The Azure Information Protection (AIP) unified labelling scanner is a powerful tool that enables administrators to discover, classify, and protect on-premises data. For Microsoft Information Protection Administrator exam (SC-400) candidates, this function is essential in managing and protecting sensitive information within an organization’s infrastructure.

Table of Contents

Introduction to AIP Unified Labelling Scanner

The AIP unified labeling scanner operates by scanning on-premises data repositories for sensitive information. It uses the same labels and conditions defined in the Microsoft 365 Compliance Center, ensuring consistent classification and protection policies are applied across data, whether it’s located in the cloud or on-premises.

Setting Up AIP Unified Labelling Scanner

The deployment of the scanner requires the configuration of the Azure Information Protection scanner profile via the Azure portal. To do this:

  1. Navigate to tenant scanner settings.
  2. Define the settings: specify the data repositories, add a service account, set up a schedule, and select the labeling and protection policies.

Once configuration is complete, the scanner is installed on a dedicated machine and connected to the configured repositories. It begins scanning files according to the set schedule and enforces classifications and protection actions as defined.

Key Benefits and Features

The AIP unified labelling scanner provides numerous advantageous features, such as:

  • Discovering sensitive information across numerous on-premises data stores.
  • DLP policy evaluation: The AIP scanner evaluates Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies to help avoid data security breaches.
  • Information Protection Metrics: Provides insights into the classification, labelling, and protection status of your data.
  • Continuous Scanning: The scanner periodically scans the repositories to keep classification and protection in line with policy changes.
  • Integration with SecOps: Enables security operations to react promptly to risks identified through the scanning process.

Comparison: AIP Unified Labelling Scanner vs. Traditional Tools

Where traditional Data Loss Prevention tools scan and protect data based on rules and conditions set within the tool, the AIP unified labelling scanner leverages policies and labels defined in the cloud, applying the same protections across cloud and on-premises data. This alignment allows for simplified policy management, consistent security postures, and is a key differentiator from traditional tools.

AIP Unified Labelling Scanner Traditional DLP Tools
Policy Management Centralized Individual
Data Discovery On-premises & Cloud Primarily On-premises
Protection Actions Labelling & Protection Primarily Notifications
Integration With SecOps Limited

Conclusion

Indeed, the AIP unified labelling scanner is instrumental in providing a centralized, consistent approach to information protection. Its ability to align on-premises data protection with cloud policies makes it a robust tool for managing and securing sensitive data. For SC-400 candidates, understanding and mastering use of this tool is imperative for efficient data management and protection in an enterprise environment.

Practice Test

True or False: The AIP Unified Labelling Scanner can handle bulk classification of on-premises data.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True.

Explanation: The AIP Unified Labelling Scanner can bulk classify, label, and protect on-premises data based on its sensitivity and content.

Multiple Choice: Where does the AIP Unified Labelling Scanner get its built-in labels?

  • A) Azure Information Protection portal
  • B) Office 365 Security & Compliance Centre
  • C) Microsoft Cloud App Security
  • D) Microsoft Intune

Answer: A) Azure Information Protection portal.

Explanation: The built-in labels used by the AIP Unified Labelling scanner come from the Azure Information Protection portal.

Multiple Choice: In which of the following locations can the AIP Unified Labelling Scanner apply labels to content?

  • A) SharePoint Online
  • B) On-premises file servers
  • C) OneDrive for Business
  • D) Office 365 Exchange mails

Answer: B) On-premises file servers.

Explanation: The AIP Unified Labelling scanner can apply labels to content in on-premises file servers.

Single Select: Is AIP Unified Labelling Scanner capable of detecting data across multiple files and folders?

  • A) Yes
  • B) No

Answer: A) Yes

Explanation: AIP Unified Labelling Scanner is capable of scanning and labelling data across multiple files and folders effectively on on-premises servers.

True or False: Sensitive data can be discovered automatically by AIP Unified Labelling scanner in a network File Share.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True.

Explanation: AIP Unified Labelling scanner can automatically discover, classify, label, and protect sensitive data in a network File Share.

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is not a prerequisite for running the AIP Unified Labelling Scanner?

  • A) Local Administrator permissions
  • B) AIP service subscription
  • C) Read and Execute permissions on data repositories
  • D) Office 365 Pro Plus subscription

Answer: D) Office 365 Pro Plus subscription.

Explanation: Office 365 Pro Plus subscription is not a prerequisite for running the AIP Unified labelling scanner.

Single Select: Is it necessary for the computers running the AIP Unified Labelling Scanner to be domain-joined?

  • A) Yes
  • B) No

Answer: A) Yes

Explanation: It is required that the computers running the AIP Unified Labelling Scanner be connected to a domain.

Multiple Choice: Which of the following cannot be scanned by the AIP unified labelling scanner?

  • A) PDF files
  • B) Text files
  • C) Excel files
  • D) Network devices

Answer: D) Network devices.

Explanation: The AIP Unified labelling scanner can scan various file types but cannot scan network devices.

True or False: The AIP Unified Labelling Scanner can automatically apply sensitivity labels to the scanned files.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True.

Explanation: The AIP Unified Labelling Scanner is capable of automatically applying sensitivity labels to appropriate content in scanned files.

Single Select: The AIP Unified Labelling scanner can be configured via:

  • A) AIP client
  • B) PowerShell
  • C) Azure portal
  • D) SCCM

Answer: B) PowerShell.

Explanation: The AIP Unified Labelling scanner is configured via Windows PowerShell.

Interview Questions

1. Q: What is the AIP unified labelling scanner?

A: The AIP unified labelling scanner allows the detection, classification, and protection of sensitive data across your on-premises repositories like file shares and SharePoint servers.

2. Q: What does the process of applying bulk classification to on-premises data involve?

A: This process involves the AIP unified labelling scanner scanning your data repositories, using your defined information protection policies to classify and label the data.

3. Q: What is a prerequisite of using the AIP scanner for bulk classification of data?

A: The prerequisite for using the AIP scanner is to have the Azure Information Protection unified labelling client deployed on your machines.

4. Q: How does the AIP unified labelling scanner help with data protection?

A: By identifying sensitive data and applying the appropriate labels, the scanner helps to apply protection controls like encryption and access restrictions.

5. Q: Can you specify specific data sources for the AIP scanner to process?

A: Yes, you can specify which data repositories the AIP scanner should process.

6. Q: How frequently can the AIP scanner run its scan on data repositories?

A: The scan frequency is configurable. It can be set to run the scans on a schedule or on-demand as required.

7. Q: Are there any requirements for the storage that the scanner uses for its operational database?

A: The storage must be an SQL server that can be standalone, cluster-based, or cloud-based.

8. Q: What happens if multiple labels could apply to a file?

A: The AIP scanner applies the label that has the highest priority.

9. Q: How do you review the actions of the AIP scanner?

A: You can review the actions using the central reporting capabilities of the Azure portal.

10. Q: Is the AIP unified labelling scanner compatible with all data types?

A: No, the scanner is not compatible with all data types. It scans by opening each file as if it were a user, so it has limitations based on file types and encodings. The supported types can be found in the Microsoft documentation.

11. Q: How can you ensure the AIP Scanner effectively labels data?

A: After setting up and configuring the AIP Scanner, a test run should be performed to validate the classifications and labelling.

12. Q: What is the outcome once data is labelled by the AIP scanner?

A: Once the data is labelled, permissions can be set so that only specified individuals can access the data, thereby enhancing data security.

13. Q: What happens if conflicting labels are found by the scanner during a data scan?

A: The AIP scanner works on a ‘first set, last remove’ policy. The first label set on information remains set until the data content changes significantly, only then is the label removed and a new relevant label is assigned.

14. Q: Can the AIP scanner work with network data sources?

A: Yes, the scanner can process data sources located on a network, including file shares and SharePoint servers.

15. Q: Can the AIP scanner detect and label encrypted files?

A: No, the AIP scanner cannot process encrypted files unless the encryption method is supported by the Microsoft Cryptographic API.

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