applications. 
• Applications. Or not. IT-installed applications. User-created applications. SaaS applications. 
• Equipment. Manufacturing lines, trucks, buildings, production networks. 
• Servers, firewalls, access points, printers. 
• Content (data, documents, production files, etc.) Except, just the content that goes with the divested company. This entire site. That file server. That file server, except for these mapped drives. 
• Service subscriptions. This is a tricky one. Does the divested company get some of the subscriptions and licenses? 
• Direct Inward Dial (DID) numbers. Maybe you will migrate just the numbers attached to people and devices that are being migrated. Or maybe you will migrate the entire DID range.

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I hope you get the point. I have learned a lot of divestiture lessons that I can apply to the next project. It will be interesting to see which divestiture lessons repeat and which ones are new.

The post Divestitures Done Right: Key Lessons I Have Learned from a Corporate Carve-Out appeared first on Netwoven.

Outdated intranets are a major roadblock for companies striving for success in today’s dynamic digital environment. These clunky, information-dumping platforms hinder productivity, collaboration, and ultimately, a company’s overall efficiency. These outdated systems often struggle with:

Low User Engagement

Outdated interfaces, lack of mobile accessibility, and irrelevant content often lead to disengagement. This results in employees resorting to workarounds or external platforms to find information and collaborate. A study by Nielsen Norman Group revealed that the average intranet user spends less than 60 seconds per visit on the platform. 

Reduced Productivity

Difficulty finding information, slow loading times, and cumbersome navigation can create delays and frustration, hindering employee productivity. A study by McKinsey & Company found that knowledge workers lose an average of 1.8 hours per week searching for information due to inefficient intranets. 

Hindered Collaboration

Outdated intranets often lack functionalities to facilitate smooth collaboration, like real-time document editing, project management tools, or effective communication channels. This can lead to information silos and hinder teamwork. A report by Frost & Sullivan estimates that poor collaboration due to inadequate communication platforms costs businesses up to $400,000 per employee annually. 

By modernizing their intranets, companies can overcome these challenges, foster a more engaged workforce, and create a collaborative environment that drives innovation and success. 

Imagine an intranet that’s functional and boosts productivity. Microsoft 365 makes it possible – here’s how.

5 ways Microsoft 365 can help modernize your company intranet with example

Now, let us discuss exactly how these 5 tips relate to the modern concepts that can gel well with Microsoft 365 technology for a modern intranet.

1. Utilize SharePoint Online for Your Intranet Sites

Firstly, to make the intranet modern, use SharePoint Online to create and host your intranet sites. It offers a collaborative and scalable platform with features like document management, version control, and seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 apps. Plus, modern SharePoint site templates can give your intranet a fresh and intuitive look. 

2. Tailor Your SharePoint Intranet with Modern Web Parts

Harness the power of modern web parts in SharePoint Online to craft attractive and interactive intranet pages. With options such as News, Quick Links, Yammer, and Events, you can effortlessly keep users engaged and up to date. These web parts are user-friendly and ensure your content stays dynamic and fresh.

3. Implement Microsoft Teams Integration

Connect Microsoft Teams with your intranet to boost collaboration and communication. Embed Teams channels, chats, and meetings right into your intranet pages. The best part is that it makes team discussions and collaboration smooth and accessible without switching platforms.

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4. Personalize the User Experience

Use Microsoft 365’s personalization features to customize the intranet experience for every user. With the Microsoft Graph, you can highlight personalized content recommendations—like important news, documents, or events—based on each user’s role and activities in the organization.

5. Optimize for Mobile and Accessibility

Make sure your intranet works well on mobile devices and meets accessibility standards. Microsoft 365 tools and templates are built to be responsive, so your intranet should be easy to use on different devices and accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. It’s a good idea to do usability testing to get feedback and make any necessary improvements.

Webinar: Build the Ultimate Intranet and Employee Experience with Microsoft 365, Viva and Search. Watch Now.

Conclusion

The ultimate intranet should deliver an amazing experience for everyone, no matter their location, device, or job. The first step? Understanding all these different “personas” so you can tailor the experience for each one. How does Netwoven do it? By talking to people in the business and getting to know them. 

A great digital employee experience boosts productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction. It takes time and resources to plan and implement it right.  

Netwoven has extensive experience working closely with Microsoft and its customers to deploy highly successful modern SharePoint intranets and digital employee experiences built on the Microsoft 365 platform. Please reach out to us for more information.

The post How can Your Intranet Ensure an Outstanding Digital Employee Experience appeared first on Netwoven.

Dear Readers!  

Welcome back to another blog where we delve into the chaos created by the recent Meta update. Most of you would have come to learn about Meta’s putting a shutter on its collaboration tool, Workplace. 

Starting September 1st, 2024, Workplace will be discounted by 50%. The countdown has already begun! 

With over 7 million paid subscribers globally, Meta’s decision requires a thorough explanation to both its extensive user base and the wider public. Does this unexpected turn of events have any relation to the 2023 mass layoff? 

Well, Zuckerberg has been setting Meta’s strategic priorities clear. Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence are now the Social Media Giant’s new focal points. As a result, Meta has undergone significant restructuring over the past two years. Meta’s long-term vision is to shift work focused features to the Metaverse. Hence the tool was no longer serving their purpose as they had found a grand(er!) idea. Simple! 

But…not so simple for the Workplace customers, right? Organizations heavily reliant on the Workplace now face the burden of backing up their historical data. Worry not. You have enough time till June 2026. Please use this time to foster smooth employee communication and internal collaboration. Most urgently, unify data, research alternative tools that best address your business needs, ensure data security and prevent data loss.

What are your alternatives?

While you are researching the alternative tools, here are some recommendations: Viva Engage, Slack, Zoom, and Trello. 

In this blog, we will keep our discussions centered around Viva Engage.

What is VIVA Engage?

Viva Engage employee experience platform by Microsoft works best for organizations already having Microsoft 365 because you don’t have to pay extra subscription. Using any other tool might only add to the organization’s operating costs. 

As part of the Microsoft VIVA family, it has got the unfair advantage of being integrated with existing communication channels (SharePoint, Teams, etc.) and reducing dependency on multiple platforms. 

VIVA Engage is designed to enhance communication, engagement, and productivity within organizations. Specifically, VIVA Engage focuses on fostering community and connection among employees by integrating social networking features like those found on popular social media platforms.

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7 Reasons to Migrate from Workplace to VIVA Engage

Here are 7 compelling reasons why Viva Engage is the ideal platform to boost your internal communication and employee engagement:

1. Gauge Employee Sentiment and Communication Impact

Effective communication goes beyond just sending messages. Viva Engage’s “Sentiment Pulse” feature helps you understand how your messages resonate with employees. By analyzing both positive and negative feedback, you can tailor your communication strategy to foster a more positive and productive work environment.

2. Prioritize Security and Compliance

Data security is paramount. Viva Engage seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365, inheriting the same robust security practices and compliance standards. This ensures your sensitive information remains protected and adheres to industry regulations, safeguarding your organization’s reputation.

3. Accessibility on Any Device

Viva Engage isn’t confined to desktops! It’s a highly compatible tool accessible on various platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. This empowers your mobile workforce to stay connected and engaged, no matter their location.

4. Foster Professional Networks and Collaboration

Viva Engage goes beyond simple messaging. It fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing through “Communities.” Here, employees with similar interests, job roles, or departments can connect, share best practices, brainstorm ideas, and work together on projects. This fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens your professional network within the organization.    

5. Promote Open Communication and Digital Socializing

Viva Engage encourages digital interaction through features like discussions, mentions, pinned conversations, and posts. This empowers teams to share updates, gather feedback, and spark innovative ideas. The platform fosters a more transparent and collaborative work environment, leading to improved team dynamics and overall success.

6. Keep Everyone Informed with Broadcast Announcements

Ensure everyone stays in the loop, regardless of location. Viva Engage allows you to broadcast various announcements through diverse channels like posts, notifications, newsletters, and dedicated announcement boards. Company news, updates, policy changes, upcoming events, and achievements can be communicated effectively, keeping your remote, on-site, and traveling workforce informed. 

7. A Flexible Tool Built for You

Viva Engage isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It can be customized to meet your specific needs. Whether you prioritize fostering professional networks, boosting employee sentiment analysis, or streamlining communication workflows, Viva Engage’s versatile features and integrations empower you to create a communication strategy that works best for your organization.

Ultimate Guide: Build the Ultimate Intranet with Microsoft 365

Netwoven has extensive experience working closely with Microsoft and its customers to deploy highly successful modern intranets and digital employee experiences built on the M365 platform.

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Conclusion

You are open to a plethora of collaboration tools out there but what best serves your business purpose is an important question you will have to understand before any migration. If you are interested to learn how Netwoven can assist in the assessment for VIVA Engage migration, please reach out to us. We would love to hear from you to help your organization communicate and collaborate better!    

The post 7 Reasons to move from Workplace to Viva Engage  appeared first on Netwoven.