Tag: cyber security

  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Securing Critical Business Data

    Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Securing Critical Business Data

    In today’s digital world, data is a company’s most valuable asset. All businesses have confidential data like project details, financial and client information etc. Losing critical data can lead to financial losses, reputational damage and legal penalties for businesses. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a concept of preventing data loss through external or internal sources. Let’s explore.

    In this article

    Importance of DLP measures in a business

    Companies use DLP (Data Loss Prevention) measures to safeguard their confidential and sensitive information. It ensures critical data is only accessible to authorized users. DLP is a proactive step towards building resilient and trustworthy businesses in the following ways:

    1. Prevents unintentional data leaks-

    One main reason for data loss is human errors. DLP reduces accidental data leaks by employees by employing context-aware controls and continuous data monitoring. With accurate detection, real-time user coaching and adaptive reaction, unintentional data losses can drop significantly.

    2. Reduces intentional data breaches–

    Intentional breaches by inside or outside players are another reason for business data loss. DLP can reduce malevolent data breaches by spotting irregularities and then stopping data exfiltration.
    Example- If a data movement occurs on a public holiday, a sensitive folder like .csv gets accessed screenshots will be taken. The system then classifies these changes and prevents them from happening.

    3. Unified, intelligent & proactive operations

    DLP isn’t just about preventing data loss. It actively contributes to smoother, smarter, and safer business operations. It unifies security efforts, manages data flow intelligently, and proactively addresses risks before data leaks happen.

    4. Safeguards private information in SaaS apps

    DLP ensures that private and corporate tenants, unapproved apps and AI powered platforms have data security across SaaS (Software as a Service)  applications. That prevents accidental disclosures and unwanted access via these apps. 

    Most of the SaaS applications in the market are compliant with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Also ensure they comply with data protection laws in your operating country. 

    5. Verifies adherence to privacy laws-

    DLP’s unified and intelligent approach to data protection makes management easier. It also enables you to proactively support compliance to regulatory standards across all control points.

    6. Protects intellectual property

    Businesses have innovative ideas, product designs and trade secrets. These can also become prime targets of cyber attacks. DLP machine learning and trainable classifiers classify and protect intellectual property. And that helps businesses maintain their competitive edge.

    Before implementing DLP measures in your business,

    Here are some key things to keep in mind before deciding to use DLP measures in your business. 

    1. Analyze what level of data protection you need for your business. Assess whether you need a minimum, medium, or higher level of DLP measures. 
    2. Remember, DLP measures can affect your end-user operations. So, aim to have a balance in your data security measures so the end-users can transact without glitches. Have corrective measures if DLP prevents genuine business use cases. Example- Management authorizations to approve data access requests.
    3. Combining DLP with mobile device management or MDM solutions can increase data security in your organization. MDM can work in tandem with your DLP solution and enhance data security in your organization. 

    How to implement DLP measures in your business

    Now you can assess your company’s DLP needs and plan accordingly. Let’s look at the processes involved in DLP.

    1. Critical Data Identification

    Where exactly are your important files located? Nowadays, most data is in either approved applications like emails, or in unauthorized apps like file sharing or messaging apps. 

    Identify all your critical data sources. List where your business data lives: on-premise servers, cloud apps, databases, email systems, laptops, mobile and IoT devices etc. In short, don’t leave out any device that is connected to your local network or/and internet. 
    Also understand the flow of data — how it’s created, accessed, shared and stored.

    2. Data Classification 

    After identifying and locating your critical data, the next step is their classification. Data classification involves sorting the data into categories based on sensitivity. 

    Look at what type of data each department uses. Many departments may use only email platforms, and some document and MS Excel files.  Marketing or designing departments may use many other types of files. 

    While classifying data, ask yourself, Is there an active directory (AD) and document control in place now? What add-ons to consider? 

    3. DLP implementation

    After data classification, your DLP solution applies the right protections for each data category. It’s the foundation for smart, effective and compliant data security.

    Implement the right DLP solution that fits the specific needs of your business. Make approval policies and unified management of all data touch points in your company. This can be department wise, hierarchy wise or on a need-to-know basis. Update data security rules across all your channels.

    Have streamlined procedures to maintain smooth workflows and business operations. At the same time, make sure your business operations don’t get restricted because of the data security regulations.

    Sometimes, data breaches can occur via 3rd party SaaS apps. To protect against this, use secured browsers, clouds and remote sites. Use SSO (single sign on) and MFA (multi factor authentication) in your business networks.

    Thus you have access controls, rules for your email platforms, cloud storage, endpoint security. Plus real-time monitoring to detect anomalies.

    4. Optimization and Monitoring

    After DLP implementation, what next? Now you can optimize, monitor and improve the data securing processes. For that, conduct periodic audits to mimic data loss possibilities. Test periodically, to know whether your DLP system works effectively, or needs further fine-tuning.

    Look at your DLP alerts. If false positive alerts emerge, then fine-tune it. Ask yourself, is sensitive data still accessible? Are user roles and risk levels configured properly?

    Train your employees on cybersecurity best practices, simulations and data breach exercises.

    For extra safety, integrate your DLP solution with SIEM (Security Incident and Event Management) and CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) tools.

    Additionally, you can stay informed with changes in privacy and security related laws such as:

    DLP solutions

    What are DLP solutions?

    DLP (Data Loss Prevention) solutions are a set of software tools and strategies designed to detect, monitor, and protect sensitive business data from accidental loss, intentional leak or misuse. They help businesses control how information is accessed, shared and stored, so critical and confidential data stays secure.

    Key Features of DLP Solutions:

    • Data identification and classification-
      Locate and label sensitive data based on content, context, and business value.
    • Policy enforcement-
      Apply rules to control how data is accessed, transferred, or shared, both inside and outside the organization.
    • Real-time monitoring-
      Track data in use (on endpoints), in motion (across networks), and at rest (in storage or cloud).
    • Alerts and reporting-
      Notify security teams about unusual activities or policy violations.
    • Incident response-
      Automatically block or quarantine suspicious activities and provide insights for investigation.
    • Compliance support-
      Help businesses meet legal and industry-specific data protection requirements

    Examples of DLP solutions:

    • Microsoft Purview
    • Symantec DLP by Broadcom
    • Forcepoint DLP (a cloud native platform by Zero Trust)
    • McAfee DLP (strong for endpoint security)
    • Cyberhaven (focused on insider threats),
    • Safetica (user friendly with strong compliance tools),
    • SecureTrust (for data security)
    • TrenMicro Micro IDLP (strong in endpoint security),
    • Trellix DLP (for advanced threat protection)
    • Endpoint Protector (by CoSoSys for data security and device control)

    AI powered DLP

    As business grows, policies change and data interconnections become complex. Then it gets harder to track all data moves, interactions, and the factors affecting them. Unified, proactive AI-driven data management can streamline DLP processes then. 

    AI driven DLP solutions efficiently track movement of data shared by various software, apps and other programs. These applications benefit from AI access security. This lowers security risks, streamlines complexity and administration. Your life gets easier.

    While there are many benefits to AI powered DLP, make sure you don’t endanger your private and sensitive information.

    Examples of AI powered DLP solutions:

    • Palo Alto Enterprise DLP
    • Forcepoint DLP
    • Symantec DLP
    • Trellix DLP
    • Nightfall AI
    • Safetica

    Final Thoughts

    Data loss prevention (DLP) measures help protect organizations’ valuable assets. It secures critical business data from unintentional leaks and intentional breaches. It also helps businesses stay compliant with data protection laws, safeguard customer trust, and maintain operational integrity. 

    When deciding to use DLP measures in your company, consider your business environment. Assess the level of data safety you need and decide accordingly. Also keep a balance between data security and smooth end-user operations. 

    First identify your critically important data, classify them, and then implement a DLP solution. Afterwards, test and monitor regularly for effective DLP in your business.  

    Here are some useful links for you:

    Check if your email or phone number was compromised.

    To know whether other personal details are exposed.

    Find out if your personal data has been exposed on dark web.

    Share your thoughts on the topic. Drop a comment below.