Security Program Controls/Technologies, Channel partners, Content

Privacy Management for Microsoft 365: Here’s What MSSPs Need to Know

Share

Microsoft has released the Privacy Management for Microsoft 365 service to help end-users safeguard their personal data and protect against privacy risks, according to the company.

Privacy Management provides visibility into personal data across an organization's Microsoft 365 environment, Microsoft stated. In doing so, Privacy Management can help an organization guard against privacy risks created by data overexposure, hoarding and transfers.

Microsoft 365 Privacy Management: How It Works

Privacy Management uses data classification and user mapping intelligence to help an organization discover where and how much private data is stored in its Microsoft 365 environment, Microsoft indicated. It provides an organization with an aggregated view of its privacy posture and associated privacy risks and trends over time.

Furthermore, Privacy Management lets organizations automate privacy operations and response to subject rights requests, Microsoft said. Privacy Management correlates data signals Microsoft 365 to deliver privacy insights.

Also, Privacy Management helps organizations empower their employees to make "smart data handling decisions," Microsoft noted. It delivers recommended actions, training and tips that organizations can share with their workers to help them securely manage their personal data.

Privacy Management is generally available as an add-on to a Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscription.

Microsoft Offers Compliance Manager Service

In addition to Privacy Management for Microsoft 365, Microsoft provides its Compliance Manager to help organizations keep pace with global, industrial and regional data protection and privacy regulations.

Compliance Manager provides access to more than 200 data protection and privacy regulatory assessment templates, Microsoft said. It helps organizations track the most up-to-date data protection and privacy mandates and comply with them.

Along with using Privacy Management and Compliance Manager, there are several things that MSSPs can do to defend against Microsoft 365 security vulnerabilities, including:

  • Use multi-factor authentication.
  • Leverage role-based access controls.
  • Utilize email encryption.

MSSPs can stay up to date about Microsoft 365 security vulnerabilities as well. That way, MSSPs can monitor these vulnerabilities and take appropriate measures to protect against them before they lead to data breaches.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.