Microsoft recently released version 144 of its Edge browser, bringing new features and enhancements like desktop visual search, granular control over the visibility of the Copilot icon, an improvement autofill experience, and much more. Now, all thanks to its public Microsoft 365 Roadmap page, we also have a decent idea about what"s coming to Edge very soon.
The company has begun tracking two security features currently in preview for Edge. The first is watermarking protection that allows IT admins to configure a persistent watermark over any sensitive data being shown in the browser. The idea behind this is to remind end-users about the confidentiality of the data that they are viewing while also promoting compliance efforts. The Redmond tech firm has reminded IT admins that sensitive content should have data loss prevention (DLP) policies configured already via an external tool for the watermark to be displayed.
Right now, the watermark"s string is hardcoded to a confidentiality warning, along with the username and timestamp. In the future, Microsoft plans to support dynamic watermarks and more refined control over its behavior. For now, IT admins should have access to the Edge Management Service portal, a Microsoft E3 or E5 license, and at least Edge version 142 on the Targeted Release channel.
The second feature currently being previewed is Protected Clipboard, which basically enforces DLP policies for data exfiltration and infiltration across managed and unmanaged cloud apps. The requirements for leveraging this capability include ideally the latest version of Edge for Business, a Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 license with Purview-managed DLP policies, Intune MAM support, and access to the Edge Management service portal. You can read more about Protected Clipboard here.
There is no word yet regarding when Protected Clipboard or watermarking protection in Edge will hit general availability, but it"s good that they are out already for those willing and eligible to test.