What is Data Loss Prevention?
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) encompasses strategies, processes, and technologies designed to detect and prevent the unauthorized use, transmission, or exfiltration of sensitive data. DLP solutions monitor data in motion, at rest, and in use to enforce data protection policies.
DLP Categories
Network DLP
- Email scanning
- Web traffic monitoring
- File transfer inspection
- Cloud app monitoring
Endpoint DLP
- USB/removable media control
- Clipboard monitoring
- Screen capture prevention
- Application control
Cloud DLP
- SaaS application monitoring
- Cloud storage scanning
- API-based protection
- CASB integration
Detection Methods
- Pattern matching (SSN, credit cards)
- Keyword detection
- Machine learning classification
- Exact data matching
- Document fingerprinting
Common Use Cases
- Preventing PII/PHI exfiltration
- Intellectual property protection
- Compliance enforcement
- Insider threat detection
- Accidental data exposure prevention