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The Microsoft Governance Playbook

Data governance is paramount in the modern landscape of information management, and for organizations utilizing Microsoft technologies, leveraging best practices is key to success. Microsoft provides a robust ecosystem of tools and services that, when employed effectively, can enhance data governance.

Here's a guide on how to apply data governance best practices in Microsoft environments:

1. Utilize Azure Purview for Unified Data Discovery‍

Leverage Azure Purview, Microsoft's unified data governance service, to discover, understand, and manage your data assets. This powerful tool allows you to create a holistic view of your data landscape, including on-premises, multi-cloud, and SaaS environments. Use Azure Purview to classify data, establish lineage, and maintain a comprehensive inventory of your organization's data.

2. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in Azure

Azure provides robust Role-Based Access Control mechanisms that enable organizations to define and enforce access policies. Implement RBAC to ensure that only authorized individuals or teams have access to specific data resources. This helps in maintaining data privacy, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements

3. Establish Data Classification and Sensitivity Labels

Leverage Microsoft 365's sensitivity labels to classify and protect sensitive data. By applying labels, you can enforce policies that dictate how data should be handled and shared. This is particularly crucial for complying with data protection regulations and ensuring that sensitive information is handled appropriately across various Microsoft applications.

4. Enforce Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies‍

Implement DLP policies within Microsoft 365 to prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. These policies can be tailored to monitor and control the sharing of sensitive data through email, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other Microsoft platforms. By enforcing DLP policies, you add an extra layer of protection against inadvertent data leaks.

5. Leverage Microsoft Information Protection (MIP)

Microsoft Information Protection is a comprehensive solution for classifying, labeling, and protecting data based on its sensitivity. MIP integrates seamlessly with various Microsoft applications, including Office 365, Azure, and Windows. Implement MIP to automatically classify and protect sensitive data, ensuring consistent data governance across the Microsoft ecosystem.

6. Regularly Audit and Monitor Activities

Use Microsoft's auditing and monitoring capabilities to track user activities and changes within your data environment. Azure provides robust logging and monitoring tools, allowing you to gain insights into who accessed what data and when. Regularly review these logs to identify potential security risks and ensure compliance with data governance policies.

Conclusion

By incorporating these best practices into your Microsoft environment, you can establish a solid foundation for effective data governance. From unified data discovery with Azure Purview to implementing access controls, classification, and protection mechanisms, Microsoft offers a comprehensive suite of tools to empower organizations in their data governance journey. Embrace these practices to navigate the complexities of data management successfully within the Microsoft ecosystem.

We Can Help!

Not sure where to start? Whether it's Microsoft Licensing, M365 Security, or an Azure Migration Assessment, our in-house Microsoft experts are here to help! Contact us today to get started.