What Are Sensitivity Labels?

Sensitivity labels help you protect your files and emails by:

  • Encrypting content so only authorized people can open it
  • Preventing copying, printing, or downloading
  • Marking documents with headers or watermarks like “Confidential”

✅ When Should You Use a Sensitivity Label?

Use a label when your content includes:

  • Personal information (e.g., Social Security numbers)
  • Financial data
  • Internal-only documents
  • Anything you don’t want shared outside your organization

? How to Apply a Sensitivity Label in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint

  1. Open your document

  2. Click the “Sensitivity” button on the toolbar (usually near the top-left)

  3. Choose the appropriate label
    Example:

    • Public – Anyone can view
    • Internal – Only people in your company
    • Confidential – Restricted to specific groups

  4. Save your document
    The label will apply protections automatically.

? How to Apply a Sensitivity Label in Outlook

  1. Start a new email

  2. Click “Sensitivity” in the message window

  3. Select a label
    Example: Confidential – Do Not Forward

  4. Send your email
    The label will prevent recipients from forwarding, copying, or printing.

? How Labels Help Prevent Scraping

When you apply a sensitivity label:

  • Your content may be encrypted
  • Access may be restricted to specific people
  • Copy/paste, download, and print may be blocked in browsers
  • Screen capture may be blocked on company-managed devices

?️‍♀️ Tips for Staying Secure

  • Always label sensitive content before sharing
  • If you're unsure which label to use, ask your IT team
  • Don’t remove labels unless you’re authorized to do so
  • Be cautious when uploading labeled files to external sites

? Need Help?

If you don’t see the Sensitivity button or aren’t sure which label to use, contact your IT support team or check your company’s data protection policy.