Project Title: Designing a Proof of Concept for Data Sensitivity Labeling and Data Loss Prevention with Microsoft Purview

Blackfoot Communications

Details
Project Title Designing a Proof of Concept for Data Sensitivity Labeling and Data Loss Prevention with Microsoft Purview
Project Topics Cybersecurity Data Management Information Technology (IT) Legal, Regulatory, Compliance
Skills & Expertise Communication Compliance Strategies Cybersecurity Frameworks Data Classification Data Governance Microsoft Purview Presentation skills Project Management Report writing Research and Analysis Risk Analysis Stakeholder Engagement Technical Problem-Solving Testing and Validation Workflow Development
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Blackfoot Communications is a leading provider of telecommunications services, known for its commitment to delivering reliable and innovative solutions to its customers. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and technology-driven services, the company is well-positioned in the telecommunications market. However, like many organizations, Blackfoot Communications faces the challenge of managing and protecting sensitive data in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

The specific business challenge related to this project is the need to enhance data protection strategies by implementing robust data sensitivity labeling and data loss prevention measures. Currently, there may be gaps in how sensitive data is classified and protected, which can lead to potential data breaches and compliance issues. These challenges can have significant impacts on the business, including financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties.

This project addresses these challenges by providing an opportunity for students to design a proof of concept and advise on best practices for configuring data sensitivity labeling and DLP rules using Microsoft Purview. By working on this project, students can help Blackfoot Communications enhance its data protection measures, ensuring that sensitive information is adequately classified and protected across the organization.

The project will be divided into key phases, including needs assessment, solution design, build, and testing. Each phase will provide students with opportunities to apply their academic knowledge and develop practical skills in cybersecurity and data management. The project is ideal for students as it offers a chance to work on a real-world challenge, gain hands-on experience with leading technology, and develop critical skills that are highly relevant to their future careers.

Exploring this project is meaningful for students as it connects the strategic challenge of data protection to real-world career skills such as consulting, cybersecurity, and data management. By working on this project, students will gain insights into the importance of data governance and compliance in today’s business environment and develop the skills needed to address complex data protection challenges in their future careers.

Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  1. Conduct a needs assessment to understand Blackfoot Communications' current data protection strategies.
  2. Analyze existing data management and cybersecurity policies to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
  3. Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope and objectives.
  4. Research best practices for data sensitivity labeling and data loss prevention using Microsoft Purview.
  5. Design a proof of concept for implementing data sensitivity labels across the organization.
  6. Develop data loss prevention rules and workflows to prevent unauthorized data access.
  7. Create a project plan outlining key milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
  8. Implement the proof of concept and test its effectiveness in a controlled test environment.
  9. Document findings and recommendations for enhancing data protection strategies.
  10. Present the final project deliverables to Blackfoot Communications and university faculty.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • Students gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview for data governance and compliance.
  • Blackfoot Communications receives a comprehensive proof of concept for data sensitivity labeling and DLP.
  • Enhanced understanding of data protection strategies among students and stakeholders.
  • Improved data classification and protection measures for Blackfoot Communications.
  • Development of critical skills in cybersecurity and data management for students.
  • Successful application of formal project management methods and tools.
  • Increased awareness of data governance and compliance best practices.
  • Valuable experience in collaborating with industry partners on real-world projects.

Project Timeline

Blackfoot Communications - Designing a Proof of Concept for Data Sensitivity Labeling and Data Loss Prevention with Microsoft Purview
Due Date
Activities
Deliverables
Status
Action
Thu, 09/03/26
12:00 AM UTC
Project Teams Finalized
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location: In Person
Fri, 09/04/26
12:00 AM UTC
Learn More About CapSource Platform
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions:
Tue, 09/08/26
12:00 AM UTC
Schedule Kickoff Meeting with Client
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location: In Person
Tue, 09/08/26
12:00 AM UTC
Projects Assigned
No Deliverables
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Location: In Person
Tue, 09/08/26
11:00 AM UTC
CapSource Intro Session
Join us and learn more about using the CapSource system!
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No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions:
Join us and learn more about using the CapSource system!
Location: Virtual
Fri, 09/11/26
12:00 AM UTC
PLATFORM SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT DUE!
Please take a moment to use the link below and pay for the platform subscription and project-based experience coordinated by CapSource!  We wish you the best of luck and hope this results in a meaningful learning experience: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ6oG9v84Cpabc1Ug2oE0e
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions:
Please take a moment to use the link below and pay for the platform subscription and project-based experience coordinated by CapSource!  We wish you the best of luck and hope this results in a meaningful learning experience: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ6oG9v84Cpabc1Ug2oE0e
Tue, 09/15/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Status Report #1
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 09/15/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Signed NDA (if Required by Client)
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Deliverable Instructions:
Please DOWNLOAD, sign, and UPLOAD your NDA!
Tue, 09/15/26
12:00 AM UTC
Self-Skills Assessment
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 09/15/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Team Charter
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 09/29/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Status Report #2
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 09/29/26
12:00 AM UTC
Industry Mentor Temperature Check #1
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 09/29/26
12:00 AM UTC
Student Temperature Check #1
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 09/29/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Project Charter
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 10/13/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Data Collection Plan
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 10/13/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Status Report #3
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 10/27/26
12:00 AM UTC
Student Temperature Check #2
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 10/27/26
12:00 AM UTC
Industry Mentor Temperature Check #2
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 10/27/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Status Report #4
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 10/27/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit System Requirements Documentation
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 11/10/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Design Document
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 11/10/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Status Report #5
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Tue, 11/10/26
12:00 AM UTC
Industry Mentor Temperature Check #3
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 11/10/26
12:00 AM UTC
Student Temperature Check #3
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 11/10/26
12:00 AM UTC
Schedule Your Final Presentations with Client
Including Date, Time, and Calendar Invite to Confirm
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions:
Including Date, Time, and Calendar Invite to Confirm
Fri, 12/04/26
12:00 AM UTC
Project Review! Please Provide Us With Your Feedback!
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Fri, 12/04/26
12:00 AM UTC
Submit Link to Project Workbook
Required Action Item
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Fri, 12/04/26
12:00 AM UTC
End of Project Self Reflection
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
Tue, 12/08/26
12:00 AM UTC
Share Your Experience!
Review best practices for sharing your project-based experience on resumé and LinkedIn!
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Guiding Questions:
Review best practices for sharing your project-based experience on resumé and LinkedIn!

Program Managers

Name Organization
Clayton Looney University of Montana