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Sharing is not always caring, especially when it comes to files and folders. 

UAB IT has implemented new tools to help better secure your files, but you should always take time to make sure you’re sharing them only with people who need to access them. 

Here are some tips to manage your data in a safe and secure fashion.  

  1. Double check your share settings. In OneDrive, there are three options. If you are unsure what you need to select, keep it as “People you choose.”  
  1. Always check your permissions. When sharing, the default setting is viewing. Owners of the documents can update to let other collaborators edit or you can remove those who no longer need access to the file.  
  1. Send links instead of attachments. In Outlook, you can attach files through OneDrive with links. This allows you to see who with whom the file is shared and the permissions set for that user.  

In May, UAB IT updated the Microsoft default sharing option to “People you choose” to better safeguard UAB assets. UAB’s Box instance now allows you to label files and folders by data classification, and plans to roll out the same labeling feature for Microsoft are under way. 

“Knowing what type of data, you're handling can educate you on the best way to share it. The default option is sensitive, which means it should be shared on a need-to-know basis,” said Deidre Mitchell, information security engineer at UAB Information Technology.  

Interested in learning more about data classification? Check out our most recent story or visit the UAB Information Security arcade to play a few rounds of Data Safe.