Azure Information Protection: Best Practices for Data Security

1. Classify your data

The first step in protecting your data is to classify it. AIP allows you to label your data with sensitivity labels that indicate the level of protection required. For example, you may have data that is classified as “Confidential” and requires a higher level of protection than data classified as “Internal Use Only”. Classifying your data helps you identify which data needs to be protected and how it should be protected.

2. Use encryption

Encryption is a critical component of data security. AIP uses encryption to protect your data both in transit and at rest. When you apply a sensitivity label to a document, AIP automatically encrypts the document and only authorized users can decrypt it. AIP also provides protection for emails and attachments, ensuring that your sensitive data is always encrypted.

3. Limit access

Controlling access to your data is essential for data security. AIP allows you to set permissions on your data, so only authorized users can access it. You can also limit access to specific files, folders, or applications. By restricting access to your data, you can prevent unauthorized users from accessing your sensitive information.

4. Monitor usage

Monitoring usage is a critical part of data security. AIP provides detailed audit logs that allow you to track who has accessed your data and what they have done with it. By monitoring usage, you can identify any potential security breaches and take action to prevent them.

5. Train your employees

Your employees are your first line of defense against data breaches. Training your employees on data security best practices is essential for protecting your data. AIP provides training resources that can help your employees understand the importance of data security and how to protect sensitive information.

6. Keep your software up to date

Keeping your software up to date is essential for data security. AIP is a cloud-based solution, which means that Microsoft is responsible for updating the software. However, you are responsible for ensuring that your devices are running the latest version of the AIP client. Keeping your software up to date ensures that you have access to the latest security features and fixes any known vulnerabilities.