Plan for sensitive information types

Sensitive Information Types (SIT) are a critical component for content examination in compliance solutions. Essentially, these are patterns of data or information that can be identified and classified under specific classification labels. These patterns consist of a mixture of both built-in and custom types. Examples of some built-in types include credit card information, bank account numbers, social security numbers, etc.

2. Creating and Managing SIT

Sensitive Information Types can be best handled by creating custom types, which are uniquely suited for specific organizational needs or industry requirements. Custom types are created using either regular expressions (regex), keyword dictionaries, or by incorporating other sensitive information types. However, it’s important to note that the creation of custom SIT needs to be strategic, only integrating it as deemed necessary because it must be managed appropriately.

A simplified workflow for this process is as follows:

1. Define the sensitive information type
2. Test and refine the definition
3. Publish the type and use it in a policy, such as data loss prevention (DLP) or retention.
4. Monitor and iterate

3. Identification Methods

There are different methods of identifying sensitive information types. Some of the commonly used ones are:

1. Pattern Matching: This technique mostly uses regular expressions and keyword lists to identify SIT. For example, the pattern for credit card numbers can be written as a regular expression.
2. Precise Identification: This method uses functions, checks, and confidence levels to identify sensitive information. For example, a possible credit card number is confirmed by conducting a Luhn check (a simple checksum formula used to validate a variety of identification numbers).
3. Keyword Dictionaries: This is used when searching for specific terms or phrases in a document, for example brand names or industry-specific terminologies.
4. Data Endpoints: These include data repositories or places where sensitive information may be stored such as Sharepoint, Exchange, Onedrive, and Teams.

4. Practical Tips in Managing SIT

1. Less is more: Minimize the number of custom sensitive information types you create, to reduce the complexity of your compliance configuration.
2. Targeted Location: Target sensitive information types to the specific locations where they are needed.
3. Regular Updates: Keep rules for your sensitive information types current and understand how they may affect your compliance posture.
4. Compliance Test: Leverage in-built capabilities such as Test mode in DLP to assess effectiveness and fine-tune strategies.

Sensitive Information Types are a crucial component of any data protection strategy. When utilized correctly, SIT can reduce data risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect valuable intellectual property. Aspiring SC-400 Microsoft Information Protection Administrators must therefore be proficient in planning for SIT, keeping in mind the best practices, efficient strategies, and potential pitfalls associated with this crucial element of information protection.

Practice Test

True or False: As an information protection administrator, it’s not necessary to create a plan for sensitive information types if your organization is small.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Regardless of the size of an organization, sensitive information types should always be planned for to protect data and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

True or False: Microsoft 365 provides over 100 built-in sensitive information types that you can use in your organization.

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: Microsoft 365 provides a variety of built-in sensitive information types such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and passport numbers that can be utilized in your protection plan.

Which of the following are important steps to plan for sensitive information types? (Select all that apply)

• A. Identify types of sensitive information in your organization
• B. Identify where sensitive information resides
• C. Determine how sensitive information should be protected
• D. Ignore the need for end-user training

Answer: A, B, C

Explanation: Proper planning for sensitive information types requires identification of the types and their locations, and an understanding of how they should be protected. The need for end-user training should not be ignored, as it’s an important part of any data protection strategy.

True or False: You can customize sensitive information types in Microsoft 365 depending on the needs of your organization.

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: Microsoft allows administrators to customize sensitive information types for more specificity in their data protection strategies.

What is the purpose of a sensitive information type in Microsoft 365?

• A. Control who can access certain information
• B. Detect and protect sensitive information across a variety of locations
• C. Provide administrative control over data
• D. Encrypt sensitive data

Answer: B

Explanation: Sensitive information types in Microsoft 365 are patterns of data that can be used to detect and protect sensitive information like credit card numbers and passport numbers across various locations.

True or False: The built-in sensitive information types in Microsoft 365 cannot be used for GDPR compliance.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Microsoft 365 actually offers built-in sensitive information types specifically for GDPR compliance.

What does SIT stand for in the context of data privacy and protection?

• A. Sensitive Information Types
• B. Secure Internet Technology
• C. Sensitive Integration Techniques
• D. Secure Information Transmission

Answer: A

Explanation: In the context of data privacy and protection, SIT stands for Sensitive Information Types.

True or False: It is impossible to create a custom sensitive information type that includes both built-in and custom entities.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Administrators are allowed to create a custom sensitive information type that includes both built-in and custom entities, allowing for a high degree of flexibility in defining sensitive data.

What is the purpose of the DLP policy in Microsoft 365?

• A. Enforce organizational standards
• B. Protect sensitive data from breaches
• C. Both A and B
• D. Neither A nor B

Answer: C

Explanation: The DLP (Data Loss Prevention) policy in Microsoft 365 has dual purpose. It enforces organizational standards and also protects sensitive data from potential threats or breaches.

Which of the following can be considered as types of sensitive information (Select all that apply)?

• A. Credit card numbers
• B. A public blog post
• C. Medical records
• D. Social Security numbers

Answer: A, C, D

Explanation: Credit card numbers, medical records, and social security numbers are all types of sensitive information that are protected under various privacy regulations. Public blog posts are not generally considered sensitive.

Interview Questions

What are sensitive information types in Microsoft Information Protection?

Sensitive information types are predefined patterns that help identify and protect sensitive information like credit card numbers or social security numbers.

How can you create custom sensitive information types?

You can create custom sensitive information types through the Microsoft 365 compliance center by defining a pattern, keywords, or dictionary of terms.

How do you classify sensitive information types in Microsoft Information Protection?

You can classify sensitive information types by creating and customizing policies, rules, or workflows to automatically identify and protect sensitive data.

What is the importance of classifying sensitive information types?

Classifying sensitive information types ensures proper protection and handling of sensitive data, minimizing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.

How can labeling sensitive information types enhance data protection?

Labeling sensitive information types allows organizations to apply encryption, access controls, and rights management to secure the data based on its sensitivity.

What role do data classification and labeling play in compliance with regulations?

Data classification and labeling help organizations comply with regulations by ensuring that sensitive information is identified, protected, and managed according to legal requirements.

How can organizations benefit from planning for sensitive information types?

Organizations can benefit from planning for sensitive information types by improving data security, compliance, and risk management practices, leading to enhanced data protection.

What tools are available in Microsoft Information Protection to assist with planning for sensitive information types?

Microsoft Information Protection offers tools like the Microsoft Information Protection scanner, Office 365 Message Encryption, and Azure Information Protection to help organizations plan for sensitive information types.

How can organizations ensure consistency in classifying and labeling sensitive information types across their data environment?

Organizations can ensure consistency by defining clear classification policies, providing training to employees, and regularly monitoring and updating the classification and labeling processes.

What is the role of automated classification and labeling in managing sensitive information types?

Automated classification and labeling help organizations efficiently identify and protect sensitive information types at scale, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistent application of data protection measures.