Microsoft Security success stories: Why integrated security is the foundation of AI transformation

January 22, 2026 TH Author

AI is transforming how organizations operate and how they approach security. In this new era of agentic AI, every interaction, digital or human, must be built on trust. As businesses modernize, they’re not just adopting AI tools, they’re rearchitecting their digital foundations. And that means security can’t be an afterthought. It must be woven in from the beginning into every layer of the stack—ubiquitous, ambient, and autonomous—just like the AI it protects.

In this blog, we spotlight three global organizations that are leading the way. Each is taking a proactive, platform-first approach to security—moving beyond fragmented defenses and embedding protection across identity, data, devices, and cloud infrastructure. Their stories show that when security is deeply integrated from the start, it becomes a strategic enabler of resilience, agility, and innovation. And by choosing Microsoft Security, these customers are securing the foundation of their AI transformation from end to end.

Why security transformation matters to decision makers

Security is a board-level priority. The following customer stories show how strategic investments in security platforms can drive cost savings, operational efficiency, and business agility, not just risk reduction. Read on to learn how Ford, Icertis, and TriNet transformed their operations with support from Microsoft.

Ford builds trust across global operations

In the automotive industry, a single cyberattack can ripple across numerous aspects of the business. Ford recognized that rising ransomware and targeted cyberattacks demanded a different approach. The company made a deliberate shift away from fragmented, custom-built security tools toward a unified Microsoft security platform, adopting a Zero Trust approach and prioritizing security embedded into every layer of its hybrid environment—from endpoints to data centers and cloud infrastructure.

Unified protection and measurable impact

Partnering with Microsoft, Ford deployed Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Purview, and Microsoft Entra to strengthen defenses, centralize threat detection, and enforce data governance. AI-powered telemetry and automation improved visibility and accelerated incident response, while compliance certifications supported global scaling. By building a security-first culture and leveraging Microsoft’s integrated stack, Ford reduced vulnerabilities, simplified operations, and positioned itself for secure growth across markets.

Read the full customer story to discover more about Ford’s security modernization collaboration with Microsoft.

Icertis cuts security operations center (SOC) incidents by 50%

As a global leader in contract intelligence, Icertis introduced generative AI to transform enterprise contracting, launching applications built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI and its Vera platform. These innovations brought new security challenges, including prompt injection risks and compliance demands across more than 300 Azure subscriptions. To address these, Icertis adopted Microsoft Defender for Cloud for AI posture management, threat detection, and regulatory alignment, ensuring sensitive contract data remains protected.

Driving security efficiency and resilience

By integrating Microsoft Security solutions—Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Purview, Entra, and Microsoft Security Copilot—Icertis strengthened governance and accelerated incident response. AI-powered automation reduced alert triage time by up to 80%, cut mean time to resolution to 25 minutes, and lowered incident volume by 50%. With Zero Trust principles and embedded security practices, Icertis scales innovation securely while maintaining compliance, setting a new standard for trust in AI-powered contracting.

Read the full customer story to learn how Icertis secures sensitive contract data, accelerates AI innovation, and achieves measurable risk reduction with Microsoft’s unified security platform.

TriNet moves to Microsoft 365 E5, achieves annual savings in security spend

Facing growing complexity from multiple point solutions, TriNet sought to reduce operational overhead and strengthen its security posture. The company’s leadership recognized that consolidating tools could improve visibility, reduce risk, and align security with its broader digital strategy. After evaluating providers, TriNet chose Microsoft 365 E5 for its integrated security platform, delivering advanced threat protection, identity management, and compliance capabilities.

Streamlined operations and improved efficiencies

By adopting Microsoft Defender XDR, Purview, Entra, Microsoft Sentinel, and Microsoft 365 Copilot, TriNet unified security across endpoints, cloud apps, and data governance. Automation and centralized monitoring reduced alert fatigue, accelerated incident response, and improved Secure Score. The platform blocked a spear phishing attempt targeting executives, demonstrating the value of Zero Trust and advanced safeguards. With cost savings from tool consolidation and improved efficiency, TriNet is building a secure foundation for future innovation.

Read the full customer story to see how TriNet consolidated its security stack with Microsoft 365 E5, reduced complexity, and strengthened defenses against advanced threats.

How to plan, adopt, and operationalize a Microsoft Security strategy

Ford, Icertis, and TriNet each began their transformation by assessing legacy systems and identifying gaps that created complexity and risk. Ford faced fragmented tools across a global manufacturing footprint, Icertis needed to secure sensitive contract data while adopting generative AI, and TriNet aimed to reduce operational complexity caused by managing multiple point solutions, seeking a more streamlined and integrated approach. These assessments revealed the need for a unified, risk-based strategy to simplify operations and strengthen protection.

Building on Zero Trust and deploying integrated solutions

All three organizations aligned on Zero Trust principles as the foundation for modernization. They consolidated security into Microsoft’s integrated platform, deploying Defender for endpoint and cloud protection, Microsoft Sentinel for centralized monitoring, Purview for data governance, Entra for identity management, and Security Copilot for AI-powered insights. This phased rollout allowed each company to embed security into daily operations while reducing manual processes and improving visibility.

The results were tangible: Ford accelerated threat detection and governance across its hybrid environment, Icertis cut incident volume by 50% and reduced triage time by 80%, and TriNet improved Secure Score while achieving cost savings through tool consolidation. Automation and AI-powered workflows delivered faster response times and reduced complexity. Each organization now shares learnings internally and with industry peers—whether through executive briefings, training programs, or participation in cybersecurity forums—helping set new standards for resilience and innovation.

Working towards a more secure future

The future of enterprise security is being redefined by AI, by innovation, and by the bold choices organizations make today. Modernization, automation, and collaboration are no longer optional—they’re foundational. As AI reshapes how we work, build, and protect, security must evolve in lockstep: not as an add-on, but as a fabric woven through every layer of the enterprise.

These customer stories show us that building a security-first approach isn’t just possible; it’s imperative. From cloud-native disruptors to global institutions modernizing complex environments, leading organizations are showing what’s possible when security and AI move together. By unifying their tools, automating what once was manual, and using AI to stay ahead of emerging cyberthreats, they’re not just protecting today, they’re securing the future and shaping what comes next.

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