What is Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and its Types

'Prevention is better than cure' is a proverb you often hear. This proverb also applies to securely storing company data. Data Loss Prevention, a.k.a. DLP, is a step you can implement to prevent data loss in your company.

Data and information are crucial for a company's sustainability. Losing critical data will undoubtedly result in significant losses. Even if the company has a backup, getting the data back will take a long time.

DLP implementation is undoubtedly the best solution for overcoming the risk of data loss. So, what exactly is DLP? Check out this article for a full review!
 

Getting to know DLP (Data Loss Prevention)

DLP has two extensions: data loss prevention and data leakage prevention. Although they use different terms, both have the exact definition. DLP is a policy, technique, and technology created to prevent data loss or the leakage of sensitive company information.

Also Read: Memahami Apa itu Data Security: Pengertian dan Manfaatnya bagi Perusahaan Anda

Solutions in the DLP strategy include detecting, monitoring, and stopping the flow of data and connections that the company considers unauthorized. DLP also prevents users from deleting sensitive company data either intentionally or unintentionally. In addition, DLP can protect corporate data from external attacks and insecure networks.

DLP aims to prevent information from leaving the company's computer network. That is, DLP ensures that the data sent can only be accessed by internal company parties or employees who have access to it. The information in question includes financial data, customer and employee information, data on the company's intellectual property rights, and so on.

The DLP work process is based on the company's rules or policies for detecting unauthorized data flow. For example, your employees can view sensitive company data but cannot share it with external parties. The policy requires DLP to stop employee activities that are considered a violation immediately.

Check out the following illustration to make it easier to understand how DLP works: An employee sends an e-mail containing sensitive company information to an external party. DLP immediately rejects sending the e-mail and takes steps to prevent extrusion so that confidential information is not widespread.
 

Reasons Companies Need DLP

There are many vital reasons companies should implement DLP policies early on. What are they?
 

1. Cyber Threats are Increasing

Hackers are getting smarter in launching their attacks as network security technology develops. They create more sophisticated malware or viruses to break into vital network security systems. As a result, essential data can be lost, and if the case is revealed, this affects the company's reputation in the eyes of the public.

Also Read: Berbagai Ancaman Keamanan Jaringan Yang Harus Anda Waspadai

DLP is needed to anticipate increasingly dangerous cyber threats. It can also monitor abnormal activity on your computer network to prevent it as early as possible.
 

2. Data Leaks Can Come from Internal Parties

Employees within your company can also cause data leakage problems. They steal and sell important company data for their interests. Of course, this can jeopardize your company's security, especially if they do it in secret.

Optimal use of DLP can solve the problem of data theft. DLP also tracks employees who perpetrate data theft so that you can sanction them. In short, DLP effectively prevents data management and manipulation fraud.
 

3. BYOD Policy Risk

The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy that large companies are starting to implement certainly has its risks. Company data can be leaked because employees access it using their devices. This is where DLP works effectively. DLP will track the activities that employees have done on their devices so that they can trace the origin of the data leak.

Also Read: Memahami Apa itu Kebijakan Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) pada Sebuah Perusahaan
 

4. Safer Data Management

DLP makes the data management process more flexible and secure. Even though it uses third-party storage media, DLP ensures that the stored data will not leave the company's computer network. As a result, the data will not leak easily and remain confidential, so only internal company parties can access it. Some storage media have a backup feature that can prevent data loss when a problem occurs.
 

5. Increase the Role of CISO

Companies are now starting to recruit Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) responsible for maintaining company information security. The role of CISO will increase with the implementation of DLP in the company. In addition, sophisticated DLP technology helps provide complete reporting to the CEO. This report is also used as an evaluation material to improve the company's information security.
 

6. Helping the Work of the Company's IT Team

The work of the company's IT team will be quicker by implementing DLP. The reason is that data leakage is challenging to track with the help of technology. Because DLP can follow track records of employee activities, your IT team can find the root cause of data leaks more easily.
 

Types of DLP that Can Be Applied

Three types of DLP technology can be applied in your company. The following is an explanation of each technology.
 

1. Data-in-Motion

Data-in-motion is a type of DLP that uses encryption in sending e-mails. This data encryption process allows no outsiders to access or read information sent in e-mail. Many companies operate this type of technology when communicating with external parties.
 

2. Data-in-Use

This type of DLP technology uses active data processing and specific applications. Its security level is higher because the stored data is protected with an authentication and access control system. Users must verify themselves first to access the data contained therein.
 

3. Data-at-Rest

Data-at-rest technology is superior to the other two types. This technology provides precise access control to certain employees. When a data leak occurs, DLP immediately tracks the track record of access that employees have made to find out the cause.

How about it? Have you realized the importance of using DLP in the company? Implementing DLP policies in this company will certainly be easier with the help of Cyber Protection. In addition to protecting data from malware, Cyber Protection has a backup and restore feature to recover data lost due to a cyber attack. You can also check drive health and perform remote desktop in just one dashboard, making it more efficient.

Are you interested in using this service? Contact us now via WhatsApp to consult and find out more information. Improve the security of your company's computer network only with the best services from Cloudmatika!