What Is Data Loss Prevention? A Quick Guide

Data, data everywhere, and not a datum you can afford to lose. In the age of big data, data have become a gold mine for companies. Data loss prevention has become essential.

Hackers and other cybercriminals work around the clock to steal companies’ data. Vulnerable companies are being plundered for their digital resources. Find out how to safeguard your company’s data by checking out this guide.

The Art of Data Loss Prevention

Data loss prevention (DLP) is indispensable to any company that’s remotely serious about securing its data. This practice ensures that users don’t send critical or sensitive information outside of a corporate network.

DLP includes software products that help a network administrator control users’ transfer of data. DLP products protect and classify critical, confidential information so that unauthorized users can’t maliciously or accidentally share data.

DLP assists organizations with data privacy laws and insider threats. Many laws have stringent data access or data protection requirements. DLP tools can also protect moving data and filter the corporate network’s data streams.

Deploying DLP successfully begins with prioritizing data.

Some data are more important than others. First, decide which data would cause the largest problem if they were stolen. Which data are the most sensitive or valuable and thus a probable target for hackers?

Then, classify that and other data by context. A data store, source application, or the user who created the data should be associated with a classification. Classification tags let organizations track data usage.

DLP in Action

The next step is knowing when your data’s at risk. Data’s usually at the highest risk when in use on endpoints.

It’s worth repeating that you need to monitor data in motion. Doing so enables you to see how your sensitive data change, if at all.

As you recognize the risks in your data’s lifecycle, work with business line managers to make controls to limit data risk. Advanced DLP programs call for fine-tuned controls to specifically reduce risks.

In the midst of your focus on data, don’t forget about your people, too. You should train your employees to avoid accidentally losing company data. Teach them how some data use may violate company policy.

The final step of DLP deployment is rolling it out. A proper rollout includes repeating the steps above with an expanded data set. You should also be able to later expand your DLP program.

If this whole process hasn’t inspired you to start IT consulting with Ascendant, then consider the following statistics. According to Proofpoint, 60% to 70% of all data breaches warrant public disclosure. What’s more, 43% of data breaches are internal.

Your Precious Data

The Lord of the Rings‘ Gollum shouldn’t be the only one exclaiming “My precious!” Just as he says that about a ring, you should scream that aloud about your company’s precious data. Realize that your data are so precious that they require a data loss prevention plan.

Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals with one click over to the Cybersecurity section.