Forum Discussion
Search for Credit Card Numbers within tenant
- Jun 26, 2025
You are in the right path:
Using eDiscovery, you can use the Content search function. Once content search finishes searching for information > you can export a report that contains details (there is a limit of 2TB for the exported file)
Exporting data from Content Search: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/ediscovery-export-search-results
Additionally, you can create a DLP policy that points inwards. You're DLP policy would have the following in the rules:
Policy is for SharePoint and OneDrive
Rule: IF data contains Sensitive Information Type (1) PAN or (2) CCN then trigger. Recommended to change the confidence level to High. No action taken
Run policy: Simulation/ Audit mode. So that it doesn't change or affect anything in your org.
Another option:
In Content explorer, there is an SIT section, you'll get ALL (and I do mean ALL) data that matches PAN and CCN. You can export this list too in excel. Then you can use excel to count.
Hi sumo83
While you can use eDiscovery in Microsoft Purview to search content across Exchange Online, it’s important to note that eDiscovery does not support direct querying of Sensitive Information Types (SITs) such as credit card numbers or Social Security numbers.
If your objective is to identify or manage sensitive data, consider using the following Microsoft Purview tools and features.
1. Microsoft Purview Content Explorer and Data Explorer
Use Content Explorer or Data Explorer to:
- View where sensitive information types are detected across Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business.
- Gain visibility into the distribution and types of sensitive data in your organization.
- Support compliance and risk management initiatives.
NOTE:
Access to Content Explorer and Data Explorer requires appropriate Microsoft Purview compliance role group permissions.
2. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies
Configure DLP policies in Microsoft Purview to:
- Automatically detect sensitive information in email messages and attachments (In-Transit).
- Apply protective actions such as blocking, alerting, or auditing based on policy rules.
- Help prevent unintentional sharing of sensitive data outside your organization.
Limitations of eDiscovery for SITs
- eDiscovery (Standard or Premium) allows keyword and metadata-based searches but does not support direct filtering by SITs.
- To investigate sensitive data exposure, use DLP alerts or Content Explorer insights instead.
Data Explorer in Microsoft Purview
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/data-classification-data-explorer
Content Explorer in Microsoft Purview
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-in/purview/data-classification-content-explorer
Review and Analyze Data Classification and Protection (Training Module)
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/purview-review-analyze-data-classification/
Keyword queries and search conditions for eDiscovery | Microsoft Learn
I hope that helps!
-Brian ✌️