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SharePoint Concierge Webinar: Protect Data with Entra and Build Smarter Dashboards in SharePoint
On June 26, 2025, the dataBridge team hosted a SharePoint Concierge webinar focused on two critical areas of Microsoft 365 platform management: protecting data through identity-driven controls and delivering better visibility through modern SharePoint dashboards.
The session combined security best practices with practical site design guidance—helping organizations reduce risk while improving how users access information.
Below is a recap of the key topics covered.
Prevent Data Loss with Identity-Based Controls in Microsoft Entra
Ken led a deep dive into data loss prevention (DLP) using Microsoft Entra, showing how identity and access management can be used to protect sensitive content—without disrupting legitimate business work.
Key concepts included:
- Using Entra policies to block downloads for specific user groups
- Protecting data shared with external users and partners
- Monitoring data flow through administrative dashboards
- Understanding how identity-driven controls complement traditional DLP
The takeaway: strong data protection starts with understanding who is accessing content and how they are allowed to interact with it.
Block Downloads for High-Risk Scenarios
Ken demonstrated how organizations can block downloads using Entra’s identity and access management capabilities.
Examples included:
- Preventing external users from downloading sensitive files
- Allowing in-browser access while restricting local downloads
- Applying policies selectively by user group
This approach helps organizations balance security with usability—especially in collaboration scenarios involving third parties.
Use Conditional Access to Implement DLP-Like Controls
Ken also explained how Conditional Access policies in Entra can be used to implement DLP-style protections.
The session covered:
- Creating Conditional Access policies to block downloads
- Targeting policies by user group or access scenario
- Monitoring policy impact through Entra dashboards
These controls give administrators more flexibility and visibility when protecting sensitive data.
Deploy Policies Safely with Report-Only Mode
A key recommendation from Ken was to run policies in report-only mode before enforcing them.
Best practices included:
- Monitoring policy impact for several weeks
- Reviewing reports to identify unintended consequences
- Avoiding operational disruptions during rollout
This trial period allows organizations to fine-tune policies before full deployment.
Understand Licensing Requirements for Entra-Based DLP
Ken emphasized that licensing matters.
He explained:
- Which features are available at different Microsoft 365 licensing levels
- Why advanced controls typically require E3 or E5 licenses
- The importance of validating entitlements before planning security initiatives
Understanding licensing early helps prevent surprises during implementation.
Build Centralized Dashboards with the SharePoint Dashboard Web Part
Katie shifted focus from security to usability, demonstrating the new SharePoint Dashboard web part.
She showed how dashboards can centralize information and apps, making SharePoint more intuitive for users.
Create and Customize Dashboards with Cards
Katie demonstrated how to:
- Create a dashboard from the SharePoint settings menu
- Add and configure cards such as events and folders
- Organize content in a clean, visual layout
Dashboards provide a single place for users to access the tools and information they need most.
Design Custom Cards with Adaptive Cards
Katie also showed how to create custom dashboard cards using the Adaptive Card Designer.
This enables:
- Custom layouts and templates
- Interactive actions
- Tailored experiences for specific business needs
Custom cards extend dashboards beyond out-of-the-box options.
Target Content with Audience-Specific Dashboards
One of the most powerful features highlighted was audience targeting.
Katie explained how:
- Different cards can be shown to different groups
- Offices or departments can see relevant content
- A single dashboard can serve multiple audiences
This reduces duplication while increasing relevance.
Surface Dashboards Anywhere with the Dashboard Web Part
Finally, Katie demonstrated the Dashboard web part, which allows dashboards to be embedded on any SharePoint page.
This makes dashboards easy to surface within intranets, department sites, or landing pages.
Why This Webinar Matters
This session reinforced an important message:
Effective SharePoint environments balance strong security with clear, user-friendly design.
Identity-based data protection and well-designed dashboards work together to reduce risk while improving how people find and use information.
Missed the Session?
The SharePoint Concierge webinar series provides practical, real-world guidance for managing and optimizing Microsoft 365.
If you’d like help implementing identity-driven data protection or designing dashboards that improve adoption, the dataBridge team can help.
Schedule a SharePoint discovery conversation to protect data and deliver a better user experience.
