Concerned about your organization’s security posture?
In today’s cyberthreat landscape, this is a topic of debate. The stats say it all, the average cost of data loss in the year 2023 was recorded as highest, reaching $4.45 million.
An organization handles sensitive information, but if exposed, it can lead to data breaches. This results in million-dollar losses and adds an extra layer of complexity. Organizations should always have a second thought before sharing their sensitive information across platforms.
To surpass all the security concerns, a comprehensive Data Loss Prevention Strategy (DLP) can do wonders! It’s a preventive measure that restricts access to unauthorized users from stealing confidential information, malicious activities, identity thefts and more. All business sizes, including startups and large-scale businesses, need to incorporate data loss prevention strategies.
Let’s dive into the blog and explore more about data loss prevention and the effective strategies that help to mitigate security concerns.
More About Data Loss Prevention
Data loss prevention is basically a set of security solutions that becomes a part of a company’s overall security strategy. Through the strategy of data loss prevention (DLP), or extrusion prevention, Company primarily protects its crucial data.
Organizations can maintain regulatory compliance by reviewing and updating their data storage and retention policies with the support of a strong DLP plan in place. Additionally, it assists you in adhering to laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Unveiling the Data Loss Prevention Strategies
As is clearly mentioned above, DLP is something your organization cannot ignore. Here are some of the best strategies you can take to improve your organization’s security posture.
Identify and Classify Your Data
Data classification is highly important and involves identifying the different types of data your organization holds and labeling them according to the category, such as value, sensitivity, and the potential impact on the organization. Once you’ve identified the type of data, you can simply implement the various security measures such as protecting from hackers, identity thefts, encryption and access controls.
Use Data Encryption
Once you’ve identified your data, the next step is to strengthen your defenses. Encryption adds a whole new level of security to your data. Thus, make sure to encrypt data while at rest or in transit, so your data will be secure. As, users won’t get unauthorized access to the content, thereby preventing data exposure.
Securing Systems
It’s vital to harden your security systems. This includes ensuring your operating systems are highly robust and secure. Further, delete unnecessary applications or software's that are installed, which might be an entry point to hackers. Next point is don’t store any unnecessary data on the system that may result in the false positives. Limit access to employees who need to get the job done.
Educate and Train Employees
The success of the company’s data loss prevention strategy majorly depends on the in-depth knowledge and skills of their employees. Individuals cause most cyberattacks through lack of training, carelessness, or malice. Thus, employees should undergo regular training in implementing the best data loss prevention practices for their organization and stay abreast of mishaps.
Monitoring the Network Access
The organization's network monitored more closely, the less susceptible it is to cyberattacks and the easier it is to identify suspicious activities. Data loss prevention strategies prevent organizations from keeping their sensitive information safe and secure.
Establish Key Metrics
Measuring metrics can help to give you an overview of your data loss prevention (DLP) strategy. Track metrics such as number of incidents, assess the adherence to the organization's security policies, measure time to response, and more.
Assign Roles
In your organization, allocate roles and responsibilities to know who is accountable for the security of your data. This way, it would be an ideal way to track if anything goes wrong.
Use Automation Wherever Feasible
It’s a good option to automate the security functions wherever they can be. IT companies find it appropriate for their large-scale environments, which are spread across different physical locations. With the help of automation, organizations can easily detect and respond to suspicious activities, perform updates, time-consuming tasks and more.
Disregarding the measures listed above can put your organization into danger. Hence, it’s paramount to incorporate these best data loss protection practices, encompassing every aspect of your organization.
In Conclusion
Data loss is a negative and tough side for an individual or organization. Thus, it’s paramount to incorporate the data loss prevention best practices to stay one step ahead of hackers or malicious actors.
Your organization's data is the most valuable asset and needs to be prioritized with the highest care. Hope the above listed checklist gives you a solid idea of planning and addressing your DLP strategies. Stay secure, stay informed and be safe in the cyberworld through our blog posts.
