Microsoft has been moving at a lightning pace to develop and market its GenAI tools ever since its partner OpenAI introduced the world to the groundbreaking capabilities of ChatGPT.
It can be challenging to keep up with the company’s pace of innovation and investment, but here I’ll discuss two of the most recent Copilot developments: first around Copilot in web searches and the second on Copilot security.
While Microsoft has yet to make an official statement, it has confirmed numerous reports that it is “continuing to experiment and iterate with generative search.” This involves new AI search features integrated into Microsoft Bing, which are currently being tested in certain jurisdictions.
Until now, users could access Copilot via Bing through a dedicated button. Clicking the button takes a user to a separate Copilot web page. Moving forward, AI search will provide on-page summaries with citations and, where necessary, website links.
Ultimately, the new approach integrates AI into search results, swapping out links for page summaries. Users can ask follow-up questions that Copilot will contextually incorporate into the workflow. Furthermore, users can toggle between AI and regular searches, allowing them to complete their research in a way that suits them best.
With this new search option, Microsoft is directly competing with Google, which is well under way in developing its AI search feature.
Microsoft first launched its AI bug bounty initiative in October 2023. Now, Microsoft has revealed a series of updates to its Copilot (AI) Bounty Program.
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The updates, as stated in blog posts by Microsoft officials, “are designed to enhance the program’s effectiveness, incentivize broader participation, and ensure that our Copilot consumer products remain robust, safe, and secure.”
Firstly, Microsoft is integrating Microsoft Vulnerability Severity Classification for Online Services (Online Services Bug Bar) into the Copilot (AI) Bounty Program. It will join Microsoft Vulnerability Severity Classification for AI Systems (AI Bug Bar) and help users better evaluate and classify the level of vulnerability observed.
Secondly, Microsoft is expanding the bounty program’s incentives to include vulnerabilities classified as having moderate severity. “Researchers who identify and report moderate severity vulnerabilities will now be eligible for bounty rewards up to $5,000,” officials said.
Finally, Microsoft is extending the range of the Copilot (AI) Bounty Program. Now, in-scope targets include Copilot for Telegram, Copilot for WhatsApp, copilot.microsoft.com, and copilot.ai.
“We invite all security researchers, developers, and enthusiasts to join us in this mission,” concludes the announcement blog. “By participating in the Copilot (AI) Bounty Program, you can help us identify and address vulnerabilities, contribute to the security of our Copilot consumer products, and earn awards for your valuable contributions.”
With these latest updates and initiatives, Microsoft takes additional steps forward to expand the reach and impact of Copilot, while striving to ensure it’s adequately secure to support enterprise applications and use cases.
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