Organizations face increasing attacks that leverage multiple threat vectors to steal data. More organizations are investing in robust DLP solutions to protect their interests, clients, and employees and satisfy regulations as a result.
In a nutshell, DLP means Data Loss Prevention. But what is data loss prevention exactly? The short answer is that DLP is all about enhancing an organization’s data security. The long answer is that DLP is a compilation of policies, tools, and systems that mitigate the risk of data theft.
So how does DLP security work? Organizations rely on a compilation of data loss prevention solutions to mitigate the risk of data leakage:
DLP is essential because data is a precious commodity in the modern age. Threat actors increasingly use Trojans, spyware, ransomware, phishing, spear-phishing, whaling, watering hole attacks, corporate espionage, and other tactics to target confidential information and generate revenue. In fact, research from IBM indicates that data breach costs surged 13% from 2020 to 2022. In 2021, the cost of an average was USD 4.24 million.
A data leak can also negatively impact an organization's operational capacity, assets, reputation, and future. Victims of data breaches can suffer from blackmail, identity theft, and financial fraud. Organizations failing to meet GDPR or Data Protection Act regulations face serious consequences such as fines and other repercussions.
Select DLP software or any other DLP tool that offers the following types of support and capabilities
Strong DLP policies help organizations with legal compliance. Such policies also shield the privacy and security of users. Organizations should also avoid data breaches to protect their reputation and business health.
There seems to be news of a major data breach every month, and people are frustrated. With organizations only offering half-hearted apologies while leaving users to deal with the consequences, lawmakers worldwide are stepping in to implement comprehensive privacy rules.
Regulations like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) offer users more control over their sensitive information. Organizations must harden security stances and processes to protect information in accordance with these laws.
Companies that fail to comply can face severe fines and may even have to pay court-mandated financial relief to victims.
Stronger DLP policies help protect some of the following Personally Identifiable Information (PII):
Threat actors can use sensitive data like PII or login credentials to steal assets from people, steal their identity, or extort them for money. They can also sell PII on the Dark Web. Buyers of stolen information can leverage the data for all types of cybercrimes, including ransomware attacks.
Organizations must avoid data breaches to protect their reputation. While larger organizations can go unscathed, some small to medium-sized businesses don’t recover from a data breach. Companies that suffer expensive cybersecurity attacks can also turn into repeat targets.
In a nutshell, an organization’s DLP policy sets rules around how they manage data. A robust DLP policy identifies, tracks, and protects confidential information. Organizations that successfully shield information utilize strong policies and the best DLP solutions.
Organizations must adopt a holistic approach to prevent data loss in the face of complex threats. Cutting-edge DLP software, monitoring systems, and policies, alongside employee training and refreshers, are the best way to defend information.
Preventing data loss is also about taking personal responsibility. Please take the time to learn how to protect yourself against data theft. A threat actor could use your data to attack you, your friends, your family, your employer, or your business.
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The three core types of DLP software are endpoint DLP, network DLP, and cloud DLP. In commonality, all three types of data loss prevention focus on data protection but different security methods are used depending on the environment.
What is a data loss prevention strategy? In simple terms, your organization's DLP strategy centers on monitoring, detecting, and safeguarding data while in states of use, transfer, or storage. Your business' sensitive data and intellectual property (IP) are among the collateral following a data breach. Learn how to protect your organization from unwanted cyberattacks, view Malwarebytes EDR demo.
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