Data Security
In a world where data is everywhere and risks are constantly evolving, protecting sensitive information is no longer optional – it’s essential. For government and regulated industries, the challenge isn’t just stopping data loss, it’s about enforcing consistent protection, monitoring usage, and ensuring compliance without slowing down productivity.
Microsoft Purview delivers a unified data security solution that helps organisations understand where sensitive data lives, how it flows, and who has access. It allows you to classify and protect content at scale, apply real-time data loss prevention, and detect potentially risky behaviour across your Microsoft 365 environment.
This approach supports compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), the Information Security Manual (ISM), and privacy obligations by giving organisations the ability to enforce policies, track data activity and reduce the risk of unauthorised disclosure – all using tools built into the Microsoft platform.
What it Includes
A data security solution using Microsoft Purview brings together key modules that work together to identify, protect, monitor and manage sensitive information throughout its lifecycle.
Information Protection
Applies classification, sensitivity labels and encryption to sensitive data, helping enforce access and usage policies in line with security classifications.
ESSENTIAL
Data Loss Prevention
Detects and prevents unauthorised sharing or movement of sensitive information across email, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and endpoints.
ESSENTIAL
Insider Risk Management
Analyses signals such as file downloads, access patterns and unusual behaviour to detect potential insider threats.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Audit and Activity Explorer
Tracks and reports on user activity across Microsoft 365, providing the visibility needed for investigations and regulatory audits.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Information Barriers
Controls communication and file sharing between specific groups or departments, supporting confidentiality policies and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
SITUATIONAL
Privileged Access Management
Limits and controls access to highly sensitive data or administrative functions, applying the principle of least privilege.
SITUATIONAL
Looking for More?
Microsoft Purview includes additional modules that go beyond data security. Visit our Products section to explore the full range of capabilities.
Why it matters
Data breaches can damage trust, expose sensitive information, and carry serious legal and operational consequences. Point solutions and legacy systems often fall short, unable to enforce protection consistently across today’s interconnected cloud services.
Microsoft Purview takes a broader, integrated approach. It embeds protection directly into Microsoft 365 – enabling you to classify sensitive data, monitor its use, and respond quickly when risks emerge, all without disrupting how your teams work.
How Affinity Data Helps
Affinity Data works with government and regulated organisations to design and implement effective, Microsoft-native data security strategies. We configure Microsoft Purview to reflect your risk profile, operational needs and policy requirements, ensuring sensitive information is consistently protected – without disrupting productivity.
We focus on what you already own, helping you activate and optimise the full capability of Microsoft Purview to meet modern data protection needs. Whether you’re looking to strengthen prevention, enhance visibility or reduce exposure, we help you make security a built-in feature of your Microsoft 365 environment.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re unsure where to begin or want to validate your current approach, our Readiness and Assessment program can help. It’s the ideal starting point for planning a records compliance strategy that works.