Last updated: 27 September 2026
Data loss prevention (DLP) is a set of tools and policies that stop sensitive information, such as customer records, bank details or health data, from being shared where it should not be, whether by accident or on purpose.
How does DLP work?
DLP tools scan emails, documents and chats for sensitive information, for example National Insurance numbers, card numbers or files labelled “Confidential”. When a rule is triggered they can warn the user, block the action or alert an administrator. In Microsoft 365, this is provided by Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention, which covers Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams and, with the right licence, devices and AI tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Why is DLP important?
- Human error: misaddressed emails and oversharing are among the most common causes of data breaches.
- UK GDPR: you must take appropriate measures to protect personal data. DLP helps show that you do.
- AI tools: DLP policies help stop sensitive data being pasted into or exposed through AI assistants.
Which licence includes DLP?
Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes DLP for email and files. More advanced features, such as endpoint DLP, come with Microsoft 365 E5 or the Purview Suite add-on.
ABCOM can set up DLP policies that protect your data without getting in your team’s way. See our cyber security services or read how to ensure GDPR compliance.
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ABCOM has supported Sussex businesses and charities since 1996 and is an NCSC Assured Service Provider – Cyber Advisor (Cyber Essentials). Talk to a real person about your IT.
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How ABCOM can help
Talk to a real person at our Burgess Hill office. We are an NCSC Assured Service Provider and have supported Sussex businesses since 1996.