In today’s digital world, your business data is one of your most valuable assets. But with employees working remotely, sharing files, and using multiple devices, how do you ensure that sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands?
That’s where Microsoft’s Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions come in.
What is Microsoft DLP?
Microsoft DLP helps you detect and prevent the accidental or intentional sharing of sensitive information, like financial data, health records, or confidential business documents. It’s built into Microsoft 365 and works across emails, documents, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and even devices.
Let’s explore how Microsoft DLP protects your business.
Sensitivity Labels: Classify and Protect Your Data
Microsoft Sensitivity Labels allow you to classify documents and emails as “Confidential,” “Internal,” or “Public.” These labels can:
- Automatically apply encryption
- Restrict access to specific users or groups
- Prevent forwarding or downloading
- Add watermarks or headers for visibility
Learn more: Protect Information in Emails and Documents with Microsoft Sensitivity Labels
Email DLP: Stop Leaks Before They Happen
Microsoft 365 can scan outgoing emails for sensitive content like credit card numbers or health data. If a violation is detected, it can:
Warn the sender
Block the email
Notify administrators
Learn more: SecureIT 365 Email DLP
SharePoint DLP: Secure Your Shared Documents
SharePoint DLP ensures that sensitive documents stored in your intranet or team sites are protected. It can:
Prevent unauthorized sharing
Apply automatic classification and encryption
Monitor access and usage
Learn more: SecureIT 365 SharePoint DLP
OneDrive DLP: Protect Files in the Cloud
OneDrive DLP helps you secure files stored in the cloud. It can:
- Detect and block sharing of sensitive files
- Apply labels and encryption automatically
- Track file access and sharing activity
Learn more: Enhancing Data Security with OneDrive DLP
Teams DLP: Keep Conversations Secure
Microsoft Teams DLP scans messages and attachments in real time to prevent data leaks. It can:
Block sharing of sensitive information in chats
Apply policies to private and group conversations
Alert admins of violations
Learn more: Microsoft Teams DLP
Endpoint DLP: Secure Your Devices
Microsoft Purview Endpoint DLP extends protection to your devices. It helps you:
- Monitor and block copying of sensitive data to USB drives
- Prevent printing or screen captures of confidential files
- Track risky user behavior
Learn more:
Block USB Storage Devices
SecureIT 365 Device Management Premium
This solution helps you manage and secure all your devices, laptops, desktops, and mobiles, ensuring only compliant devices can access company data.
Extending DLP Beyond Business Premium with Microsoft Purview Add-ons
Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides a strong foundation for Data Loss Prevention across email, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. For many small businesses, this is an excellent starting point.
However, as organizations grow, the real risks shift from accidental data sharing to behavior-driven, legal, and AI-related exposure.
This is where the Microsoft Purview add-on for Business Premium becomes critical.
The Purview add-on extends DLP from “blocking data leaks” to “governing how data, people, and AI interact”. It enables advanced capabilities such as:
Advanced Information Protection & DLP across more scenarios
Insider Risk Management to detect risky user behavior early
Communication Compliance to prevent emails and Teams chats from becoming legal liabilities
Audit and Investigation for disputes, exits, or regulatory inquiries
Records and Data Lifecycle Management to retain data only as long as required
AI and Copilot Governance to ensure sensitive business data is not exposed through AI prompts