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Auto-apply label policies in Microsoft 365

Auto-apply label policies in Microsoft 365 enable automatic classification, labeling, and protection of the sensitive data through the compliance center. The SC-400 Microsoft Information Protection Administrator exam is centered around the understanding and application of these policies.

Steps for Configuring Auto-Apply Label Policy

Here are the steps you can follow to configure an auto-apply label policy:

  1. Identification of sensitive data

    Start by identifying what type of data needs protection. Microsoft provides built-in sensitive information types, but you might want to look into creating custom sensitive information types for unique business requirements.

  2. Creation of Classifications & Labels

    In Microsoft 365 compliance center, first, create labels using the classifications identified. You can then configure protection settings and visual markings for these labels.

  3. Auto-apply label Policy creation

    Afterwards, in the ‘Data Classification’ section, you can kickstart creating a new auto-apply label policy. You must identify what conditions you’ll need for data to be automatically labeled, such as if the content has a specific sensitive information type (e.g., credit card numbers).

  4. Testing

    Once the policy is created, you should test it to ensure it functions as expected.

Publishing the Auto-apply Label Policy

Publishing an auto-apply label policy consists of the following steps:

  1. Select policy

    In the ‘Data Classification’ section, select the auto-apply label policy you’d like to publish.

  2. Specify locations

    Specify the locations where the policy should be applied. This can include SharePoint sites, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive accounts, and Exchange email.

  3. Choose Policy settings

    Choose the settings you’d like to use for the policy’s automation and enforcement. Options include whether you want the user to provide a justification to change or remove the label.

  4. Name and review

    Lastly, name your policy and review all the selections before publishing.

Auto-Apply Label Policy Example

Let’s consider an example where we want to create a policy that automatically marks content having credit card information. Here’s how you would do it:

  1. Navigate to the Microsoft 365 compliance center
  2. Go to ‘Data Classification -> Sensitivity Labels’ and create a new label named “Credit Card Data”. You may decide to apply specific protections and visual markings.
  3. Now, go to ‘Data Classification -> Auto-apply Label Policy’. Create a new policy using the “Credit Card Data” label. Specify the condition that content needs to contain a credit card number (a Microsoft predefined sensitive information type) to be labeled.
  4. Finally, publish it by choosing where you want it applied (e.g., SharePoint sites, Microsoft Teams, and Exchange email) and what settings you want for automation and enforcement.

By configuring and publishing auto-labeling policies, organizations can ensure that sensitive information is protected continuously and consistently. Thus, mastering these policies is crucial when preparing for the SC-400 Microsoft Information Protection Administrator exam. Familiarization with the process will not only enhance your proficiency in data security but will also significantly increase your chances of passing. Be sure to refer to Microsoft’s official documentation for additional insights.

Practice Test

True/False: Auto-apply label policies in Microsoft 365 compliance center assist in classifying, protecting, and governing certain types of sensitive information.

  • True
  • False

Answer: True.

Explanation: Auto-apply label policies use various conditions to automatically classify sensitive information and apply protective actions.

What are the key steps for configuring auto-apply label policies? Select all that apply.

  • A) Specify the label
  • B) Define the conditions
  • C) Apply the colour
  • D) Set up rules

Answer: A, B, D.

Explanation: Configuring auto-apply label policies involves specifying the label, defining the conditions, and setting up rules to auto-apply the label. A color isn’t applicable in this configuration.

To start configuring auto-apply label policies, you need to first set up an automatic classification type. Is it true or false?

  • True
  • False

Answer: True.

Explanation: The configuration of auto-apply label policies first involves defining the automatic classification type that automatically applies labels to items.

True/False: Labels can only be manually applied.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False.

Explanation: Labels can be applied either manually by users or automatically by an auto-apply label policy based on various conditions.

When publishing a label policy with auto-apply in Microsoft 365, to whom can the policy be published?

  • A) Specific users
  • B) Security groups
  • C) Distribution lists
  • D) All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above.

Explanation: The auto-apply label policy can be published for specific users, security groups, and distribution lists in Microsoft

True/False: To edit a published label policy, that policy must be unpublished first.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False.

Explanation: You can edit the settings of a published auto-apply label policy directly. There’s no need to unpublish it first.

What is the purpose of simulated auto-apply label policies?

  • A) To evaluate the impact of a policy
  • B) To delete unnecessary data
  • C) To provide user training
  • D) To increase security

Answer: A. To evaluate the impact of a policy.

Explanation: Simulated auto-apply label policies assess the potential impact of a policy without actually changing any of the labels or content.

True/False: Auto-apply label policies can be set up to automatically delete sensitive information.

  • True
  • False

Answer: False.

Explanation: Auto-apply label policies apply labels that classify information; they do not automatically delete information.

What does an auto-apply label policy require to operate?

  • A) A defined label
  • B) A defined access level
  • C) A set of terms and conditions
  • D) All of the above

Answer: A. A defined label.

Explanation: A defined label that the policy can apply to matching content is fundamental for the operation of an auto-apply label policy.

When are changes to an auto-apply label policy effective?

  • A) Immediately
  • B) On the next billing cycle
  • C) After the administrators’ approval
  • D) Within 24 hours

Answer: D. Within 24 hours.

Explanation: After you make changes to an auto-apply label policy, those changes normally take effect within 24 hours.

Interview Questions

What are auto-apply label policies in Microsoft 365?

Auto-apply label policies in Microsoft 365 are a set of rules that automatically apply sensitivity labels to files and emails that meet certain conditions, helping to manage and protect sensitive data.

What is the first step to configure an auto-apply label policy?

The first step to configure an auto-apply label policy is to create and publish a sensitivity label in the Microsoft 365 compliance center.

What conditions can be used to auto-apply label policies?

Some conditions for auto-apply label policies include content containing specific sensitive information types, content shared with external users, or custom conditions defined using keyword queries.

Can auto-apply label policies be modified after they are published?

Yes, auto-apply label policies can be modified after they are published by going to the Microsoft 365 compliance center, selecting Policies, selecting the policy, and then selecting Edit.

What permissions do you need to create and manage auto-apply label policies?

To create and manage auto-apply label policies, you need to be assigned the Data Classification content explorer role or be a global admin or compliance admin.

How can you specify that a label is applied automatically?

You can specify that a label is applied automatically by turning on Auto-labeling during the creation of the label in the Microsoft 365 compliance center.

Can you select multiple labels to auto-apply for a single auto-apply policy?

No, you can only select one label to auto-apply for a single auto-apply policy.

How long does it typically take for an auto-apply label policy to begin working after it’s published?

It typically takes about 1 hour for an auto-apply label policy to begin working after it’s published.

How do you know if an auto-apply label policy is working?

You can confirm whether or not an auto-apply label policy is working by viewing the label policy details in the Microsoft 365 compliance center.

Can an auto-apply label policy be deleted?

Yes, an auto-apply label policy can be deleted by navigating to the Microsoft 365 compliance center, selecting Policies, selecting the policy, and then selecting Delete.

How can you see which items have been labeled by an auto-apply policy?

You can see which items have been labeled by an auto-apply policy by using the content explorer in the Microsoft 365 compliance center.

Can auto-apply label policies be used with SharePoint sites?

Yes, auto-apply label policies can be used with SharePoint sites. The sensitivity label is applied to any new files created in the specified site.

What happens if a file or email meets the conditions for multiple auto-apply policies?

If a file or email meets the conditions for multiple auto-apply policies, the policy with the highest priority will be applied.

How can you change the priority of auto-apply label policies?

You can change the priority of auto-apply label policies using the Move up and Move down options in the policy list in the Microsoft 365 compliance center.

Can auto-apply label policies be used in conjunction with manual labeling?

Yes, auto-apply label policies can be used in conjunction with manual labeling. However, a manually applied label will override an automatically applied one.

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