Content Search is a powerful eDiscovery tool in Microsoft 365 that Security Operations Analysts use to investigate potential threats and security incidents across various Microsoft 365 services. This feature allows analysts to search through Exchange Online mailboxes, SharePoint Online sites, OneDr…Content Search is a powerful eDiscovery tool in Microsoft 365 that Security Operations Analysts use to investigate potential threats and security incidents across various Microsoft 365 services. This feature allows analysts to search through Exchange Online mailboxes, SharePoint Online sites, OneDrive for Business accounts, and Microsoft Teams conversations to locate suspicious content or evidence of malicious activity.<br><br>When investigating threats, analysts begin by accessing the Microsoft Purview compliance portal and creating a new content search. They define specific search criteria using keywords, date ranges, sender/recipient information, and other metadata to narrow down relevant content. For example, if investigating a phishing campaign, an analyst might search for specific malicious URLs or attachment names across all mailboxes.<br><br>The search query language supports various operators including AND, OR, and NOT, enabling precise filtering of results. Analysts can also use property conditions to target specific content types, such as emails with attachments or messages sent from external domains. This granular control helps identify compromised accounts, data exfiltration attempts, or policy violations.<br><br>Once the search completes, analysts can preview results to validate their findings before taking action. The preview feature displays matching items and highlights search terms, helping analysts quickly assess the scope of an incident. If the search returns relevant evidence, analysts can export the results for further analysis or legal purposes.<br><br>Content Search integrates with the broader incident response workflow by providing crucial evidence that helps determine attack vectors, affected users, and the timeline of malicious activities. Analysts often combine Content Search findings with data from Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender to build a comprehensive picture of security incidents.<br><br>Best practices include documenting all searches performed, maintaining chain of custody for exported content, and regularly reviewing search permissions to ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive investigation data.
Investigate Threats Using Content Search
Why It Is Important
Content Search is a critical tool for Security Operations Analysts because it enables the discovery of potentially malicious or sensitive information across Microsoft 365 services. During security incidents, analysts must quickly locate emails, documents, and other content that may be involved in data breaches, insider threats, or compliance violations. Mastering Content Search allows you to respond effectively to threats and gather evidence for investigations.
What Is Content Search?
Content Search is an eDiscovery tool in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal that allows security analysts to search for content across multiple Microsoft 365 locations simultaneously. These locations include:
• Exchange Online mailboxes • SharePoint Online sites • OneDrive for Business accounts • Microsoft Teams conversations • Microsoft 365 Groups
Content Search uses Keyword Query Language (KQL) to build precise search queries that can identify specific emails, files, or messages related to a security incident.
How It Works
Step 1: Access the Tool Navigate to the Microsoft Purview compliance portal and select Content Search under the Solutions section.
Step 2: Create a New Search Define your search by specifying keywords, date ranges, senders, recipients, and content locations to search.
Step 3: Build Your Query Use KQL syntax to create targeted searches. Common operators include: • AND - Both conditions must be true • OR - Either condition can be true • NOT - Excludes results • subject: - Searches email subjects • from: - Searches by sender • filetype: - Searches specific file types
Step 4: Review and Export Results Preview search results within the portal, then export content for further analysis or legal hold purposes.
Key Scenarios for Threat Investigation
• Phishing Attacks: Search for emails containing specific malicious URLs or sender addresses across all mailboxes • Data Exfiltration: Locate documents containing sensitive keywords that may have been shared externally • Insider Threats: Investigate communications from specific users during a defined timeframe • Malware Distribution: Find emails with specific attachment types or names
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Content Search
Understand Permission Requirements Remember that users need the eDiscovery Manager or eDiscovery Administrator role to perform Content Searches. Compliance Administrator alone is not sufficient for creating searches.
Know KQL Syntax Expect questions testing your knowledge of Keyword Query Language. Practice building queries using property:value syntax and Boolean operators.
Recognize Location Scopes Understand which content locations can be searched and how to scope searches to specific mailboxes, sites, or all locations.
Differentiate from Other Tools Know when to use Content Search versus other tools like Audit Log Search or Threat Explorer. Content Search is for finding and exporting content, while Audit logs track user and admin activities.
Remember Export Options Be familiar with the export process, including the requirement for the eDiscovery Export Tool and the different export options available.
Time Limits and Retention Understand that search results are stored for 14 days and that very large exports may need to be split into multiple downloads.
Common Exam Question Patterns
• Selecting the correct portal or tool for content investigation scenarios • Choosing appropriate KQL queries for specific search requirements • Identifying required permissions for performing searches • Determining the correct workflow for investigating and exporting evidence