In Microsoft 365, SharePoint permissions control which staff members can open, search and read company files stored in SharePoint and Microsoft Teams. Over years of day-to-day work, many businesses accidentally create sites shared with "Everyone in the organisation" or leave old permission links active—known as oversharing.
Why it matters for Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft 365 Copilot can automatically search and summarise any file the logged-in user technically has permission to view. If a historic payroll spreadsheet, HR disciplinary note or partner board pack sits in an over-shared SharePoint library, Copilot can surface it in a junior staff member's prompt. Our Microsoft Copilot consultancy and sister company Alphabyte IT audit and lock down SharePoint permissions before Copilot is enabled.