Securing information with Azure Information Protection

Data is a critical resource for organizations, and protecting it from unauthorized access and leaks is essential to maintaining a company's competitiveness and reputation. Microsoft Azure Information Protection (AIP) is an advanced solution that helps organizations classify, label, and protect documents and emails wherever they reside. In this article, we take a closer look at Azure Information Protection, how it works, and the benefits of implementing it in an organization.

What is Azure Information Protection?

Azure Information Protection is part of the Microsoft 365 family of services that enables organizations to classify and protect data at the document and email levels. AIP uses labeling that can be applied automatically based on policies defined by administrators, manually by users, or a combination of both methods. This controls how sensitive information is accessed, shared, and stored.

How does Azure Information Protection work?

Azure Information Protection works by assigning labels to documents and emails. These labels can include classification information (e.g., public, confidential, secret) and data protection policies (e.g., encryption, access restrictions). Once a document or email is labeled, appropriate protection policies are applied to help prevent unauthorized access and disclosure of data.

Key features of Azure Information Protection

1. Data classification and labeling: AIP allows you to define data classifications that reflect the sensitivity of the information. Labeling can be automatic, based on defined policies, or manual, giving users control over data protection.
2. Encryption and access protection: Documents and emails can be encrypted and access restricted to specific individuals or groups, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view protected information.
3. Tracking and access control: AIP allows monitoring activities related to protected documents, including access attempts and sharing. Users can also revoke access to a document, even after it has been sent outside the organization.
4. Integration with other Microsoft services: Azure Information Protection integrates tightly with other Microsoft services such as Office 365, Azure Active Directory, and Microsoft Teams, making it easier to manage data protection across the organization.

Benefits of implementing Azure Information Protection

1. Enhanced data security: AIP helps prevent leaks and unauthorized access to sensitive information by classifying, labeling, and protecting documents and emails.
2. Regulatory compliance: AIP makes it easier for organizations to comply with legal and industry data protection requirements, such as GDPR, by providing appropriate controls and information protection.
3. Flexibility and control: With the ability to define classification and protection policies, organizations can tailor how data is protected to their specific needs and requirements.
4. Collaboration facilitation: Azure Information Protection enables documents and emails to be shared securely inside and outside the organization while maintaining control over sensitive information.

Azure Information Protection costs

The cost of implementing Azure Information Protection depends on several factors, including the edition of the service selected, the number of licenses, and any additional features that may be required. Azure Information Protection is available in a variety of editions to suit the different needs and requirements of organizations:

1. AIP Standard: This edition offers basic classification, labeling, and data protection functionality. It is often sufficient for small and medium-sized businesses that need basic protection for their data.
2. AIP Premium P1: The Premium P1 edition extends the offering with advanced identity and access management, self-service password reset, advanced reporting and analysis, and additional data protection options such as automatic data classification and labeling.
3. AIP Premium P2: The most advanced edition, Premium P2, includes all the features available in P1 and additionally offers advanced identity risk management with Azure AD Identity Protection and automatic policy-based data classification, labelling and protection.

Pricing structure

Azure Information Protection license costs are typically quoted as a price per user per month. However, it is important to note that prices may vary depending on region, contract with Microsoft, and potential discounts from multiple licenses or long-term commitments. In addition, it is worth noting that Azure Information Protection may also be part of larger packages, such as Microsoft 365, which can affect the overall cost of the solution.

For example, the costs may look as follows:

• AIP Standard may be available to users with certain Office 365 licenses at no extra charge.
• AIP Premium P1 and P2 are offered as an add-on to existing Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscriptions, with a few dollars per user per month for P1 to higher amounts for P2.

Optimising costs

When choosing an edition of Azure Information Protection, it is worth considering an organization's data protection needs. In some cases, the basic protection offered by the Standard edition may be sufficient to avoid the additional costs associated with higher editions. At the same time, investing in the Premium edition can bring significant benefits in terms of advanced protection and compliance for organizations with high data security requirements.

Summary

Azure Information Protection is a key tool for organizations looking to secure their data in the face of growing cyber threats and regulatory requirements. With advanced classification, labeling, encryption, and access control features, AIP enables effective information protection throughout its lifecycle. Implementing Azure Information Protection is a step towards building a strong data protection strategy that supports security and productivity in the modern business environment.