What are monitored browser sessions?

When signing in, you may see a message like:

• Access to Microsoft Exchange Online is monitored

You may also notice that the website address ends with .mcas.ms, for example:

• outlook.cloud.microsoft.mcas.ms

This is an additional security measure designed to help protect diocesan data.

Monitor mode means that Microsoft's security service automatically records security-related activity and alerts the diocesan IT team to potential risks. It does not mean that Microsoft or the IT team can see your screen or actively watch what you are doing.

Download Restrictions

When using a monitored browser session, downloading files to personal devices may be restricted, and you will be notified with the message "Download blocked".

This helps reduce the risk of accidental data loss and ensures diocesan information remains secure.

You can continue to access and work with diocesan information through your web browser, including:

• Emails & Calendar: https://outlook.cloud.microsoft
• OneDrive Files: https://stalbansdiocese-my.sharepoint.com
• Word, Excel, Powerpoint and other Microsoft 365 apps: https://m365.cloud.microsoft/apps

In most cases, files can be viewed and edited directly within the browser without needing to download them. For more information, visit:

• How can I access my emails, calendars and files in a web browser?
• What is the diocesan personal device usage policy?