DLP Architecture Overview
Understanding the Concept
Microsoft 365 DLP operates through a unified policy framework that evaluates content across Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, Microsoft Teams, and Windows/Mac endpoints.
DLP policies consist of rules that combine conditions (what to look for), exceptions (what to ignore), and actions (what to do when matched). Multiple rules can exist within a single policy with different severity levels.
The evaluation engine processes content at multiple points: when created, modified, shared, or moved. This ensures protection throughout the content lifecycle.
Key Points
- Unified Policy Engine: One policy framework across all workloads
- Real-time Evaluation: Content checked on creation, modification, sharing
- Rule Hierarchy: Multiple rules with priority ordering
- Override Options: User justification for legitimate business needs
- Incident Reporting: Automatic alerts and reports for matches
DLP Evaluation Flow
Content Created
User creates document, email, or chat message
Policy Evaluation
Content scanned against active DLP policies
Rule Matching
Conditions checked, SITs evaluated, exceptions applied
Action Determination
Matched rule's action selected (notify, block, etc.)
User Notification
Policy tip shown to user if configured
Incident Logging
Match logged for reporting and investigation
Why This Matters in Real Organizations
Understanding the architecture helps in designing effective policies, troubleshooting issues, and explaining behavior to users. Knowing where and when evaluation occurs helps predict how policies will affect user experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Interview Tips
- Explain the unified policy concept
- Discuss workload-specific behaviors
- Mention the evaluation trigger points
Exam Tips (SC-401)
- Know which workloads support which DLP features
- Understand policy processing order
- Know the difference between policy modes (test, enforce)
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