Preventing Oversharing in Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 has made collaboration easier than ever for Dutch companies. Sharing a file via Teams or OneDrive takes just a few clicks. But that very convenience creates a new challenge: oversharing. Without clear agreements and governance, confidential information can easily end up with the wrong people. And in a world where AVG compliance and information security are crucial, that can have major consequences for business continuity and reputation.

At ALTA-ICT, we see daily how this goes wrong in practice. Fortunately, there is a structured approach to preventing this – and that starts with clear governance, controls and awareness.

ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and NEN 7510 – ALTA-ICT B.V. Certified

What is oversharing in Microsoft 365?

Oversharing means that employees share more information than they need, often without realizing it. This can be internal (giving access to colleagues who don’t need the file) or external (sharing documents with customers, suppliers or partners outside the organization).

Dutch context

AVG: Unauthorized sharing of personal data can lead to data breach notification within 72 hours.
NEN7510: In the healthcare sector, strict information security is mandatory.
BIO: Government organizations must comply with specific security standards.

How ALTA-ICT prevents oversharing

Step 1: Governance establishment

We start by establishing clear rules: who is allowed to share what, and with whom? This is established in Microsoft 365 governance policies.

Step 2: Technical checks

Using Microsoft Purview and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) rules, we ensure that sensitive information cannot be shared inadvertently.

Step 3: Awareness training

Employees learn to recognize risks and receive practical tips for sharing safely.

Step 4: Continuous monitoring

With 24/7 monitoring, we keep track of compliance with the rules and can intervene immediately in case of deviations.

Common mistakes in Microsoft 365 sharing

No default sharing settings – anyone can share anything externally.
No labeling of sensitive data – confidential documents are not recognized.
Lack of awareness – employees do not know the risks they face.

ROI of good governance

Companies that have set up their governance with ALTA-ICT see:

70% fewer incidents of unwanted sharing
Faster audits thanks to clear access structures
Improved compliance with AVG and NEN7510

Our ALTA-ICT approach

✅ ISO27001-certified processes
✅ Dutch compliance specialists
✅ Measurable results within 3 months
✅ 24/7 monitoring and support

Conclusion

Oversharing in Microsoft 365 is a creeping risk that many Dutch organizations underestimate. However, with the right combination of governance, technology and awareness, it is completely manageable.

💡 Want to know how your organization is doing? Schedule a free security scan today at alta-ict.co.uk/security.