Planning and implementing data classification is a vital process involved in the MS-101 Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security exam. It is an essential concept associated with information governance in the Microsoft 365 compliance center.
What is Data Classification?
Data classification in Microsoft 365 encompasses the identification, labelling, and classification of data based on sensitivity. The data sensitivity labels can range from personal, public, general, confidential, to highly confidential, based on the organization’s policies.
Studying data classification aids in understanding the organization’s assets and risks, developing policies for data protection, and tailoring user training. This process also drives advanced features related to data loss prevention, information protection, and records management.
The Process of Planning and Implementing Data Classification
Identify Data to be Classified
The first step in data classification involves identifying the data types that exist within your organization. This could be any form of data including documents, emails, databases that contain sensitive information about your business, clients, or employees. Understanding the type of data you hold will help you determine how each type should be classified.
Develop a Data Classification Policy
Once the types of data are understood, the next step involves developing a classification policy tailored to your business. This policy should outline the types of data your organization possesses and the categorizations for each data type based on the level of sensitivity.
For example, you might decide on a three-tiered model for data classification:
- Public: Information that can be disclosed to the general public.
- Internal: Information that may not damage the organization if disclosed but should be kept internal.
- Confidential: Information that would cause severe damage to the organization if disclosed.
Implement Classification Labels
With Microsoft 365, you can easily implement and enforce your data classification policy through sensitivity labels. New policies can be created within the Microsoft 365 compliance center with the provision of adding conditions, exceptions, and actions for specific circumstances or data types.
To create a label, follow these steps:
1. Open the Microsoft 365 Compliance Center and go to ‘Classifications > Sensitivity labels > +Create a label.’
2. Define the label properties including name, description, and tooltip, then click ‘Next.’
3. If necessary, configure protection settings, auto-labelling conditions, and apply label to content containing specific information.
4. Complete the remaining steps and select ‘Create label,’ after which the sensitivity label will be available in supported Microsoft 365 applications.
Monitor and Review
Data classification is not a one-time task, as data and organizational requirements are continually changing. With Microsoft 365, you can use activity explorers and analytics to monitor label usage and access incidents across your organization. Regular audits will help improve your overall data classification scheme and maintain its effectiveness.
Summing Up
Data classification is an essential ingredient of effective data security and compliance within an organization. In the context of the MS-101 Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security exam, understanding how to plan and implement it using Microsoft 365 can boost your capabilities to ensure data protection, privacy, and regulatory adherence within your organizations.
Practice Test
True or False: Using Azure Information Protection (AIP), you can classify and protect documents and emails by applying labels.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Azure Information Protection (AIP) is a Microsoft solution for classifying and protecting documents and emails by applying labels.
When using Microsoft 365, which of these can be used for data classification and labelling?
- A. Data auditing
- B. Data labelling
- C. Data loss prevention
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Microsoft 365 supports data classification via all these features – data auditing, data labelling, and data loss prevention.
Which of the following is not a part of the four-step data classification process in Microsoft Information Protection?
- A. Discover sensitive data
- B. Classify data sensitivity
- C. Predict data security
- D. Protect sensitive data
Answer: C. Predict data security
Explanation: The four-step data classification process in Microsoft Information Protection includes Discover, Classify, Label, and Protect sensitive data.
True or False: Microsoft 365 Classification labels only apply to new documents.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft 365 Classification labels can be applied to both new and existing documents.
Classifying data is not necessary for:
- A. Ensuring data auditing is accurate
- B. Implementing data loss prevention policies
- C. Meeting compliance requirements
- D. None of the above
Answer: D. None of the above
Explanation: Data classification is crucial for accurate auditing, implementing data loss prevention policies, and meeting compliance requirements.
Which of the following cannot be done with the help of ‘Sensitivity labels’ in Microsoft 365?
- A. Classify data
- B. Encrypt the data
- C. Predict user behavior
- D. Add a visual marking
Answer: C. Predict user behavior
Explanation: ‘Sensitivity labels’ in Microsoft 365 support data classification, encryption, and visual marking. However, they do not directly predict user behavior.
True or False: Compliance Manager in Microsoft 365 provides a comprehensive solution for data classification, labeling, and protection.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Compliance Manager in Microsoft 365 is utilized for comprehensive data classification, labeling, and protection.
Mandating encryption and marking requirements can be done through:
- A. Auditing tools in Microsoft 365
- B. Sensitivity Labels in Microsoft 365
- C. Compliance features in Microsoft 365
- D. Azure Information Protection Scanner
Answer: B. Sensitivity Labels in Microsoft 365
Explanation: You can use Sensitivity Labels in Microsoft 365 to mandate encryption and marking requirements.
True or False: Azure Information Protection Scanner can only classify, label, and protect new data.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure Information Protection Scanner can classify, label, and protect not just new but also existing data.
What are the two types of data protection classifications used by Microsoft Information Protection Framework?
- A. Personal and Sensitive
- B. Public and Business-Only
- C. Risky and Non-risky
- D. Encrypted and Non-encrypted
Answer: A. Personal and Sensitive
Explanation: The Microsoft Information Protection Framework uses Personal and Sensitive classifications for data protection.
Interview Questions
What is data classification in Microsoft 365?
Data classification in Microsoft 365 involves categorizing data based on its sensitivity. It is a crucial part of Information Governance, helping organizations adhere to compliance requirements and ensuring important data is adequately protected.
What types of data types are typically classified in a Microsoft 365 context?
Types of data typically classified in Microsoft 365 include Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), financial data, intellectual property, and other forms of sensitive information.
How can you implement data classification in Microsoft 365?
Data classification in Microsoft 365 can be implemented using sensitivity labels. These labels can be applied manually by users, automatically by admin-defined policies, or with the help of machine learning algorithms, depending on the system’s configuration.
What role does Microsoft Information Protection play in data classification?
Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) provides the tools for classifying and protecting sensitive information across various locations, whether it’s in Microsoft 365, on-premises, or in other cloud services.
What are the primary benefits of implementing data classification in Microsoft 365?
Data classification helps in better data management, enhances data protection by ensuring sensitive data is appropriately secured, and assists in compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, it aids in data loss prevention and helps in identifying and mitigating potential security threats.
What is the importance of a data classification scheme in Microsoft 365?
A data classification scheme in Microsoft 365 helps define what constitutes sensitive information and determines how this data should be treated. It provides a framework to guide users and systems in how different categories of data should be handled, stored, shared, and deleted.
What is the role of Azure Information Protection in data classification?
Azure Information Protection (AIP) provides persistent data protection, whether the data is stored in the cloud or on-premises. It allows for the classification and labeling of data based on its sensitivity, and the application of protections like encryption, rights management, and visual markings.
How does data classification support compliance in Microsoft 365?
Data classification supports compliance by helping to ensure that sensitive data is handled in accordance with regulatory requirements. It aids in the identification of data that falls under specific regulatory scopes, and enables appropriate protective actions like encryption and access control to be applied.
What are the steps to plan a data classification structure in Microsoft 365?
First, define the types of data that need to be classified. Next, categorize the data types based on sensitivity and regulatory requirements. Then, define the protection and handling requirements for each category. Lastly, create and implement sensitivity labels corresponding to these categories.
What are the key components of Microsoft 365’s data classification toolkit?
The key components include sensitivity labels for labeling and protecting sensitive content, trainable classifiers for automated data classification, and Exact Data Match (EDM) for creating custom sensitive information types.
How do trainable classifiers function in the context of data classification in Microsoft 365?
Trainable classifiers in Microsoft 365 are machine learning models that categorize data. With proper training and configuration, they can automatically identify and categorize a variety of data types, enriching the classification process and reducing manual user involvement.
How do sensitivity labels aid in data classification in Microsoft 365?
Sensitivity labels in Microsoft 365 allow for the marking and protection of sensitive content. They can be applied manually or automatically, providing labeling, protection, and oversight actions like encryption, access control, visual marking, and content marking.
What is the function of the Data classification dashboard in Microsoft 365?
The Data classification dashboard in Microsoft 365 provides a holistic view of classified data across the organization. It shows data classifications over time, sensitive information types, and allows for the creation of reports and alerts, thereby helping manage and monitor classified data.
Can you revert or change a sensitivity label once applied in Microsoft 365?
Yes, a sensitivity label once applied in Microsoft 365 can be changed or removed by an authorized individual. However, any protections applied by the previous label, such as encryption, may still persist after the label is changed or removed.
What should be considered while planning a data classification scheme in Microsoft 365?
While planning a data classification scheme in Microsoft 365, organizations should consider their regulatory responsibilities, the sensitivity of their data, the required level of data protection, user training for manual labeling, and the capabilities of automated classification tools like trainable classifiers.
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