Exploring Data Loss Prevention – Data Classification & SharePoint

Introduction to Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of DLP, explore the importance of data classification, and see how SharePoint can be a game-changer for your data security. We’ll also share practical tips on how Vissensa’s customers can implement these strategies to protect their valuable information. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is like having a security guard for your data. It’s a set of tools and processes designed to ensure that sensitive data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. DLP solutions monitor and control data transfers, detect potential breaches, and enforce policies to prevent data leaks. By implementing DLP, you can protect your intellectual property, comply with regulatory requirements, and maintain the trust of your customers.

Leveraging SharePoint and Microsoft Data Loss Prevention Features

Leveraging SharePoint and Microsoft Data Loss Prevention features on a powerful collaboration platform that allows you to store, share, and manage content seamlessly. When integrated with DLP strategies, SharePoint can significantly enhance your data security. Microsoft’s DLP features, part of the Microsoft Purview suite, offer extensive capabilities to protect sensitive data across various platforms, including SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and Exchange.

Data Classification and Labelling

SharePoint allows for Data Classification and Labelling to classify and label documents based on their sensitivity, helping to apply the right security policies to each document. For SMEs, this means you can easily identify and protect sensitive information without needing a large IT team. Microsoft Purview includes pre-configured sensitive information types (SITs), such as credit card numbers and social security numbers, which can be used to identify and protect sensitive data. You can also create custom SITs to meet your specific needs.

Backup as a Service

Restricted access control mechanisms, allows you to restrict access to sensitive data based on user roles and permissions. This ensures that only authorised users can access critical information. For SMEs, this means you can maintain tight control over who sees what, even as your team grows. Additionally, Data Loss Prevention policies can automatically enforce protective actions, such as restricting access, encrypting content, or blocking sharing, to prevent data leaks.

Integration with Data Loss Prevention Solutions

SharePoint can be integrated with various DLP solutions to provide comprehensive data protection, allowing for real-time monitoring and enforcement of Data Loss Prevention policies across the SharePoint environment. For SMEs, this means you can leverage advanced security features without needing to invest in complex, standalone systems. Data Loss Prevention alerts can be extended to Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel, providing a comprehensive security solution that includes threat detection and response capabilities.

Protecting Intellectual Property (IP)

For businesses that rely on intellectual property (IP), such as technology firms and research organisations, protecting IP is crucial. By classifying IP documents as high sensitivity and storing them in SharePoint with strict access controls, you can ensure that your valuable IP is safeguarded against unauthorised access and leaks. Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, are subject to strict regulatory requirements regarding data protection. Vissensa can help you classify sensitive data, such as patient records or financial statements, and implement Data Loss Prevention policies in SharePoint to ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

Balancing Security and Collaboration

Archiving the balance is key while protecting sensitive data is essential, organisations also need to ensure that their employees can collaborate effectively. SharePoint’s access controls and data classification features allow you to strike the right balance between security and collaboration, enabling employees to work together without compromising data security.