Dear KAUST Community,
This is a final reminder that, 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 will take effect today, Thursday, October 30, 2025.
These controls begin with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem (including Outlook, Teams, Power Automate, etc.) and will later extend to other 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
Starting today, Thursday, October 30, 2025:
- 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 on Software Center on Windows and Self-Service on 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, etc.) will remain available.
View the list of permitted app plugins.
What you need to do now
1.Review your current apps:
In Office.com, go to Apps → Manage your apps.
Check if the third-party app plugins that you use are on the permitted list.
Third-party app plugins that are not on the permitted list will no longer be accessible by the Microsoft 365 ecosystem starting Thursday, October 30, 2025.
2. Find an Alternative
If there is a third-party app that you rely on for your work and it has been blocked, you may contact IT to find secure alternative solutions that are managed/supported by IT in the Software Catalog.
3. Request Whitelisting
If there are no alternatives that are managed/supported by IT, or there is a need for using a particular third-party app that is currently not permitted, you may request to Whitelist it, by logging a ticket with the IT Helpdesk. 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?
Check out these quick reads to learn how to spot risky apps and keep your information secure:
- Third-Party Apps in Microsoft 365: How to Remove Them and Protect Your Data
- The App May Be Free, But Your Data Is Not: What You Should Know Before You Sign Up
- Policy reference: Acceptable Use Policy .
Thank you for staying proactive and helping us keep KAUST’s digital environment secure.
KAUST IT
it.kaust.edu.sa