Microsoft’s approach to handling Identity and Device management along with Information security and protection is to build and enhance an integrated solution, rather than offer point products. The result is an increased value that is much stronger than the piece parts. It becomes easier to implement, manage and ultimately gain adoption by the users. Over the last few weeks I have discuss the importance of employee mobility, the Microsoft Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS) and Identify Management and Access. Information Security and Protection is next.

Every business, large or small, should be concerned about the mobility of its confidential and proprietary information. Every worker, regardless of whether they function in a business office, home office or as a road warrior, handle important information on multiple devices, over multiple networks and with all types of people.

Consider that 15.7% of the U.S. Workforce changed jobs last year. Yet, the strength of the controls on the information they may have had access to was either weak, ineffective or non-existent. Also note that some 637,000 laptops were reported lost last year with each potentially carrying vital company information. Furthermore, just over a third of those losing laptops while traveling for business made no attempt to protect confidential information on the machines. Finally, 16% who lost laptops made no attempt to find or recover them.

The need for a proactive business approach to information protection grows with its increased mobility and distribution. Businesses must address BYOD, accidental data loss, malicious attacks, and much more, while giving employees an optimum work environment.

EMS includes Azure Rights Management Services to provide encryption and security tools. Azure RMS can support all file types: text, image, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) files, .pdf files, and other application file types. Azure RMS protected content can be shared between users within the same organization or across organizations when users have Microsoft Office 365. Access to protected content can be restricted to read-only viewing or with additional write and modify permissions. Sharing of the content can be monitored to email notification when an unauthorized user tries to open protected attachments. Permissions for protected content can be altered or revoked with the ability to restrict access or remove content at a device level. Consumer Reports projected that 3.1 million smartphones were stolen and an additional 1.4 million were lost in 2013. Encrypting and protecting business information on mobile devices has never been more essential.

Too many companies neglect to protect information with tools such as EMS. While many companies have employees execute NDAs, it is too common a practice for employees to comingle proprietary, common and personal information without threat of enforcement. Consequently, such NDAs are nearly worthless in protecting critical information. Therefore, the security of such information lies upon the trust companies place in their employees. While trust is part of a healthy and rewarding relationship between the business and the employee, it should not be the bedrock for securing protected information.

EMS is the comprehensive solution for employee identity management, device authorization and management, and information protection and security that every business should explore.