As part of KAUST’s efforts to strengthen our digital collaboration environment and ensure compliance with Information Security and Data Privacy policies, new controls on third-party app add-ins/plugins and AI bots take effect today, Thursday, October 30, 2025.
These controls start with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem (including Outlook, Teams, Power Automate, and other Microsoft apps) and will later extend to additional KAUST platforms. The goal is to protect institutional data, reduce security risks, and ensure that only safe, KAUST-approved tools are used.
What’s Changing
- Only KAUST IT-managed/supported third-party app add-ins/plugins will remain enabled in Microsoft 365.
These include apps listed in the IT Software Catalog, IT Service Catalog, or available via Software Center (Windows) and Self Service (Mac).
- High-risk or non-approved apps (e.g., Read.ai, Whiteboard.ai) will be blocked from use.
- All native Microsoft apps (Power BI, Planner, SharePoint, Lists, OneNote, and others) remain available.
View the list of permitted app plugins
What You Need to Do Now
- Review your current apps
In Office.com, go to Apps → Manage your apps. Check whether the third-party app plugins you use are on the permitted list. Apps not on the permitted list will no longer be accessible in Microsoft 365 starting today, Thursday, October 30, 2025.
- Find an alternative
If a third-party app you rely on has been blocked, contact IT to identify secure, managed alternatives available in the Software Catalog.
- Request whitelisting
If no managed alternative exists, you can request an exception by logging a ticket with the IT Helpdesk to whitelist the app. Requests will be reviewed by Information Security and are subject to approval.
Learn More About Third-Party App Security
Curious how free or third-party apps can put your data at risk? Explore these quick reads to learn how to spot risky apps and keep your information secure:
