Data loss prevention is a safety precaution that finds and aids in preventing improper or dangerous sharing, transferring, or using of sensitive data. It can assist your company in keeping an eye on and safeguarding private data across endpoints, cloud-based locations, and on-premises systems. Additionally, it assists you in adhering to laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Adhering to information protection and governance best practices is essential when it comes to security data. While information governance establishes the lifespan of sensitive data (i.e., how long an organization keeps it), information protection applies restrictions (such as encryption) to it. All of these things work together to help your organization protect, manage, and comprehend its data
How does DLP work?
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions are intended to keep an eye on and safeguard sensitive data throughout its lifecycle inside an enterprise. Data in use, data in motion, and data at rest are the three main states of data that DLP focuses on.
Data in Use (Active Data): This is the term used to describe data that staff members or apps are presently accessing or using. When data is being utilized on computers, laptops, or mobile phones, DLP systems keep an eye on it to make sure private information isn't copied, changed, or transmitted without permission.
Data in Motion (Transmitted Data): Information that is constantly moving across a network, such as files being transferred or emails or messaging apps, is referred to as data in motion (transmitted data). DLP tools scan and keep an eye on data as it moves via internal and external networks to find any unauthorized transmissions or potential security breaches. The system can prevent the dissemination of sensitive data, quarantine the data, or notify security personnel if it detects sensitive data—such as personally identifiable information (PII) or intellectual property—being sent to untrusted external servers or email addresses.
Data at Rest (Stored Data): Information that is kept in databases, servers, file systems, or cloud storage is referred to as data at rest, or stored data. These storage sites are routinely scanned by DLP solutions to find sensitive data, categorize it, and implement the necessary security measures. By doing this, the DLP system makes sure that private information is kept safe, encrypted when needed, and out of the hands of unauthorized individuals. For instance, it may impose encryption on private files kept in cloud storage or limit access to those files according to user responsibilities inside the company.
Why Data Loss Prevention is important?
Organizations manage enormous volumes of sensitive data in today's digital environment, including customer information and intellectual property. The increasing prevalence of cyberattacks, regulatory demands, and insider threats has made Data Loss Prevention (DLP) a critical component for protecting sensitive data and averting expensive data breaches. Key reasons for the significance of DLP are as follows:
Safeguards Sensitive Data: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) plays a critical role in protecting sensitive data, including financial records, personally identifiable information (PII), and intellectual property. Accidental or deliberate, data breaches can cause serious financial losses and harm to a company's brand.
Regulatory Compliance: Strict data protection laws, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, have been passed by governments and businesses. DLP systems monitor data access and make sure that sensitive information isn't exposed or transmitted improperly, which helps firms comply with these requirements.
Reduces Insider Threats: Insider threats, whether from nefarious workers or irresponsible users, are a serious concern to companies. DLP assists in identifying and preventing contractors, employees, or other third parties from gaining unlawful access to or sharing of sensitive data.
Prevents Data Breaches: Unauthorized file sharing, email attachments, and the use of external devices are just a few examples of the ways that data breaches can happen. DLP systems actively watch for and stop suspicious activity that can expose data to outside threats or bad actors.
Improves Data Visibility: DLP makes it easier to see how private information is accessed, utilized, and moved inside a company. Security teams can promptly detect possible threats or weak points, and they can then take the necessary precautions to safeguard the data.
