Modern organizations carry more data than ever, and most of it lives across email, Teams,
SharePoint, devices, and external partners. Microsoft 365 Purview gives leaders a single
place to understand where their data lives, how it’s used, and how well it’s protected. Here
are the core features managers should pay attention to:
1. Sensitivity Labels & Data Classification
Purview automatically discovers and classifies sensitive data across your environment
things like financial records, personal data, contracts, or protected documents.
Why it matters:
- Helps teams avoid accidental leaks
- Ensures the right people have access to the right data
- Enforces company-wide consistency in labeling
2. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
DLP policies stop sensitive information from leaving your environment by blocking or
warning users whenever risky actions occur (emailing, printing, uploading).
Why it matters:
- Prevents costly data breaches
- Reduces insider risk (intentional or accidental)
- Ensures compliance with standards like CCCS, NIST, GDPR, etc.
3. Insider Risk Management
Purview helps detect high-risk user behaviour, like unusual downloads, sharing, or
attempts to bypass security controls using built-in analytics.
Why it matters:
- Early detection of internal threats
- Protects IP and confidential documents
- Supports HR and security investigations with clear evidence trails
4. eDiscovery & Audit
Purview offers advanced search, legal hold, and content review for investigations or legal
compliance.
Why it matters:
- Quick response to legal cases
- Reduces cost of discovery requests
- Gives leadership a clear view of corporate communication trails
5. Information Protection (Across Apps & Devices)
Policies apply everywhere—Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, desktops, mobile devices, and
even external users.
Why it matters:
- Protection stays with the document, even if it leaves the company
- Reduces reliance on manual controls
- Strengthens remote and hybrid work environments
6. Data Lifecycle & Records Management
Purview can automatically retain, archive, or delete information based on business and
regulatory needs.
Why it matters:
- Avoids data clutter
- Simplifies audits
- Helps meet strict record-keeping laws without manual work
7. Communication Compliance
Monitors communication channels (Teams, email, etc.) for policy breaches like
harassment, data leaks, or risky language.
Why it matters:
- Protects organizational reputation
- Ensures a respectful workplace
- Helps managers detect issues early
8. Multicloud & Third-Party Coverage
Purview extends protection to AWS, Azure, on-prem systems, and SaaS apps.
Why it matters:
- One centralized dashboard
- Consistent governance across hybrid environments
- Reduces tool sprawl and operational overhead
Why Managers Should Care
Purview is not just an IT tool, it’s a governance and risk-reduction platform.
It brings for managers:-
Visibility: Clear insights into how data is used across teams
Accountability: Evidence-based reporting for audits and decisions
Compliance: Built-in alignment with global and government standards
Reduced Risk: Lower chance of data breaches or accidental leaks
Operational Efficiency: Less manual governance work for teams
Purview allows managers to focus on outcomes instead of worrying about where sensitive data is flowing.
