Partner Case Study | Increment Technology Creatives

Educational institutions handle a vast amount of sensitive data about students—information that is personal and increasingly at risk. In today’s world, where AI-driven threats are on the rise, this sensitive information attracts the attention of cybercriminals. Many educational systems require assistance to protect this data in challenging, resource-limited environments.

Increment, a consultancy focused solely on Microsoft solutions and founded by former leaders in enterprise technology, knows how to ensure that security. Operating in the Australia and New Zealand markets, the team has thoroughly integrated Microsoft technology into its own practices. This includes pioneering the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot and fully implementing Dynamics 365 and Purview. Their commitment to a Customer Zero approach and proven expertise secured them the title of 2025 Partner of the Year for Data Security and Compliance.

Through their disciplined application of benefits from the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, like Microsoft Commerce Incentives (MCI) funding, Increment is well-placed to assist educational agencies in quickly mitigating risks and creating scalable data governance strategies. They began this mission with Australia’s largest public school system, working closely with Microsoft to enhance data security across various educational institutions.

Australia’s public school systems oversee millions of students, thousands of schools, and substantial identity management systems that need to operate smoothly across wide-ranging networks, diverse devices, and frequent data exchanges—always while countering almost continuous cyber threats.

“Every day, these systems face attacks on a scale comparable to that of the banking industry,” stated Andre Herbst, Director of Growth and Partnerships at Increment.

Simultaneously, educational institutions needed to modernise swiftly. They managed immense amounts of data; in Queensland, for instance, there were tens of thousands of managed endpoints needing regular policy enforcement. With growing risks associated with AI, educational agencies sought assurance that fundamental data protections could accommodate the future use of generative AI tools, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot.

While many educational departments had invested in Microsoft 365 A3 or A5 licenses, they required a clear strategy to maximise the security and compliance features available. They were looking for a scalable, repeatable method that aligned technical measures with the challenges of large, complex school environments—an approach that clarified roles, built internal capabilities, and established long-term operation models. Without this framework, even well-licensed systems could find it difficult to enhance data protection or reduce risk.

Moreover, these school systems needed operational consistency across large, decentralised environments. Sensitive information regularly circulated among teachers, administrators, students, and caregivers, but many agencies lacked a coherent view of where that data was located or how it was accessed. Responsibilities for data governance and information protection often clashed with existing cybersecurity roles.

To achieve success, an approach grounded in practical operational experience was essential. This required expertise across the Microsoft suite and the ability to transform intricate data security needs into workable, sustainable initiatives for educational settings.

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