1. Archiving Data for Compliance

Imagine your company’s data as a vast library of critical records—everything from decades-old tax documents to recent employee records. Microsoft Purview’s archiving capabilities ensure that all data is stored securely and retained for as long as required by law. Whether you’re dealing with tax records that have no expiration date or sensitive financial documents, Purview’s advanced archiving solution means your records are always accessible and compliant with Canadian retention standards.

2. Robust Storage Solutions

The foundation of any solid compliance strategy is reliable storage. Purview integrates with Microsoft’s secure cloud storage services, ensuring your data is safely housed with redundant backups, geographic resilience, and real-time access controls. This means whether your data includes a confidential business contract or personal information from a customer’s CV, it’s stored with the highest levels of security.

3. Information Protection and Data Labeling

Understanding what data you have is key to protecting it. Microsoft Purview allows you to classify and label data based on its sensitivity:

• Labeling and Classifications: Automatically or manually label data (e.g., “Confidential Financial Data” or “Personal Information”) to ensure it’s handled appropriately.
• Auto-labeling Policies: Simplify compliance by setting up rules that automatically apply labels as soon as data is created or modified.
• Label Publishing Policies: Clearly communicate your data classification schemes across your organization.

For example, when handling CVs that contain personal and sensitive information, or tax records requiring meticulous record-keeping, Purview’s labeling policies help your team easily identify which pieces of data require extra security measures.

4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies

Data leaks can be catastrophic, both legally and reputationally. Purview’s Data Loss Prevention policies offer comprehensive safeguards:

• Predefined DLP Templates: Covering key regulations like PIPA and PIPEDA, these templates help ensure that all personal and PII data is managed with a consistent and secure approach.
• Customizable DLP Rules: Tailor rules to suit specific needs, such as preventing unauthorized sharing of sensitive financial data or personal customer records.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: Receive instant notifications if any suspicious activity or potential data leak is detected, giving your security team the power to act swiftly.

5. Compliance Manager: ISO 27001, GDPR, and Beyond

Beyond Canadian regulations, many companies also operate globally. Microsoft Purview’s Compliance Manager supports various international standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR, ensuring that your company’s security posture meets the highest industry standards. This feature is especially useful for companies that manage cross-border data flows, reinforcing your overall compliance framework.

6. Insider Risk Management and Data Security Posture Management

Not all threats come from the outside. Purview’s insider risk management tools help detect and mitigate risks originating from within the organization:

• User Activity Monitoring: Track and analyze internal user behavior to spot anomalies.
• Risk Indicators and Remediation: Automated recommendations help you proactively manage potential risks before they evolve into serious breaches.

Data security posture management, on the other hand, continuously evaluates your security policies, providing actionable insights to bolster your defenses. Whether it’s through regular audits or automated compliance checks, your organization is always one step ahead of potential threats.

7. Data Lifecycle Management and Retention Periods

Every piece of data has a lifecycle—from creation to eventual disposal. With Microsoft Purview, you can define retention policies that ensure data is kept for the appropriate duration:

• Retention Periods: Set custom retention times based on legal and business requirements. For instance, financial records might be kept indefinitely while operational data may only require a shorter retention period.
• Automated Data Disposal: When data reaches the end of its lifecycle, automated disposal mechanisms ensure that outdated information is securely removed, reducing the risk of data leakage.

8. Real-World Examples: Simplifying Compliance in Action

Tax and Financial Data:
A Canadian accounting firm using Purview can easily manage decades-old tax documents alongside current financial reports. By applying auto-labeling policies, each document is classified correctly, archived securely, and retained according to legal standards—all while ensuring that unauthorized access is prevented.

Employee CVs and Personal Information:
For HR departments, managing resumes and personal data can be challenging. Purview’s data labeling and DLP capabilities ensure that every CV is classified, sensitive information is encrypted, and any data transfer is monitored for potential leaks. This not only protects individual privacy but also builds trust with employees and prospective hires.

Confidential Business Information:
In sectors where proprietary business strategies and client information are at stake, insider risk management is vital. Microsoft Purview helps safeguard confidential data through continuous monitoring and automated compliance checks, ensuring that no internal or external mishap compromises sensitive information.