DLP – Data Loss Prevention refers to a set of security technologies, policies, and practices designed to prevent unauthorised access, leakage, or loss of sensitive data. DLP systems monitor and control the movement of data both within and outside an organisation to ensure that confidential or critical information is not exposed or stolen.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Data Monitoring: DLP solutions continuously monitor data usage across endpoints, networks, and cloud environments, looking for sensitive information (like credit card numbers, social security numbers, or proprietary business data) that could be at risk.
- Policy Enforcement: Organisations create rules and policies defining which data is sensitive and how it should be handled. DLP systems can block or restrict actions that violate these policies, such as sending sensitive data via email or uploading it to unauthorised cloud services.
- Incident Response: When DLP systems detect a potential data breach or unauthorised activity, they can alert security teams, log the event, or even take immediate action to block the transmission or access to the data.
Why Use DLP? Data loss is one of the most critical risks organisations face, with breaches often leading to financial loss, regulatory penalties, and damage to reputation. DLP helps safeguard sensitive information, maintain compliance with regulations (such as GDPR or HIPAA), and protect against insider threats.
Think of DLP as a security guard for your organisation’s most valuable data. It ensures that confidential information stays secure, keeping an eye on how it’s used, where it goes, and ensuring it’s not accidentally or maliciously leaked or stolen.
