6 Best Data Loss Prevention Strategies

Data loss has a worldwide cost $3.92 million. Any organization that lacks due diligence in protecting its data risks losing it to cyberattackers. Data loss is more than just an inconvenience; it’s an event that can make or break the future of your business. The only meaningful way to combat such an event is with a strong data loss prevention strategy.

There is a lot of data loss prevention methodsbut they have the same objective: to counter and reduce the risk of loss of your company’s data.

DLP technology is available in two categories: enterprise DLPs for a company’s desktops and servers, and embedded DLPs, which are used to secure web gateways, email encryption, and other tools.

Below we discuss data loss prevention implementation strategies. The security of your data is intrinsically linked to the security of your system.

We will also look at some best practices for data loss prevention. If some require the use of software, the human link can never be ruled out. Safe, robust and efficient data processing is vital.

Build a solid DLP strategy

Nothing protects your data more than a solid DLP strategy. The first step in any data loss prevention strategy is to determine the level of protection your data needs.

Next, you need to determine an appropriate course of action for data access. Some companies opt for comprehensive reporting, showing who is accessing their data, when it is accessed, what is taken, etc.

You can extend your data loss prevention project plan by selecting the organizational data that needs to be secured.

Implement policies that dictate where data should reside and the requirements for accessing it, such as multi-factor authentication or privileged access. Your plan should also include protocols for dealing with hypothetical threats if your data is compromised.

Classify data and identify what you want to protect

When implementing your data loss prevention strategy, it is crucial to understand the importance of each data of the company. All modern businesses are data-driven, but not all data is equally relevant.

Sensitive data must be separated, classified and prioritized. A vital component of a data loss solution keeps an eye on the data shared with your suppliers, partners and third-party platforms.

Over time you will notice distinct patterns as sensitive data is stored separately with data loss prevention controls. This cluster of data essentially becomes your most valuable asset. Back it up and update it frequently to keep your organization running in the event of a data breach.

Do not collect unnecessary data

In modern companies, most data compilations are done through automationAI data collection systems which leave almost nothing untouched.

However, one of the best data loss prevention steps you can learn is that excessive data diminishes your efforts to protect your business. You only need data that is useful.

Don’t let your system collect data just because it’s there. There is so much storage space available these days no matter which solution you use.

Yet cloud services and servers are limited, and too much data takes away the resources you can use to protect your information Minimize your risk by cutting the fat and focusing on the data that drives your business.

Additionally, the data you collect should be determined by the company policies and regulations you implement. Not to mention that companies these days are supposed to be transparent when it comes to privacy.

Implement strong access management practices

One of the best data loss prevention best practices has access management to prevent data leaks. You can use Access Control Lists (ACLs) to review and manage who can access your company’s online resources, granting custom permissions to your employees. The assignment of roles within the framework of IT management is an excellent data loss prevention method.

It may not seem like much, but keeping your software up to date can boost your security tenfold. Make sure you are working with updated versions of all software, from operating systems to antivirus. Spread the word to the IT team to manage any necessary patches to keep your technology running like a well-oiled machine.

When planning data loss prevention controls, you need to find out about the anomalies. An anomaly is a point that stands out in your data, creating an imbalance in its normal behavior. Anomalies can be outliers that appear unsystematic or a large spike that shows a sudden change from standard patterns. You may face slow drifts or long-term changes in your data.

Modern data loss prevention strategies rely on a statistical analysis coupled with correlation rules. The data obtained is combined with machine learning procedures and behavioral analyzes to identify abnormal behavior. Once your systems have learned the expected behavior of your data, they can detect any suspicious activity that could cause data leaks.

Educate your employees and test the DLP strategy

For your data loss prevention project plan to work, you have to apply it. The best way to do this is through education: schedule classes, seminars, online training, email campaigns, and more. Your employees need to be aware of the risk of data leaks to comply with all of your security policies.

You can go further and create a training scenario where they apply the DLP strategy step by step to be evaluated. You can also create a group to inform employees about what is data loss prevention. Hold quarterly meetings to keep your team up to date with cybersecurity updates.

Final Thoughts

A good data loss prevention strategy combines technology, controls, regulated access to data and trained personnel. Your business can thrive if you implement a well-structured and centralized DLP program. You need to assess the risks and your internal sources of data. Creating an inventory of the data you need helps maintain a streamlined operation.

Protect your data with restricted access and controls that let you see who has access to it and how it’s being used. Beware of anomalies; use machine learning tools to protect your data. Take the time to educate your staff and make sure they understand the issues data loss prevention controls and the critical role they play in maintaining corporate security.

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*** This is an EasyDMARC Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog written by EasyDmarc. Read the original post at: https://easydmarc.com/blog/6-best-data-loss-prevention-strategies/