Securing Data Assets and Enhancing Compliance: Data Governance Microsoft Purview Implementation for a Multinational Corporation

Table of contents 

​ Background............................................................................................................................................ 1

Challenge................................................................................................................................................ 2

Action ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

Impact ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................. 5

1. Background

The client, a multinational corporation in the professional services industry, was facing challenges in managing the vast volume of sensitive data generated across various states. Operating in a highly regulated environment, they needed a solution that would enhance their data governance and compliance capabilities while providing clear insights into their complex data landscape. Recognizing the need to better manage, govern, and secure data, the client sought the expertise of Armour Cybersecurity to implement Microsoft Purview.

2. Challenge

As the client expanded, the complexity of handling sensitive data increased significantly, with regulatory requirements such as NYDFS, CCPA, and GDPR adding to the pressure. Their existing data governance practices struggled to keep up with the volume of data, leading to challenges in data visibility, compliance enforcement, and operational efficiency. The lack of a comprehensive data catalog and metadata management system meant stakeholders faced difficulties in accessing, understanding, and utilizing data for decision-making, leading to inefficiencies and potential regulatory risks.

3. Action

Armour Cybersecurity took a methodical approach to address the client’s challenges:

• Assessment and Planning: Armour conducted a thorough evaluation of the client's existing data infrastructure and governance practices, aligning their Microsoft Purview implementation plan with the organization’s strategic goals.’
  

• Customization and Configuration: The team customized Microsoft Purview to meet industry-specific regulations, configuring data classification policies, access controls, and integrating it with existing data systems.
  

• Data Discovery and Cataloging: Advanced scanning features of Purview were used to identify and catalog structured and unstructured data across databases, file shares, cloud repositories, and applications.
  

• Metadata Management: Armour enriched the client’s data assets with descriptive metadata and lineage information, creating a streamlined data environment that improved usability and collaboration.
  

• Policy Enforcement and Compliance: Automated workflows and alerts were configured in Purview to monitor data usage, ensuring continuous compliance with regulations such as GDPR and NYDFS.
  

• User Training: Comprehensive training was provided to ensure employees could effectively use Purview for data discovery, analysis, and decision-making.

4. Impact

By leveraging Microsoft Purview, Armour Cybersecurity delivered transformative outcomes for the client:

1. Enhanced Data Visibility: The client achieved a unified view of their data assets, enabling stakeholders to easily discover and access relevant information, fostering better collaboration and decision-making.
   

2. Improved Compliance: With robust governance capabilities in place, the client was able to consistently enforce data policies and mitigate regulatory risks, building trust with customers and regulators.

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4. Data Quality and Usability: The implementation of metadata management and data cataloging significantly improved the quality and consistency of data, enhancing its value for analytics, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
   

5. Conclusion

The successful implementation of Microsoft Purview by Armour Cybersecurity not only strengthened the client’s data governance and compliance but also provided them with a competitive edge. With enhanced visibility, policy enforcement, and data quality, the client is now better equipped to handle the complexities of their data landscape, drive strategic initiatives, and maintain regulatory compliance.