Office 365: Applying Sensitivity Labels

Summary

This article describes how to apply a sensitivity label to files you create using Office 365 applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

 

Context

Sensitivity labels allow you to classify and protect the contents of files you create using Office 365 applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Sensitivity labels ensure that files labelled as Restricted - Encrypted are automatically encrypted and not shareable outside of the intended list of recipients. Public, Sensitive, and Protected labelling makes the receiver aware of the level of sensitivity placed on the content of the file by the author, so they can act appropriately when sharing the file or its contents.

With the latest updates to Microsoft 365, securing the contents of your files shared inside or outside of USNH is seamless.

Sensitivity Labels

Label Explanation Description
Public This information is publicly shareable without any need for oversight. No visible label applied.
Sensitive This message have sensitive content. Do not share. Text applied to upper left hand corner of document:
  • This is a sensitive message, please do not share.
Protected Please treat this as private, do not share. Required by institutional policy to be protected. Text applied to upper left hand corner of document:
  • Please treat this as protected.
Watermarked with the text:
  • Protected Information - Caution.
Restricted - Encrypted This message is marked Confidential and encrypted. InfoBar includes:
  • RESTRICTED ACCESS
To change permissions from the InfoBar:
  • Click Change Permissions.
Watermarked with the text:
  • Restricted information do not share or forward.

 

How-To

Task: To apply a sensitivity label to content that you compose in Office 365 applications.

 

Instructions

Step 1On your desktop open Office 365, and from the navigation bar select, Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

Step 2Create a document, spreadsheet, or presentation.

Step 3On the Home tab, click Sensitivity to expand the menu.

Sensitivity button..

 

Step 4 - Choose the label that applies to the content of your document, spreadsheet, or presentation from the Sensitivity drop-down list. Refer to the Sensitivity Labels table for guidance.

Sensitivity menu expanded with the public option selected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5 - If you select Restricted - Encrypted from the Sensitivity menu, enter the necessary information into the Permissions window.

Restricted - Encrypted Permissions
Permissions Window Instructions
Permissions Window. To enable the all the Permissions window fields, check the Restrict permission to this presentation option.
To add people from your address book and give them only viewing permissions, click Read Icon.
To add people not in your address book and give them only viewing permissions, enter their address in the Can read this presentation, but can't change, print or copy content field.
To give everyone in your organization only viewing permissions, click Everyone in the organization icon. to the right of the Can read this presentation, but can't change, print or copy content field.
To add people from your address book and give them viewing, change, and copy, but not print permissions, click Change Icon.
To add people not in your address book and give them viewing, change, and copy, but not print permissions, enter their address in the Can read, change, and copy content from this presentation, but can't print it field.
To give everyone in your organization viewing, change, and copy, but not print permissions, click Everyone in the organization icon. to the right of the Can read, change, and copy content from this presentation, but can't print it field.
To verify/validate the addresses you entered into permissions fields, click Check Names icon..
To save your permissions, click OK after completing your entries.
To access additional permissions and settings, click More Options....

 

Outcome

The sensitivity label you selected is applied to the document, spreadsheet, or presentation based on your selection.

Example of an Applied Protected Sensitivity Label
Example of an Applied Restricted - Encrypted Sensitivity Label

 

Further Readings 

Outlook: Applying Sensitivity Labels

Teams: Requesting a Sensitivity Label for your Teams Site

SharePoint: Requesting a Sensitivity Label for your SharePoint Site

  

Need additional help?

For assistance concerning site creation, content sharing, file synchronization, or other common SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Office app activities, we recommend our Microsoft 365 Learning sites:

Learn more about the great tools our Microsoft 365 Learning sites offer!

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.  

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Details

Article ID: 4412
Created
Thu 5/19/22 11:04 AM
Modified
Mon 5/6/24 10:59 AM
Applicable Institution(s):
Keene State College (KSC)
Plymouth State University (PSU)
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
USNH System Office