5 Steps to Implementing a Strong Data Loss Prevention Solution

Your data is one of your most valuable assets, and hackers know it. Attacks on critical business information are growing more common and more sophisticated every day, which makes it essential for companies of all sizes and industries to implement careful data loss prevention (DLP) solutions as part of their cybersecurity infrastructure.

This guide will outline 5 steps you can take to integrate a robust DLP strategy in your organization and keep your data secure.

1. Identify and Classify Sensitive Data

The first step in preparing your DLP plan is organizing your data and identifying information that needs particular protection. This includes any personally identifiable information (PII) such as:

• Full names

• Addresses

• Social security numbers

• Payment information

• Financial records

Start with a detailed data audit to locate sensitive data and sort it into categories based on how it's used and what level of protection it needs. Classification tags (e.g., confidential, internal use only, public, etc.) can help you keep track of information and create clear categories. Consider launching automated data discovery software to help you monitor and sort new data quickly.

2. Define Clear DLP Policies

To be effective, data loss prevention solutions should include clear, detailed guidelines for handling and protecting information. Work with a data and compliance specialist to create a comprehensive policy, and ensure your protocols align with industry regulations and standards.

Consider things like who has access to which sensitive data, how data can be shared, where data can be stored (including instructions for external and cloud storage), how different data should be encrypted, and what other security measures should be put into place for each data category.

3. Choose Your Strategy

There are a few different approaches you can take with your data loss prevention solutions, depending on your organization's current infrastructure, as well as your needs and goals:

• Network DLP: Monitors and protects data in transit across emails, cloud services, and web traffic, ensuring that sensitive information is not transmitted without authorization. 

• Endpoint DLP: Secures data on individual devices like computers and phones by preventing unauthorized file transfers and blocking potentially unsafe actions at the endpoint level. 

• Cloud DLP: Protects sensitive data stored in cloud applications, such as Google Drive and Microsoft 365, by ensuring compliance with security policies and preventing exposure of confidential information.

In general, using a combination of these tools is an ideal way to ensure your data is protected at all points and that there aren't any gaps that hackers can use to sneak into your systems.

4. Train Employees on Best Practices

Employee mistakes are a leading cause of data breaches, with human error leading to more than 80% of cyber incidents. That's why training your employees on data loss prevention solutions and policies is crucial. Hold regular trainings and drills to ensure each team member understands how to:

• Recognize phishing attempts and social engineering tactics

• Properly handle sensitive data

• Share files and use email securely

• Follow basic cyber best practices

You can also implement extra protections to limit the amount of human contact with sensitive data. Role-based access controls that restrict employees' access to only what they absolutely need to do their job (aka the principle of least privilege) can be particularly helpful.

5. Keep Monitoring and Improving

Keep a close eye on your databases and protection strategies with 24/7 monitoring and frequent audits. Scan for unauthorized data transfers, failed access attempts, and anomalies in user behavior, which can be a sign of inside threats. This careful monitoring will help you catch and eradicate potential breaches before they spread throughout your systems.

Be sure to also track the effectiveness of your classification system and policies. If it feels like something is clunky or unhelpful, don't hesitate to revamp your strategy to make it more efficient and useful for your operations.

Refine Your Data Loss Prevention Solutions with ICS

At ICS, we understand how important your data is, and we’re here to help you keep it safe. Our cutting-edge data loss prevention solutions are proactive, comprehensive, and always tailored to your needs. Shoot us a message to learn more about how we can help you protect your data.