Sensitivity labels in Microsoft 365 are a data protection tool that helps classify and protect sensitive information in files, emails, and other Microsoft 365 applications. Sensitivity labels are used to flag documents, emails, etc. containing sensitive information like social security numbers, credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, FERP information, health information, and other forms of sensitive information protected federally, by state, or by the Universities of Wisconsin laws or policies.
UWM currently has two labels for campus use, they are:
- Sensitive – Documents, emails, etc. labeled as sensitive can be shared outside of the UWM as long as the outside user is authenticated.
- Restricted – Documents, emails, etc. labeled as restricted cannot be shared outside of UWM.
The UWM Microsoft 365 environment auto-scans documents, emails, etc. for sensitive data and will automatically apply the sensitive label if sensitive information is discovered. The restricted label must be applied manually.
For further information on sensitivity labels, see:
- Microsoft 365 – Sensitivity Labels – UWM’s knowledgebase article on the use of sensitive labels specific to our use and information on how to apply labels to emails, documents, etc.
- Frequently Asked Questions – A UWM web page with some of the questions most often asked regarding sensitivity labels.
- Apply sensitivity labels to your files and email – Microsoft’s web page with information on applying sensitivity labels to emails, documents, etc.