Everything You Need to Know About Data Loss Prevention
Businesses that collect and use data from their clients need to be aware of the potential risks associated with data loss. Namely, data loss prevention (DLP) is a set of strategies and tools used to protect an organization’s data from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction. In addition to being good practice, DLP is also essential for businesses that are required to comply with local regulations like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
If you want to learn more about the importance of DLP, the strategies, and DLP tools like docontrol.io that can be used to protect your data, keep reading.
What Is Data Loss Prevention?
Data loss prevention (DLP) is a critical tool for businesses that handle any sensitive information. It can help protect your data from exposure, theft, and other security risks. DLP solutions can also be used in a variety of ways, such as preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data, monitoring employee activity on networks, and encrypting data stored on company computers.
It’s worth mentioning that DLP tools are generally made up of several components that work together. These include policies and procedures for employees to follow when handling sensitive data, software that scans for potential risks and monitors employee activity, and hardware devices such as firewalls and other security measures.
Such software can allow organizations to efficiently:
- Monitor and control access to sensitive data
- Track employee activity on the network
- Detect unusual behavior that could indicate a data breach
- Monitor and assess data movements
- Automate data protection processes
- Encrypt sensitive data stored on company computers
It’s important to note that data loss prevention is not a one-time solution. Rather, businesses need to regularly update and review their security procedures, ensuring that they’re up-to-date with the latest threats. By taking the time to evaluate and implement the right data loss prevention measures, you’ll be able to ensure that your business is secure for years to come.
Why Is Data Loss Prevention Important?
Data loss prevention is important because it can help protect businesses from the risks associated with potential security risks like data breaches and leaks. Data breaches occur when sensitive information is accessed without authorization. This can have a devastating impact on your business, from financial losses to reputational damage and even legal issues in some severe cases. DLP software solutions can help minimize this risk by providing strong security measures and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.
However, DLP software solutions can also help businesses avoid hefty fines by ensuring they remain compliant with data protection regulations like the GDPR. The GDPR mandates that organizations take all appropriate measures to protect personal data and that any data breaches are reported within 72 hours. By implementing DLP solutions, businesses can rest assured that their data is secure and that they remain compliant with the GDPR.
Do I Need Data Loss Prevention?
Yes, if your business regularly handles sensitive information of any kind. DLP tools can reduce cybersecurity risks and help protect against data breaches. Additionally, since a number of regulatory bodies require businesses to have DLP solutions in place, businesses need to implement one to remain compliant.
Here’s a short list of the most common causes of data leaks:
- Threats from inside – Employees can be the weakest link in an organization’s security. It is important to have DLP solutions to monitor employee activity in the network.
- Attacks from outside – Malicious actors can steal data through cyberattacks, such as phishing and malware. DLP solutions can help detect these threats before they have the chance to do any damage.
- Data loss due to errors – Human error can be an issue when handling sensitive data, and DLP solutions can help ensure that data is securely stored and transferred.
- Inadequate security measures – Without adequate security measures in place, malicious actors can easily access sensitive data. DLP solutions can help protect data by encrypting it and preventing unauthorized access.
If your company is at risk of getting breached due to any of the abovementioned causes, then implementing a DLP software solution will definitely help protect your business.
Conclusion
In summary, preventing data loss is an essential part of any business’s security strategy. DLP solutions can help protect your data from exposure, theft, and other security risks. These tools will give you the necessary policies and procedures for employees to follow, as well as software that will scan and detect any potential risks.
Additionally, by implementing a comprehensive strategy and utilizing a good DLP software solution, you can ensure that your business is both secure and compliant with the relevant regulations posed by the authorities.
