Understanding Sensitivity Labels in Office 365
What are Sensitivity Labels?
Sensitivity labels are a feature in Office 365 that allow you to classify, protect and track information. You can use sensitivity labels to encrypt emails and documents, restrict forwarding, and set expiration dates. This helps to ensure that the information is kept secure and used only by authorized personnel.
How do Sensitivity Labels Work?
Sensitivity labels are created from a central admin console. The admin defines the label names, the sensitivity levels associated with each label, and the actions that should be taken when the label is used. For example, a label might be created that requires encryption, restricts forwarding, and sets an expiration date for the content.
Once the sensitivity labels are created, users can apply them to emails and documents. The labels are applied automatically based on criteria that the admin has defined. For example, a label might be applied to any email sent to an external address.
When the label is applied, the associated actions are taken. This could include encrypting the content, restricting forwarding, and setting an expiration date. It could also include notifying the admin if a user attempts to override the label.
Benefits of Using Sensitivity Labels
Using sensitivity labels in Office 365 offers a number of benefits. It enables admins to control access to sensitive information and ensure that it is used only by authorized personnel. It also helps to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
By applying labels to emails and documents, admins can easily track who has access to the information. This helps to ensure that it is not shared with unauthorized personnel. Additionally, by setting expiration dates for the label, admins can ensure that the information is not retained for longer than necessary.
Using PowerShell to Manage Sensitivity Labels
Admins can use PowerShell to manage sensitivity labels in Office 365. For example, admins can use PowerShell to create and delete labels, assign labels to users and groups, and set the actions that should be taken when the label is applied.
Additionally, admins can use PowerShell to retrieve information about existing labels. This includes information about the label name, sensitivity level, and associated actions. The information can then be used to review the existing labels and ensure that they are up to date.
Conclusion
Sensitivity labels in Office 365 offer a powerful way to classify, protect, and track information. Admins can use labels to encrypt emails and documents, restrict forwarding, and set expiration dates. Additionally, admins can use PowerShell to manage the labels and ensure that they are up to date.
References:
All about sensitivity labels in Exchange Online
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1. Exchange Online sensitivity labels
2. Sensitivity labels in Exchange Online
