The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Information Protection

The Ultimate Guide to Microsoft Information Protection

In the fast-paced digital era, data is one of the most valuable assets a business could possess. It takes years to amass, accumulate, and maintain a reliable database. Unfortunately, it only takes a single security breach to result in a catastrophic loss in terms of reputation, finances, and sensitive information. Preventing such breaches ought to be among your top priorities, and investing in Microsoft Information Protection could just be the solution your business needs to secure sensitive information.

But what is Microsoft Information Protection (MIP)? And how does it work to protect your data? This ultimate guide provides all the answers you need.

What is Microsoft Information Protection?

MIP is a comprehensive solution that enables businesses to classify, label, and protect data, either in transit or at rest, regardless of where it resides. Microsoft Information Protection is a unified solution that incorporates Azure Information Protection (AIP) and Office 365 Data Loss Prevention (DLP). With MIP, businesses can acquire insights into how their data is used and protected, facilitating regulatory compliance.

What can MIP do for your business?

MIP is primarily designed to offer users data protection, but it can do much more. Here are some of the capabilities of MIP.

1) Information classification and labeling: MIP allows businesses to protect sensitive information and keep track of its usage with precise labeling. Administrators have the ability to configure customized labels that match their specific security standards.

2) Data loss prevention: MIP identifies sensitive information and prohibits sharing or copying with people who lack authorization. In addition, it allows businesses to prevent sensitive data from being sent outside the premises, regardless of the recipient.

3) Compliance and governance: MIP generates and stores all audit and compliance reports concerning data handling.

4) Data discovery: MIP offers a more comprehensive method for identifying sensitive information across devices and platforms.

How does MIP work?

When a user creates a document or initiates an email, MIP clasps a label on the document or email, indicating its classification. The label could range from “Public” to “Confidential.” Based on this label, MIP enforces policies that protect the data, including policies that regulate access and usage.

MIP employs Machine Learning algorithms to detect sensitive content and enforce organization-wide information protection policies. The solution also incorporates Microsoft Cloud App Security (MCAS), which establishes control over your data even when it is being accessed from external applications.

Conclusion

Securing sensitive data is not only a compliance requirement, but it also signifies the value business places on its stakeholders and customers. In today’s environment, where new data breaches occur daily, it is essential to invest in a solution that features real-time threat recognition and reaction. Microsoft Information Protection is an all-encompassing solution that addresses these concerns while delivering added benefits without compromising user experience. By improving your business’s data protection, you reinforce trust among customers, stakeholders, and potential investors, thereby increasing your return on investment.