Full Report
A practitioner's guide to integrating Symantec DLP with MPIP
Analysis Summary
# Best Practices: Symantec DLP High Speed Discovery for MPIP Data Classification
## Overview
These practices detail the process for configuring and leveraging Symantec Data Loss Prevention (DLP) High Speed Discovery to automatically classify data at rest using Microsoft Purview Information Protection (MPIP) labels. This integration enhances data security, provides comprehensive data visibility, and streamlines compliance efforts by applying sensitivity labels directly to stored files.
## Key Recommendations
### Immediate Actions
1. **Verify Prerequisite Environment:** Ensure an active Symantec DLP Enforce console and a functional Discover Cluster setup are in place.
2. **Configure MIP Credential Profile:** Establish and synchronize a Microsoft Information Protection Classification Credential Profile within the Symantec DLP Enforce console, ensuring all necessary classification labels are synced.
3. **Create Automated Response Rule:** Immediately create an "Automated Response Rule" under **Manage > Policies > Response Rules** that specifies the **Network Protect Action** set to **“Apply MIP Classification”**.
### Short-term Improvements (1-3 months)
1. **Develop Classification Policy:** Create a new DLP Policy (**Manage > Policies > Policy List**) that incorporates the "Apply MIP Classification" response rule created in the immediate actions phase. Ensure detection rules align with organizational sensitivity needs.
2. **Configure High Speed Discovery Target:** Define a new **File System - High Speed Discover** scan target (**Manage > Discover Scanning > Discover Targets**). Crucially, enable the **“Apply MIP Classification”** protect action under the **Protect** tab during target configuration.
3. **Execute Initial Scans:** Run the configured High Speed Discovery scan targets to begin classifying data at rest and validate the MIP label application process.
### Long-term Strategy (3+ months)
1. **Continuous Classification Monitoring:** Establish a regular schedule for monitoring High Speed Discovery scan history and review the **MIP Classification Statistics** tab to track label distribution.
2. **Integrate Classification into Incident Response:** Regularly review Discover incidents (**Incidents > Discover**) filtered by **“MIP Classification Applied”** sensitivity label names to ensure protection policies are effective and to manage exceptions.
3. **Leverage MIP-Encrypted Inspection:** Utilize the detection capability of Symantec DLP to inspect content within MIP-encrypted files across DLP channels, automating protection based on the applied discovery labels.
4. **Optimize Data Visibility and Risk Management:** Use the comprehensive data visibility gained from High Speed Discovery scans (location, usage, classification) to inform and refine broader data governance and risk management strategies.
## Implementation Guidance
### For Small Organizations
* Focus initially on scanning high-value or regulatory-scope file shares using the standard setup procedures.
* Utilize the **Download Full Classification Report (CSV)** after scans for simple, manual review and aggregation of findings in spreadsheets.
* Rely heavily on clear, pre-defined MPIP labels to minimize the complexity of policy creation.
### For Medium Organizations
* Employ the response rule structure to apply classifications directly without complex scripting or workflow orchestration initially.
* Assign network discover clusters responsibly across different organizational tiers.
* Use the *Scan History* to generate management-level reports on data classification progress against defined service-level objectives (SLOs).
### For Large Enterprises
* Mandate the use of REST APIs (if applicable) for automation of scan triggering and report retrieval to integrate into larger Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms.
* Use the sensitivity labels automatically applied by Discovery to feed CMDBs or asset inventory systems for accurate security posture reporting.
* Ensure the MIP Credential Profile maintains robust synchronization across geographically distributed Discover Clusters.
## Configuration Examples
| Step | DLP Console Navigation Path | Configuration Action | Specific Setting/Value |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Response Rule Creation** | Manage > Policies > Response Rules | Add Response Rule (Automated) | **Action:** Network Protect Action; **Type:** “Apply MIP Classification” |
| **Policy Integration** | Manage > Policies > Policy List | Response Tab | Link the newly created "MIP Classification Rule" |
| **Scan Target Setup** | Manage > Discover Scanning > Discover Targets | Configure File System - High Speed Discover Target | **Protect Tab:** Enable "Apply MIP Classification" action |
| **Scan Execution** | Manage > Discover Scanning > Discover Targets | Scanning Option Dropdown | Click **Start Scan** on the configured target |
| **Verification (History)** | Manage > Discover Scanning > Scan History | Scan Status Link | Check the **MIP Classification Statistics** tab |
## Compliance Alignment
This capability directly supports requirements found within standards related to data protection, classification, and data-at-rest security assessment:
* **NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF):** Aligns primarily with the **Identify (ID.AM - Asset Management)** and **Protect (PR.DS - Data Security)** functions by accurately cataloging and labeling sensitive data.
* **ISO/IEC 27001:** Supports Annex A controls related to asset management and logical access, by using classification labels to determine appropriate underlying controls.
* **Regulatory Compliance (GDPR, HIPAA):** Streamlines the ability to demonstrate compliance by accurately identifying and tracking the location and sensitivity level of regulated data (Personal Data, PHI).
## Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. **Ignoring Prerequisite Synchronization:** Failing to ensure the MIP Credential Profile is fully configured and synced before creating rules; this will lead to classification failures or rules firing without actual labels being applied.
2. **Missing Action in Target Configuration:** Creating the response rule and linking it to a policy, but forgetting to enable the **“Apply MIP Classification”** protect action specifically under the **Protect Tab** of the High Speed Discovery Target configuration.
3. **Misinterpreting Naming Conventions:** Confusing MIP (the new name) with MIP (the old name) as referenced in older documentation; always ensure the current documentation path is followed within the interface.
4. **Expecting Immediate Results:** High Speed Discovery relies on scheduled scans; failing to monitor the **Scan History** means the classification application timeline will be delayed or missed entirely.
## Resources
* **Credential/Profile Management Documentation:** Refer to Symantec documentation on "Managing Microsoft Information Protection Classification Credential Profile on Symantec DLP Enforce console" for setup specifics.
* **Discover Target Setup Documentation:** Refer to "Configuring The File System - High Speed Discover scans" for detailed network and content root configuration.
* **Scan Review Documentation:** Consult DLP’s Help Center regarding "view information on the scan details screen" for post-scan analysis and statistics viewing.