This article explores important features of Data Loss Prevention systems and their role in protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches. It emphasizes how DLP helps keep an organization’s security and compliance in check, making it an essential read for anyone aiming to enhance their information security measures.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a set of tools and processes designed to prevent unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive information. DLP solutions monitor, detect, and block sensitive data while in use or at rest, helping organizations protect against data breaches and comply with regulations. DLP works by keeping an eye on how data moves within and leaves the organization. It scans content and context for sensitive information. It then applies policies to control access and data movement.
DLP Impact on Security and Psychology
DLP mainly serves to detect when security rules are broken, especially taking into account possible data breaches. It is very important to consider psychological factors when dealing with data leaks. The mere awareness of the presence of a DLP system in an organization is often enough to significantly reduce the number of security policy violations. This knowledge also positively influences employees’ mindset and motivation.
Every organization should ensure its employees are informed about the monitoring tools being used and agree to them by securely signing agreements with their employer. After being informed, employees usually start acting more responsibly, which leads to fewer accidental leaks caused by carelessness. It also makes it harder for deliberate harmful actions to take place.
There is a wide variety of insider threats. Employees who have been laid off might attempt to steal some information and sell it right before leaving their position. To really understand why they act this way, we need to look at it from a psychological perspective. The tuning of a DLP system should reflect an understanding of the potential behaviors of these individuals.
Strategies to Cut DLP Costs
To reduce expenses, it is important to select a DLP system that aligns with your company’s unique needs and characteristics. Conducting pilot tests can be very helpful in this process. Since some DLP systems come with their own set of implementation quirks, finding one that integrates smoothly without necessitating a complete infrastructure overhaul is essential.
The main things to look at are how well the source code is written and whether the developers can fine-tune the product. A DLP system put together from different open-source parts just does not match up in terms of features and performance with a proprietary one that has been in development for years.
You can lower costs by accurately identifying key areas such as what needs protecting most, where data is stored, how it is transferred, who has access to it, and the boundaries of this access. In this context, such measures as automatic document generation can help reduce costs while also minimizing unnecessary exposure to confidential data.
If you are working with a tight budget, consider buying a DLP subscription annually with the option to renew. This approach is much more affordable than purchasing a lifetime license all at once.
While expecting discounts as high as 90% is unrealistic, DLP vendors are eager for your business. Finding a middle ground is both necessary and achievable. Vendors aim to have you choose their solution, sometimes even for a modest sum. Most vendors tailor their approach to each client, striving to accommodate everyone’s needs with as much flexibility as possible.
Many small companies hesitate to consider Data Loss Prevention tools, fearing high costs. However, the reality for smaller companies differs significantly from larger corporations. Smaller organizations do not have to manage extensive and complex data flows. Typically, in such environments, everything is more visible and straightforward, reducing the likelihood of sophisticated fraud schemes. They actually need basic DLP systems designed for a limited number of users, which are quite affordable. While there were fewer DLP options in the past, today, the market offers a vast array of specialized systems tailored to meet diverse needs, ensuring a suitable solution for every scenario.
Outsourcing Data Loss Prevention
Even though some customers hesitate to share their data with third parties due to safety concerns, DLP outsourcing is growing. The rise in outsourcing can be partially attributed to stricter legal penalties for data breaches. This affects not just the companies themselves but also the outsourcing firms and vendors that collaborate with them. Smaller and medium-sized businesses are particularly keen on outsourcing, as they often find it challenging to set up their own information security department.
When outsourcing DLP, business owners look for a certified provider authorized to handle technical information security. Positive feedback from other customers is also an essential factor for them.
To make DLP usage smoother, service providers receive access through RDP, where a model for accessing data based on roles is set up. All work done by the outsourcing team happens on the server, and no information is shared outside of its limits. All permissions and activities are detailed in the NDA and SLA.
Efficient DLP Management
Running a DLP system should demand minimal specialized knowledge from employees. Complex DLP systems, which require a big team of information protection employees, are becoming obsolete. The field of information security is already experiencing a shortage of personnel, which makes it impractical to use expensive specialists for routine tasks.
A modern and sophisticated DLP system addresses this with automation tools, such as identifying new document categories and developing models for their protection, assisting in the update of security policies, and more. Solving purely technical issues can be delegated to the vendor or integrator by opting for extended technical support.
To effectively run a DLP system within an organization, two key roles are required: an IT specialist with the technical knowledge to set up and maintain the system, and a security analyst tasked with operating the system and carrying out investigations. The size of the analyst team needed grows with the number of employees in the company, typically requiring about one specialist for every 1,000 users. In some instances, one analyst for every 10,000 people suffices.
This number can vary significantly based on the severity of incidents deemed critical versus those considered less so. If a company opts for thorough monitoring, necessitating detailed analysis of all events and daily reports to top management, then more staff will inevitably be needed. Determining the exact needs of employees often comes down to practical experience. The process can be streamlined by learning from peers’ experiences in similar companies.
DLP and CASB
There is a growing need to oversee the IT infrastructure and corporate data stored in the cloud. Large vendors’ hesitation to integrate this capability into DLP systems has prompted the development of CASB systems (Cloud Access Security Broker). These systems are designed to address this issue specifically, even though it falls within the broader scope of DLP functions.
A Cloud Access Security Broker is a security checkpoint between cloud service users and cloud applications. It oversees activities and applies security policies. The evolving landscape demands the integration of DLP and CASB systems. Again, CASB addresses similar security concerns as DLP, recognizing that not all of an organization’s infrastructure is on-site, some of it resides in the cloud.
When purchasing and using separate DLP modules, such as device control and email control, from vendors who offer them as distinct options, you will need to establish two identical policies: one for managing USB devices and another for overseeing email. With the addition of CASB, you would need to create a third policy specifically for cloud services.
Indeed, you always have the option to purchase DLP modules individually. Similarly, you can buy CASB solutions separately for cloud and on-premises control. However, if these functionalities are integrated, allowing you to manage everything from a single platform, this solution is undoubtedly more convenient for the client.
DLP Evolution and Trends
Regarding the monitoring of data transmission channels, DLP systems have nearly achieved perfection. The final significant hurdles included monitoring instant messengers and safeguarding against screen captures. Now, DLPs are evolving by integrating and enhancing functionalities from related areas of corporate security, like data control within the perimeter.
In response to a significant increase in attacks on network infrastructure, DLP systems are now incorporating more technical information, such as details about IT infrastructure, service access, and authentication data.
The trend started about five years ago, focusing on monitoring employees’ workdays and identifying unusual behavior, continues. However, the emphasis has shifted from mainly tackling personnel security issues and preventing data leaks to using DLP systems integrated with video surveillance for productivity monitoring.
As highlighted with the example of CASB, DLP, and other information security solutions are moving towards ecosystem integration within a unified company security system. It is good when customers have the flexibility to construct their security system using various solutions from different vendors. The most promising directions include integrating DLP with SIEM, SOAR, or DCAP, as well as advancing behavioral analysis technologies like UBA and UEBA.
Conclusion
Adopting Data Loss Prevention systems that integrate smoothly with a range of security solutions and corporate frameworks is essential for a comprehensive defense strategy. Customers will favor vendors offering seamless integration capabilities with business systems and processes.
Focus on DLP systems that are flexible enough to meet your unique business requirements. Choosing systems that enable automation is wise, as it streamlines management. Do invest in thoroughly training your team on how to use DLP systems. If managing the intricacies or costs of these systems seems daunting, outsourcing could be a great solution.
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