Prevention of data loss - Know the basics - Emptor

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a set of techniques and technologies used to detect and prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of confidential information. The importance of DLP lies in the fact that confidential information, such as personal data, financial information, and confidential business information, is often the target of cyber attacks.

DLP helps ensure that confidential information does not leak, get stolen, or misused accidentally or intentionally. This is important for organizations to comply with compliance requirements and to protect against data breaches, which can result in significant financial and reputational damage. Additionally, DLP helps organizations ensure they protect confidential data and maintain the trust of their customers and partners.

Various DLP Solutions Available: Software, Hardware, and Cloud-based Solutions

There are several types of DLP (Data Loss Prevention) solutions available, including:

Software-based DLP: This type of solution is typically installed on an organization’s own servers and monitors network traffic for confidential data. These solutions can be configured to identify, monitor, and protect against data breaches.
Hardware-based DLP: This type of solution is often a physical device, such as a device or gateway, placed inline on the network to monitor and protect confidential data.
Cloud-based DLP: This type of solution is hosted in the cloud and is typically offered as a service. These solutions can be configured to monitor and protect data as it is transmitted and stored in the cloud.
Hybrid DLP: This type of solution uses a combination of software, hardware, and cloud-based technologies to monitor and protect confidential data.

All of these solutions often rely on different technologies to identify confidential data, monitor it, and protect it, such as regular expressions, pattern matching, fingerprinting, and machine learning.

Key Steps Organizations Can Take to Prevent Data Loss

Periodic backups: Organizations should perform regular backups of their data to ensure they can recover it in the event of a disaster or data loss. This can include both on-site and off-site backups, as well as the use of cloud-based backup services.
Access controls: It is important to implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized access to confidential data. This can include the use of multi-factor authentication, configuring access permissions, and regularly monitoring user activity.
Employee training: Train your employees on proper data handling and security protocols, including how to identify and report potential security breaches. This can also include regular security awareness training to ensure employees stay up-to-date on the latest threats and best practices.
Regular monitoring and testing: Regularly monitor your networks and systems for suspicious activity, and test your security protocols and data recovery procedures to ensure they are effective.
Encryption: Encrypt data to protect it from unauthorized access, both in transit and at rest.
Periodic software and hardware updates: Keep your software and hardware up-to-date to ensure security vulnerabilities are addressed and systems are running efficiently.

Data Leaks: What They Are and How to Prevent Them

A data leak is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential information. This can occur as a result of a security breach, software vulnerability, human error, or other means. Data leaks can be a concern for both individuals and organizations, as they can lead to identity theft, financial losses, reputational damage, and other negative consequences.

For individuals, a data leak could result in personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive data, falling into the wrong hands. For organizations, a data leak could compromise trade secrets, result in financial losses, or damage the organization’s reputation.

Additionally, if an organization handles personal information of its customers, a data leak can also lead to legal issues. Therefore, it is important for both individuals and organizations to take measures to protect their data and be vigilant in monitoring and preventing data leaks.

Best practices for handling a data leak include:

Incident response: Quickly contain the leak and gather information about the scope and nature of the incident. This may include shutting down systems, isolating networks, and preserving evidence for forensic analysis.
Notification: Notify relevant parties, such as regulatory bodies and affected individuals, as soon as possible. Be transparent and honest about the incident and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Follow-up: Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the leak and implement measures to prevent it from happening again. This may include updating policies and procedures, strengthening security controls, and training employees.
Review and update incident response plan: Review the incident response plan, identify gaps, and update it accordingly.
Communication: Communicate with relevant parties, including customers, shareholders, and employees. Emphasize that the organization is taking the incident seriously and taking appropriate actions to address it.
Compliance: Consider any applicable regulatory requirements, such as the GDPR, and take appropriate measures to comply with them.
Post-incident review: Conduct a comprehensive review of the incident, including the response and recovery efforts, to identify any areas for improvement and make necessary changes.

Follow Best Practices Before Hiring Your Personnel

Undoubtedly, prevention is the best way to avoid exposing your organization to potential data leaks of customer, vendor, or trade secret information.

One of the best practices is to perform background checks, identity verifications, and background investigations in the candidate screening process, ensure reference checks, and make sure the potential candidate has an impeccable track record. Emptor helps you perform automated identity verifications with manual reviews by our legal experts.

Work with Personnel You Can Trust

We invite you to schedule a demo to learn how you can perform hundreds of verifications in just a few clicks in a matter of minutes.