Northeastern faculty and staff use Microsoft 365 applications for daily communications. But have you ever considered what would happen if a bad actor got access to these accounts?
IT Services is introducing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools with sensitivity labels designed to make emails, chats, and files more secure and minimize potential damage should your account be compromised.
In the coming weeks, faculty and staff will notice new sensitivity labels in the toolbar of most Microsoft 365 applications. This includes everyday tools such as Word, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint.
The new DLP tool will have added sensitivity labels (based on Northeastern’s Data Classification Guideline risk levels) when saving or sharing files or scheduling meetings, for example. DLP tools will also automatically label outgoing emails and apply a suggested sensitivity level based on content in the body, subject, or attachments.
Faculty and staff can upgrade or downgrade the sensitivity label of a document as necessary, depending on the information contained within. When downgrading the sensitivity of a document, you will receive a notification prompting you to select a justification for downgrading the classification. If justification is not provided, a downgrade of the document sensitivity label will be prevented.
What you’ll see
When you open an email or file, you’ll have the option to select the sensitivity label that applies to your file or email on your toolbar.
Do I need to take any action to install the sensitivity labels?
While no action is required on your part, make sure to familiarize yourself with Northeastern‘s Data Classification Guidelines to prepare. You will receive an email with more information and useful resources before the start of your wave.
Check out these DLP FAQs for more information about this initiative.