Practical 365 Podcast - Microsoft 365, Copilot & Cybersecurity News & Discussions

Paul Robichaux and Steve Goodman discuss Exchange Server's 2025 H1 update and cut through the hype around AI agents, questioning whether they're living up to the marketing. Then, cybersecurity expert Paula Januszkiewicz shares fascinating red team stories, including modifying a water cooler to gain network access, and offers practical security advice for organizations of all sizes. Paula explains how AI is transforming both sides of the cybersecurity battlefield, warns about "productive script kiddies," and emphasizes why even small businesses need basic security measures like MFA. A must-listen for IT pros concerned about modern security threats.Want to stay up to date on all things Practical 365? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin to stay up to date on all things Microsoft!

It's the last Practical 365 podcast starring Rich Dean, as he departs for pastures new in the next chapter of his career, but we aren't ending with a damp squid of an episode - on the show this week, we do a bit of a lessons learnt: We chat about some of the top guests we've had on the show, and what interesting nuggets of information are still relevant today, and in some cases what has changed.Rich  also introduces Steve to our new co-host, Bastiaan Verdonk, and on the show you'll get to know Bastiaan a little better. Thankfully Steve got all manner of Bastiaan Host cybersecurity jokes out of the way prior to recording, so you can look forward to another enjoyable episode free from terrible jokes, and remaining as informative as ever.Want to stay up to date on all things Practical 365? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin to stay up to date on all things Microsoft!

Steve and Paul discuss Microsoft's decision to make Copilot Chat free for all Microsoft 365 users. They also delve into the upcoming changes to Exchange Online audit logging and the new Outlook's deployment via Windows Update. The hosts explore advancements in chat-based AI, document summarization, and the implications for enterprise efficiency. Additionally, they analyze Microsoft's AI reorganization and its effects on workflows and software development. Lastly, they touch on improving MFA resilience and transitioning to WhatsApp for notifications.

Microsoft's latest announcements shake up the cloud landscape, including the retirement of Viva Goals. The hosts dive into the implications of these changes for IT professionals. They express skepticism about the updates to Microsoft 365 Copilot and discuss the upcoming Outlook overhaul, raising concerns about user experience. Additionally, they explore the challenges organizations face with adopting Viva Goals and highlight innovations in security, from phishing protection to ethical tech responsibilities. The episode wraps up with insights on the future of AI.

In this week's show, Paul and Steve discuss the latest Microsoft Places announcements, debate whether Teams tries to be too many things at once, and examine the sometimes confusing world of Copilot integration across Microsoft 365 services. Plus, we share our thoughts on Microsoft Ignite logistics and what we hope for the future of the conference.Want to stay up to date on all things Practical 365? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin to stay up to date on all things Microsoft!

Meryl Fernando, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, delves into the world of identity management and community innovation. She shares exciting insights about Microsoft's upcoming Global Secure Access solution and discusses the importance of community engagement in tech. The conversation highlights an open-source PowerShell security framework, Maester.dev, and addresses challenges in managing Microsoft 365 environments. Meryl emphasizes user contributions and the significance of security tools tailored to unique business needs.

In our first of two Practical 365 Podcasts before Ignite begins, Steve Goodman and Paul Robichaux dive deep into what was best in Microsoft's Wave 2 release and chat about Copilot Pages - is it a good move from Microsoft?In other crucial news, we address the approaching end of support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, and what organizations need to consider as they plan their migration strategy. Plus, we look at the latest Teams meeting features, including new Copilot controls, meeting recap integrations with Outlook and new device support.Want to stay up to date on all things Practical 365? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin to stay up to date on all things Microsoft!

Rod Trent, a Program Manager at Microsoft with extensive expertise in content creation and cybersecurity, dives into AI's transformative impact on cybersecurity. He discusses the evolution and capabilities of Microsoft Security Copilot, emphasizing the importance of trust in data integrity and the integration of AI tools. Trent also addresses the skills gap in the field and advocates for accessible solutions that empower IT professionals. The conversation touches on balancing automation with human oversight and highlights the future challenges and opportunities in security operations.

Cybersecurity expert Shinesa Cambric joing Steve Goodman to discuss the evolving landscape of IT. In this episode, we explore the parallels between AI adoption and the cloud revolution, and get into the changing nature of identity in our digital world. Shinesa shares insights from her 20+ years in IT and gives a sneak peek into her upcoming TEC 2024 keynote.Want to stay up to date on all things Practical 365? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin to stay up to date on all things Microsoft!

Paul Thurrott, an IT industry veteran with over 30 years of expertise in Microsoft technology, shares insights on the future of Windows and Copilot's impact on employment. He underscores the delicate balance between AI's challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding job security. The discussion delves into Microsoft's evolving AI landscape, user anxieties about transitioning to Linux, and the innovations in personal computing driven by AI. Thurrott emphasizes the need for human oversight as technology rapidly advances, shaping the future of IT.