Best Practices for Managing Data Security and Compliance with Microsoft Purview During Hybrid Migration
A guide for organizations migrating data from on-premises to the cloud
Migrating data from on-premises systems to the cloud can open doors to scalability, flexibility, and enhanced operational efficiency. However, this process also presents challenges in ensuring data security and compliance, especially in hybrid environments where some data remains on-premises while the rest transitions to the cloud. Microsoft Purview, an integrated data governance solution, offers robust tools to ensure security, compliance, and governance for such scenarios. This blog post outlines best practices for leveraging Microsoft Purview to manage data security and compliance during hybrid migration.
Understanding Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview is a comprehensive data governance and compliance platform that enables organizations to classify, secure, and manage their data estate, whether it resides on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment. It offers features such as data classification, sensitivity labeling, risk assessment, and compliance management that are critical for ensuring data security during migration.
Key Considerations for Hybrid Data Migration
The migration process involves several stages, each requiring attention to data security, compliance, and governance. Here are the key considerations:
1. Assessing Your Current Data Estate
Begin by auditing your on-premises data to identify its location, volume, sensitivity, and compliance requirements. Using Microsoft Purview’s data classification capabilities, you can tag sensitive information and map it against regulatory standards like GDPR or HIPAA. This ensures that every piece of data is accounted for during migration.
2. Planning Data Segmentation
Determine which data will move to the cloud and which will remain on-premises. Certain sensitive information, due to regulatory or operational constraints, might need to stay within the organization’s physical infrastructure. Use Microsoft Purview to create policies that govern how data is stored and accessed, ensuring that both migrated and on-premises data remain secure.
3. Establishing Secure Migration Channels
Ensure that migration channels are encrypted using protocols such as TLS to prevent unauthorized access during data transfer. Microsoft Purview can help monitor and manage security configurations while providing audit logs for compliance purposes.
4. Defining Sensitivity Labels
Apply sensitivity labels to your data before migration. Microsoft Purview’s labeling system can classify data based on its importance, defining who can access it and under what conditions. This ensures your data remains protected throughout the migration process and beyond.
5. Monitoring Continuous Compliance
Compliance doesn’t stop at migration. Hybrid environments demand continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to regulatory standards. Microsoft Purview provides real-time insights into compliance posture across both on-premises and cloud data, offering actionable recommendations to address gaps.
Best Practices for Managing Data Security and Compliance
To optimize the migration process and ensure robust data security and compliance, organizations should adopt the following best practices:
1. Leverage Data Discovery and Classification
Using Microsoft Purview’s data discovery tools, organizations can identify sensitive data across their hybrid environment. Automate the classification process to ensure all data is appropriately tagged according to its sensitivity and compliance mandates.
2. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Restrict access to sensitive data based on user roles. Microsoft Purview allows administrators to create and enforce role-based access policies that limit exposure to high-risk data.
3. Encrypt Data Storage and Transmission
Ensure all data transferred to the cloud is encrypted using advanced encryption standards (AES). Use Microsoft Purview to enforce encryption policies and monitor compliance.
4. Automate Policy Enforcement
Establish automated policies to govern your hybrid environment. Microsoft Purview supports policy automation, enabling organizations to ensure data security and compliance without manual intervention.
5. Use Data Insights for Risk Management
Leverage Microsoft Purview’s analytics capabilities to gain insights into data risks. Use these insights to mitigate vulnerabilities and strengthen your overall compliance posture.
6. Establish a Disaster Recovery Plan
Hybrid environments require robust disaster recovery measures. Microsoft Purview can help design and enforce recovery plans, ensuring data availability in case of contingencies.
Step-by-Step Approach to Hybrid Data Migration Using Microsoft Purview
To streamline the migration process, follow this structured approach:
Step 1: Audit Your Data Estate: Use Microsoft Purview to identify sensitive and regulated data.
Step 2: Define Migration Goals: Determine what data will move to the cloud and what will remain on-premises.
Step 3: Apply Sensitivity Labels: Label data based on its sensitivity and compliance requirements.
Step 4: Establish Secure Transfer Channels: Encrypt migration paths to prevent breaches.
Step 5: Implement Access Controls: Use RBAC to secure data in transit and storage.
Step 6: Monitor Migration Progress: Use Microsoft Purview’s dashboards to oversee migration.
Step 7: Validate Compliance: Assess compliance adherence post-migration.
TLDR
Migrating data from on-premises to the cloud while maintaining a hybrid environment is a complex process that requires meticulous planning, execution, and monitoring. By leveraging Microsoft Purview’s comprehensive data governance capabilities, organizations can ensure data security and compliance at every stage of their migration journey. Adopting these best practices will not only safeguard sensitive information but also position the organization for long-term success in managing its hybrid data estate.