Data loss prevention (DLP) is an important part of a company’s overall security strategy, focusing on detecting and preventing data leakage, loss, and misuse, whether that data is in storage, being transmitted, or in use. A key component of data loss prevention is full visibility of all data, regardless of where it is located or whether it is at rest or in motion.
Types of Data Loss Prevention
There are four types of data loss prevention. It is vital to put each of these into practice for the full protection of your data:
- Network DLP – Used for data in transit into, within, or out of a network.
- Storage DLP – Used for data (structured or unstructured) that is stored on a server or in a database.
- Endpoint DLP – Used for data that is kept on desktops (physical or virtual), laptops, and USB drives.
- Cloud DLP – Used for data that exists on cloud applications, such as Google Drive and Office 365 email.
How Data Loss Prevention Works
Data loss prevention is achieved through software designed to track and analyze data in terms of content and context. It does so through various tools, such as endpoint protection, firewalls, antivirus software, monitoring services, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation. These tools work together to:
- View data in real-time and restrict suspicious activity
- Identify anomalous activity
- Tracking data use and reporting all access to data to improve incident response
- Highlight risky behavior and activity and put it into context to improve prevention
Data Loss Prevention Best Practices
With the growing complexity of the data landscape and the increase in risk to organizational data, there is little room for error when it comes to data protection. Here are some data loss prevention best practices to help keep your data safe:
- Choose a cybersecurity partner you can trust to help you implement and maintain an effective data loss prevention strategy.
- Determine your priorities regarding your data loss prevention strategy. This can include reasons such as data protection, regulatory compliance, better incident response capabilities, and increased visibility.
- Take the time to ensure that your data loss prevention strategy aligns with and can be seamlessly integrated into your overall security strategy and architecture.
- Use inventory and data audits to determine precisely what data you have, so you can classify and prioritize it to ensure your most sensitive data is adequately protected.
- Plan for the implementation of new data loss prevention security tools, features, functions, and capabilities. This requires a regular evaluation of your solution and testing and implementing changes to your solution as they become available.
- Develop and adhere to change management guidelines and regularly document and audit your data loss prevention strategy to ensure your solution provides maximum protection.
Threats to your data can come from inside or outside your organization and can be due to negligence, misuse, or data theft. When an incident occurs, your organization can suffer financial and reputational damage. A robust data loss prevention strategy can help ensure your data is well protected.
Connect with Platinum Technologies today to learn how we can help you develop and implement a top-notch data loss prevention strategy.
