(Updated) Microsoft 365: The Next Generation of File & Folder Sharing

🚨 The Signal: Microsoft 365 is consolidating file sharing into a 'hero link' for simpler, more secure collaboration. This single link controls all access, reducing link proliferation and simplifying access management.

The Impact

All users sharing files are affected, with a positive security risk reduction due to centralized access control.

• End users: Simplified sharing reduces accidental oversharing.
• Data owners: Centralized link management improves control.
• Security teams: Enhanced visibility into shared access.
• Compliance officers: Better auditability of external sharing.

The Action

1. Review existing SharePoint/OneDrive sharing policies for alignment with 'hero link' default settings.
2. Communicate the new sharing experience to end-users, emphasizing the 'Only people added to' default.
3. Monitor sharing reports in Microsoft Purview to ensure appropriate use of the new sharing model.
4. Verify external sharing settings in SharePoint Admin Center (https://admin.microsoft.com/#/sharepoint) remain consistent with organizational policy.

Domain: SharePoint · Impact: medium · Workload: SharePoint