Teaming Up for Data Protection: Key Questions for Microsoft Purview Implementation

As part of rolling out Microsoft Purview Information Protection in your organization, it is important to address specific questions to ensure that your data is properly classified and protected. Both IT Security and Business units must collaborate to answer these questions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all necessary aspects. This collaboration is essential for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining compliance with data protection regulations.

Why involve the Business units? Think of it like a football team: IT Security is the defense, and the Business units are the offense. Both need to work together to win the game. IT Security sets up the safeguards, but the Business units know where the valuable plays (sensitive data) are. After all, you can't score goals (protect data) without both defense and offense working in harmony. Together, you'll ensure your organization avoids any nasty own goals with data breaches!

To help you with this process, I have created a worksheet that you can use when meeting with your business stakeholders. This worksheet will guide you through the essential questions, ensuring that all important aspects of data protection are covered.

You can download the worksheet: Data Classification Worksheet

Here are the key categories in this worksheet to focus on:

1. Data Identification: This category involves understanding how each department identifies and classifies sensitive data. It's crucial because accurate data classification ensures that appropriate protection measures are applied, reducing the risk of data breaches.
2. Data Ownership: Identifying who is responsible for sensitive data within each department is important. Clear data ownership ensures accountability and streamlined communication, which are essential for effective data management and incident response.
3. Incident Management: This category focuses on the procedures for reporting and handling data incidents. Effective incident management minimizes the impact of data breaches and ensures swift resolution, maintaining the integrity of sensitive data.
4. Data Protection Measures: Assessing the security measures in place to protect sensitive data is critical. Regular reviews and updates of these measures ensure they remain effective against evolving threats, safeguarding the organization’s data assets.
5. Compliance and Reporting: Understanding how each department complies with data protection regulations and reports activities is fundamental. Compliance ensures that the organization meets legal requirements and maintains trust with stakeholders.