Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a cybersecurity solution that ensures data safety by identifying and preventing the misuse or unauthorized sharing of sensitive information. DLP uses best practices and software tools to classify data and prevent unauthorized transfer. It includes everything from data flow maps and digital rights management to Zero Trust Network Access and automated backups.
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Keep it Secure
Data is a crucial business asset. It may contain personal information, confidential customer records, or company financial documents. Regardless of the type, the loss or theft of any data can result in significant disruptions that impact a business’s day-to-day operations. While hardware and software can be replaced, data is unique and irreplaceable. Therefore, it’s essential to have a strong security strategy in place to protect you against data loss from cyberattacks. The best way is to implement a comprehensive data protection program with security software, policies, and procedures. This can include data classification, encryption, and monitoring for potential threats and breaches. Remembering that a successful security strategy is a short-term solution is also essential. It must be continually worked on and updated to stay current with new risks and threats. Data breaches typically happen when sensitive or confidential data is lost, leaked, or transmitted outside authorized channels. The most common source of this is a cyberattack, like a phishing campaign or malware attack. However, internal threats are also a problem. Malicious attackers can use insiders like employees, contractors, and vendors to exfiltrate data for their gain or to cause damage. This can occur when these insiders unintentionally transfer data through company-unsanctioned SaaS applications, cloud storage repositories, and more. DLP solutions can detect and block these unauthorized transmissions.
Keep it Organized
Many businesses produce vast volumes of data every day. But if this information needs to be organized, it can end up on an employee’s smartphone or scribbled on a Post-it note. It could also be sent to unauthorized parties or lost. This is where a good, solid data organizational strategy will save your company. Organizing data will ensure that only authorized parties can access sensitive data sections. It will also make it easy for company staff to assess the information from one source, ensuring assessment consistency. Several data storage options are available, including cloud services. Choosing the right solution will depend on your business needs, including security requirements and budget. Another great way to keep data safe is by backing it up regularly. This essentially copies the data to another device or location for preservation in case of equipment failure, attack, or other data loss events. Experts recommend the 3-2-1 backup method, which involves keeping three copies of your data in two locations and on at least one external device. Managed DLP services are a great option to help fill the gap, providing security expertise and technology you may need in-house.
Keep it Up-to-Date
As businesses become increasingly reliant on data, keeping records up to date is essential. This can help improve marketing, sales, and business development, but it’s also vital for preventing data breaches. One easy way to do this is by installing updates on all software, mainly operating systems. Many devices will alert you when OS updates are available, and it’s a good idea to apply these as soon as possible to protect against security vulnerabilities. Another easy way to keep your data current is by implementing regular training sessions that explain the latest threats and reinforce best preventative practices. You can even tailor the training to the specific needs of different roles in your company. This will increase employee awareness and make it easier for them to identify and report potential data breaches.
Keep it Safe
Data breaches and ransomware attacks frequently threaten the confidentiality of personal information, trade secrets, client lists, and other organizational data. The loss or exposure of any of this information can cause severe reputational damage and monetary losses for the affected businesses. Data protection is everyone’s responsibility, and the entire organization needs to take a proactive role in maintaining security standards. While it may seem like a hassle, backing up your data regularly is an excellent way to keep it safe and secure. Backups can help you recover from a technical malfunction or hardware failure without too much disruption to your business. You should have two or three copies of your most essential data and at least one copy on an external hard drive. It helps encrypt your backups for the best data security. While hacker threats are a significant factor in data loss, insider attacks are just as important to consider. Malicious or disgruntled employees can steal confidential information or sell it to competitors. This type of attack can occur when a rogue employee or an attacker gains access to the company’s network and uses privileged accounts to move data out of the organization. Effective DLP can prevent this data exfiltration by detecting anomalous behavior and limiting user access to sensitive information.
