In today’s digital landscape, data security is critical, and Microsoft Information Protection sits at the centre of safeguarding sensitive information. By enabling organizations to classify, protect, and govern their data, Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MPIP) empowers businesses to apply sensitivity labels, encryption, and access controls across Microsoft 365 and beyond. This ensures consistent security and compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
In a recent All Things M365 Compliance podcast, Nikki Chapple, Ryan John Murphy, and Microsoft MVP Victor Wingsing explored the importance of data classification and sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview. This blog captures their valuable insights and offers practical strategies for organizations looking to strengthen their data protection practices and mitigate security risks.
Why Data Classification Matters
Data classification is the foundation of effective information protection. As Victor succinctly puts it, it is “at the centre of it all.” He emphasizes that many organizations rush to deploy security tools without fully understanding their data, leading to significant gaps in protection.
By properly categorizing their data, businesses can:
✅ Ensure compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and industry regulations
✅ Prevent data breaches with structured protection policies
✅ Apply appropriate access controls and encryption
However, data classification comes with its challenges. Organizations often grapple with vast data volumes, unclear policies, and low employee awareness.
🔹 Victor cautions that without a clear classification strategy, companies risk mismanaging sensitive information, which can lead to security breaches and compliance failures.
To avoid these pitfalls, businesses must first identify which data requires protection and why, forming the basis for their information protection strategy.
How Microsoft Purview Enhances Information Protection
As shared during Victor’s podcast and blog, Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MPIP) is central to data security. By enabling organizations to classify their data, it provides the framework for implementing tailored controls that safeguard confidential and sensitive information effectively.
Victor outlined a step-by-step approach to adopting MPIP:
1️⃣ Identify sensitive data using built-in detection rules (e.g., passport numbers, credit card details) or create you own custom rules.
2️⃣ Classify data with sensitivity labels (e.g., Confidential, Restricted, Public).
3️⃣ Protect classified data with encryption, access controls, and retention policies.
🔹 Ryan highlighted the role of automatic sensitivity labeling, which reduces user errors and ensures consistent protection across M365 applications.
Best Practices for Implementing Sensitivity Labels
To achieve effective data protection, consider these best practices:
🚀 Start Small – Deploy sensitivity labels in high-risk departments like HR & Finance
🤖 Automate When Possible – Use AI-powered labeling to classify data efficiently
🌍 Extend Beyond M365 – Protect data across Slack, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and AWS S3
📢 Train Users – Build champion groups and educate employees on proper data handling
Advanced Security Features with Microsoft Purview
The podcast also delved into advanced security capabilities available with Microsoft Purview’s E5 Compliance suite, such as:
🔹 Insider Risk Management (IRM) – Detects suspicious data transfers
🔹 Data Loss Prevention (DLP) for Teams – Prevents accidental data leaks
🔹 Integration with Microsoft Defender – Ensures end-to-end security
These advanced features enable organizations to go beyond basic information protection, addressing sophisticated security challenges proactively.
Final Thoughts
The All Things M365 Compliance podcast underscored how Microsoft Purview helps organizations classify, protect, and govern their data with precision and consistency. By adopting these best practices and leveraging advanced features, businesses can enhance their security posture, maintain compliance, and mitigate risks.
🎧 Want more expert insights?
👀 Watch to the podcast episode on YouTube: Microsoft Information Protection – In the centre of it all with Victor Wingsing
🎙️ Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify: Microsoft Information Protection – In the centre of it all with Victor Wingsing – All Things M365 Compliance
👉 Check out Victor’s blog: Productivity. Security. Mindfulness
🔗 Microsoft Learn:
- Microsoft Purview Information Protection | Microsoft Learn
- Microsoft 365 guidance for security & compliance – Service Descriptions | Microsoft Learn
And don’t forget to subscribe to All Things M365 Compliance podcast/vodcast.
