Block Download isn’t just a handy feature of Microsoft SharePoint advanced management (Sam), it’s a love letter to the Zero Trust security model. It ensures that just because someone can view a file doesn’t mean they should have free reign over it. Trust no one, verify everything, and block download like your life’s on the line.
Block Download is perfect for sites storing the kind of material you’d rather not see forwarded to half the planet. Enabling it? That’s a job for PowerShell’s Set-SPOSite cmdlet, found in the latest SharePoint Online management module :
Use : Set-SPOSite -BlockDownloadPolicy and fine-tune your strategy few well-chosen parameters:
# Connect to SharePoint Online |
-“ExcludeBlockDownloadPolicySiteOwners“
Site owners are VIPs. With this parameter, they can download any content from the site, regardless of the policy in place.
-“ExcludedBlockDownloadGroupId“
Add the ID’s of the groups you want to exempt here. These users will get the green light to download any site content without restrictions.
-“ExcludeBlockDownloadSharePointGroups“
Need to give specific SharePoint groups a pass? List their names here and let them download to their hearts’ content.
-“ReadOnlyForBlockDownloadPolicy“
No downloads allowed and the site goes into read-only mode. Sometimes, you just need to double-lock the doors.
Of course, no feature is perfect. Block Download comes with a few quirks:
- Screen Captures Still Win: If someone’s really determined, nothing’s stopping them from hitting “Print Screen” and saving an image. Sorry, Block Download can’t stop sneaky fingers.
What Makes BlockDownload to Stand Out ?
Protecting Confidential Information: Sharing your corporate secrets? Block Download makes sure they stay just that, shared, but not saved. Think of it as digital handcuffs for your files.
Restricting Temporary Access: Whether it’s a contractor, a partner, or that one intern who’s a little too curious, Block Download keeps everything locked down. They can read all they want, but the file isn’t leaving the building (virtually speaking).
Avoiding version nightmares: Tired of chasing down “Final_Draft_v17_ACTUAL_FINAL_FINAL_THISONE.PDF”? Blocking downloads reduces the risk of everyone running off with their own version of the truth.
And the cherry on top?
Don’t forget to pair your Block Download policy with a Security Label to double down on your data protection game.
#Attach a block download policy to a site sensitivity label |
Security labels let you tag your files with the kind of restrictions that would make a secret agent proud—encryption, classification, and access policies to keep prying eyes firmly out of your business. Together, they’re like the dynamic duo of digital fortresses.
Not all access needs to come with a download button. Sometimes, keeping things in the browser is all the power they need.
Key thing to note, if you block download with this support you cannot move the file to another site either. Which makes logical sense, since you in theory could download the file from that site. But was a surprise when we setup the block download support on a site.