Microsoft unveils tools that treat AI agents as potential insider threats
New features in Microsoft 365 E7 score each agent's risk continuously and can cut its access or shut it down.
Microsoft on Monday announced security features that continuously assess the risk of each AI agent a business runs, based on signals such as what data it can reach and whether its actions are drifting from its task. When risk rises, the system can remove an agent’s ability to make changes while still letting it read data, require a person to approve a high-stakes step, or shut the agent down.
The Redmond company is also expanding detection of agents running on employees’ computers to 60 types, up from 25, including Claude Code, OpenAI’s Codex and GitHub Copilot, and adding “Guardian Agents” to its Project Perception security system to investigate and contain risky agents.
The features are part of Microsoft 365 E7, which costs $99 per user per month, and are in private preview, with broader availability planned for the Ignite conference in San Francisco, Nov. 17–19. They build on CEO Satya Nadella’s argument that controls on AI must come from outside the models.
From ARQS Sponsored
On the practical side, West Coast companies can turn to Design Workbench, TradeHound, Website audit and Flow automation. In the ARQS Store, Wine Cellar Ledger — 1 Month Access, ARQS ContractDiff Desk, SponsorKit — Creator Media Kit & Rate Card Builder are among the newest tools available.
- ARQS Connect
- AI automation agency
- ReplyDesk
- Business plans
- Competitive Intelligence
- Corporate Intelligence
- Market opportunity report
- Market expansion intelligence
- Customer acquisition intelligence
- Operational Intelligence
- RAG Architecture: Connecting Private Data to Large Language Models
- Generative UI/UX for Digital Products
- Legal & Compliance Guardrails for Enterprise AI Deployment
From our partners
Partner content
ARQS InvoiceFlowInvoiceFlow Billing Control StudioInvoice-data quality analysis with an ARQS-reviewed findings summary.
AI AcademyAI Academy Year 1: FoundationsDesign controlled AI-assisted workflows for real operations.
ARQS Flow ConnectFlow Connect starter accessA workspace for integrations, approvals and governed workflows. 30-day starter access.
ARQS PressPress RoomReleases, editorials and new books from ARQS Press.
ARQS GamesARQS browser gamesOriginal browser games to play at home.
ARQSARQS StoreAI receptionist, business automation, readiness reviews, website audits and launch packages.Most read
- Court halts Vancouver Aquatic Centre demolition until after civic election
- TSX gains 319 points as energy and telecom stocks lead
- Poilievre takes his tariff-free auto pact pitch to Detroit
- 'I Play Rocky' and 'Ceremony' take VIFF audience awards
- BC Conservatives take five-point lead as leaders head into only TV debate
