In the intricate web of today’s digital world, the security of your organization’s data and infrastructure stands as a top priority of utmost importance. Amidst the rising tide of cyber threats, businesses worldwide are in dire need of robust, reliable tools to protect their most valuable assets. Enter Microsoft Security Copilot, a state-of-the-art, AI-driven solution that offers a comprehensive approach to security across various domains. However, the true art lies in extracting its full value, a delicate approach that requires a careful balance between leveraging its many benefits and managing its potential costs. In this article, we aim to guide you through this balancing act, helping you unlock the full potential of Microsoft Copilot for Security while keeping a keen eye on cost management.
Microsoft Copilot for Security capabilities can be accessed through the standalone experience as well as embedded experiences available in other Microsoft security products. This versatility allows for organisations to go about their day-to-day working lives using the usual applications they require throughout their day, but with the additional add on of a protective security layer.
The foundational language model collaborates with Microsoft technologies within an integrated system, working to enhance user efficiency and capabilities to elevate security outcomes at a machine-paced speed and expansive scale.
Utilising Copilot for Security aims to help you to safeguard your organisation, working across security, compliance, identity, device management, and privacy domains. In today’s age of AI and other technological developments, it’s more important than ever to have a tool that can seamlessly address the vulnerabilities posed by fragmented tools and ensure protection. And it looks like these benefits make Copilot an invaluable tool for any organization looking to enhance its security posture.
Understanding the Costs
While Copilot offers extensive security benefits, it’s essential to understand its cost dynamics. Copilot is billed as a resource, consuming a new type of Azure resource known as the Security Compute Unit (SCU). Each SCU, which costs $4 per hour, represents the compute power needed to run Copilot.
Unlike Azure virtual machines, SCUs do not have a native deprovisioning option. To stop incurring costs, you would need to delete the Azure resource entirely, which can be time-consuming and impact operational efficiency. Microsoft recommends maintaining three SCUs for optimal performance, which, if run 24/7, can result in annual costs exceeding $100,000.
Given the significant costs associated with SCUs, it’s crucial to develop a deployment plan before committing to using Copilot. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Assess Your Needs: Conduct a thorough assessment to determine the number of SCUs required based on your organization’s size, complexity, and security needs. This can help avoid over-provisioning and unnecessary expenses.
- Monitor Usage: Regularly monitor SCU usage to identify patterns and optimize resource allocation. Azure’s monitoring tools can provide valuable insights into SCU consumption.
- Optimize Deployment: Consider deploying Copilot during peak hours or critical periods when security threats are most likely. This targeted approach can help reduce costs while maintaining robust security.
- Automate Management: Use automation to manage SCU provisioning and deprovisioning efficiently. Scripts or Azure’s automation tools can streamline resource management and minimize manual intervention.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review your SCU usage and costs and adjust your strategy based on changing security needs and budget constraints. Stay informed about updates and new features that can enhance Copilot’s efficiency.
Microsoft Copilot for Security is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your organization’s security posture. By working across security, compliance, identity, device management, and privacy domains, Copilot provides comprehensive protection. However, its cost dynamics require careful management to avoid runaway expenses. By understanding the benefits, assessing the costs, and developing a deployment plan, you can harness the power of Copilot for Security while maintaining financial prudence. Ready to embrace the power of Microsoft Copilot for Security, but don’t know where to start or how to balance security and costs? Surveil can help you take control of your Microsoft Copilot journey to accelerate your organization’s innovation and cloud efficiency.