In today’s data-driven landscape, ensuring the security, privacy, and compliance of your data is of paramount importance. Data classification and sensitivity labeling are key components of this strategy, helping organizations protect their valuable information and meet regulatory requirements. Microsoft Fabric offers a robust solution for data classification and sensitivity labeling across Power BI, Azure Synapse, and Azure Data Factory, while Microsoft Purview acts as the enabler for these features. In this blog post, we’ll explore the intricacies of data classification and sensitivity labeling in Microsoft Fabric, along with common scenarios and troubleshooting steps.
Understanding Data Classification and Sensitivity Labeling
Data classification is the process of categorizing data assets based on factors such as sensitivity, value, and risk. Sensitivity labeling, on the other hand, involves applying labels or tags to data assets, reflecting their classification. This practice is crucial for safeguarding data from unauthorized access, misuse, and loss while ensuring compliance with data privacy and security regulations.
Leveraging Microsoft Fabric for Data Classification
Microsoft Fabric seamlessly integrates with data classification and sensitivity labeling, providing a unified experience for users across Power BI, Azure Synapse, and Azure Data Factory. Here’s how you can use Microsoft Purview to enable data classification and sensitivity labeling within your Microsoft Fabric environment.
What is Microsoft Purview and How Does It Help Microsoft Fabric?
Scenario 1: Sensitivity Labels Aren’t Available
If you’re unable to apply sensitivity labels to your data assets in Microsoft Fabric, consider the following prerequisites and troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure you have a Power BI Premium license or an Azure Synapse Analytics license to access Microsoft Fabric.
- Verify that you hold one of the following roles: global administrator, Power Platform administrator, or Fabric administrator to utilize Microsoft Purview.
- Enable auditing in your organization via the Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance portal.
- Register your Microsoft Fabric account as a data source in Microsoft Purview.
- Activate sensitivity labels within Microsoft Purview.
By addressing these prerequisites, you should gain access to sensitivity labels within your Microsoft Fabric environment.
Scenario 2: Sensitivity Labels Aren’t Reflecting in Power BI or Azure Synapse
If you’ve applied sensitivity labels in Microsoft Fabric but don’t see them reflected in Power BI or Azure Synapse, follow these steps to troubleshoot:
- Refresh your data assets in Power BI or Azure Synapse after applying sensitivity labels in Microsoft Purview.
- Enable sensitivity label inheritance in Power BI or Azure Synapse.
- Ensure that the necessary permissions are granted to view sensitivity labels in Power BI or Azure Synapse.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your sensitivity labels are accurately reflected in your data visualization and analysis tools.
Scenario 3: Modifying or Removing Sensitivity Labels
If you’ve applied sensitivity labels to your data assets in Microsoft Fabric and wish to change or remove them, consider the following steps for troubleshooting:
- Edit the data asset properties in Microsoft Purview to change or remove sensitivity labels.
- Utilize the Sensitivity label option in the ribbon of Power BI or Azure Synapse to modify or remove sensitivity labels.
- After making changes in Microsoft Purview, ensure you refresh your data assets in Power BI or Azure Synapse to reflect the updated sensitivity labels.
By adhering to these steps, you can efficiently manage your sensitivity labels as your data’s classification needs evolve.
Additional Resources
For further insights and guidance on data classification and sensitivity labeling in the context of Microsoft Purview and Fabric, you can explore the following resources:
- What is Microsoft Purview?
- What is Microsoft Fabric?
- Classify and label your data with Microsoft Purview
- Sensitivity labels for Power BI
- Sensitivity labels for Azure Synapse Analytics
In conclusion, data classification and sensitivity labeling are indispensable tools for data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance. Microsoft Purview and Fabric make it easier than ever to implement and manage these practices across your organization’s data assets. By addressing common scenarios and leveraging these integrated solutions, you can take control of your data’s classification, ensuring it remains safe, accessible, and compliant with relevant regulations.