Understanding Data Loss Prevention or DLP is the number one step to creating a secured and unreachable network. With the rate at which cybersecurity attacks are taking place these days, there are more than enough reasons for companies to worry about their digital security systems. Without proper insurance, it could cost you thousands, if not even hundreds of thousands of dollars to recover from complex cybersecurity attacks.
With that in mind, it is important to understand how data loss prevention plays a role in this entire scenario. The thing about data loss is that it can be both a consequence and a cause of a security attack. Hence, the data should be heavily guarded within your network, regardless of the niche or industry your business is in.
What is Data Loss Prevention?
Data Loss Prevention or DLP for short represents a set of tools and procedures used to protect data. This includes preventing data from being lost or stolen, as well as from being misused in any possible way. By using DLP software, companies can solve three of the most common security pain points, which include the protection of personal information, protection of intellectual property, as well as data visibility.
In other words, DLP software serves as an all-in-one solution for all of the three issues listed above. In most cases, this tool classifies critical data and identifies any violations of policies, as well as potential data breach threats. Depending on the DLP software you choose, you will get features such as alerts for critical data exposure threats and advanced data encryption.
Do You Need a DLP Software?
Nearly all DLP tools monitor and control endpoint activities and keep the data secure within corporate networks or the cloud. While it is not a legal requirement for organizations to have DLP software integrated within their network, it can be a huge plus for their security system. This tool goes way beyond simply protecting sensitive data.
A data loss prevention software will report you on all the instances where your organization might be violating certain compliances or policies. This could save you thousands of dollars you would otherwise lose to financial fines for not meeting compliance requirements. Moreover, DLP software can help you identify areas of weakness within the security system and thus allow you to react in time before any damage is done.
Why Is Data Loss Prevention Required
The DLP market has evolved quite a lot throughout the last couple of years and it now encompasses over two billion dollars in value. This goes to show how significant DLP software has become and how much of an impact they’ve made on security systems around the world. If you’re wondering why data loss prevention should matter to you, here are a couple of reasons:
- DLP tools can help Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) report to their company's CEO on the data loss prevention plans and statistics.
- The compliance regulations are constantly evolving and becoming more difficult to follow. DLP tools will help you stay on track and never miss potential violations, which will save you a lot of money in the long run.
- With the increased use of the cloud these days, the number of potential security threats has never been greater. Consequently, preventing data loss has become more challenging and nearly impossible without tools such as DLP software.
Overall, if you want to prevent data theft and major financial losses within your organization, you should consider investing in DLP software. The shortage of security measures and proper regulation compliances can get your company into serious trouble. Hence, it is always better to think ahead and act before it’s too late.