Best Ways to Monitor Microsoft Information Protection with Microsoft Sentinel

Read time: 5 minutes

Microsoft is renowned for its commitment to safeguarding organizations’ data. With the introduction of Microsoft Information Protection (MIP), the process of monitoring and controlling data sharing, both within and outside organizations, has become more streamlined. However, what if you require additional assistance?

Microsoft Sentinel offers the extra security and compliance reporting required for a successful MIP implementation. Let’s explore how Sentinel complements MIP and the valuable benefits it brings. Stay tuned for more insights!

Introduction to MIP and Sentinel

Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) is a robust solution for classifying and safeguarding sensitive data, allowing organizations to apply labels either automatically or manually. It seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365, ensuring data protection across all its applications and services, and can also collaborate with data loss prevention (DLP) and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions.

In parallel, Microsoft Sentinel serves as a native SIEM solution that empowers users to identify, investigate, and respond to threats within their environment. It harnesses data from various sources, including Microsoft 365 and Azure, utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence to pinpoint potential threats. Furthermore, it offers a unified workspace for security analysts, facilitating the handling of ransomware threats for Office 365 mailbox protection.

To monitor your MIP implementation with Microsoft Sentinel, you will need to configure the following data sources and thus make use of the best Office 365 features for enhanced productivity and protection:

1. Azure Active Directory Activity Logs
   Azure Active Directory activity logs encompass critical details regarding both user and administrator activities, including actions related to label creation and application. To harness this valuable information, the setup involves establishing an Azure Activity Logs connector within Sentinel.
2. Exchange Online Message Trace Logs
   Within these logs, you’ll discover comprehensive records of email messages, encompassing both sent and received correspondence, specifically within Exchange Online. Additionally, these message trace logs are adept at monitoring the application of MIP labels to email messages. To access and utilize Exchange Online message trace logs effectively, it’s essential to establish a Sentinel Management API connector.
3. SharePoint Online Audit Logs
   By harnessing these logs, you gain access to intricate insights into user and administrator activities within SharePoint Online. Establishing a connection to the SharePoint Online Management Shell is a prerequisite for the seamless collection of SharePoint Online audit logs, ensuring you have access to comprehensive information.
4. Azure Information Protection Scanner Logs
   Azure Information Protection diligently scans these logs for sensitive data, making it capable of discovering and classifying data across file shares, SharePoint sites, and Exchange mailboxes.

Once you have configured the data sources listed above, you can start to query and visualize the data in Microsoft Sentinel. And there are a few ways to do this.
Once you have run these queries, you can use the Sentinel UI to visualize the data.

1. Collect data from many sources: The more data you have, the better your chances of detecting sensitive data that has been leaked.
2. Use multiple monitoring tools: Don’t rely on just one tool to monitor MIP activity. Use a combination of Sentinel, Azure Logic Apps, and Power BI to get the most comprehensive view of MIP activity in your environment.

Note: In addition to using Microsoft Sentinel to monitor MIP activity, you can also use Azure Logic Apps to generate alerts for specific MIP events. For example, one can create an alert that is triggered whenever a label is applied to an email message in Exchange Online.

3. Create custom alerts and dashboards:
   Use the customization features in Sentinel and Power BI to create alerts and dashboards specific to your organization’s needs.

Note: Microsoft Power BI is a powerful tool used to visualize data from many diverse sources, including Microsoft Sentinel. You can use Power BI to create custom dashboards and reports that show MIP activity in your environment.

4. Monitor for unusual activity: Be on the lookout for any unusual MIP activity, such as a large number of labels being applied to email messages or sensitive data being leaked to unauthorized users.
5. Investigate all alerts: Don’t just ignore alerts that you do not think are important. Investigate all alerts to determine if they represent a real security threat.

In spite of the numerous layers of added protection, shouldn’t we consider an additional backup for our Office 365 data? Why not take the initiative to safeguard all your sensitive data effortlessly with the reliable Kernel Export Office 365 to PST tool?

This feature-rich tool offers numerous benefits to users. To begin with, it can efficiently back up Office 365/Exchange and hosted Exchange data, including public folders, archived mailboxes, and shared mailboxes. Furthermore, it provides the advantage of incremental backup, effectively saving both time and storage space.

Moreover, it enables users to allows multiple Office 365 backup tasks concurrently. Additionally, the tool incorporates an automated backup feature utilizing CSV files, allowing users to save valuable time by eliminating the need for manual backup initiation. Overall, this utility is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a reliable and feature-rich backup solution.

Last Say

Monitoring Microsoft Information Protection with Microsoft Sentinel is a potent method for identifying and averting sensitive data breaches. Gathering essential data from diverse sources and utilizing multiple monitoring tools provides a holistic perspective of MIP activity within your environment. Implementing custom alerts and dashboards allows you to prioritize critical MIP events. By adhering to these best practices, you can ensure the safety and security of your organization’s sensitive data. Additionally, we recommend using our backup tool to guarantee the perpetual security of your vital emails.