The Internet is a powerful tool that can be used to help businesses grow, but it also poses risks.
In this article, we’ll cover how you can protect yourself from cyber attacks and what you need to know about Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Network Security Monitoring (NSM).
Data loss prevention (DLP) is an umbrella term covering all methods of protecting sensitive data stored on computers and networks. It includes both hardware and software-based technologies. DLP systems have been around since the early 1990s, but they’ve become more sophisticated over time.
Network security monitoring (NSM) refers to the process of observing traffic flowing through a company’s computer network. NSM tools allow organizations to see exactly what employees are accessing and downloading from internal servers and external websites. This helps them identify potential security breaches before hackers do.
The Data Protection Act (DP Bill), which was passed into law in 2018, requires data fiduciaries to report personal data (PDs) as well as non-personal data (NPDs) breaches within 72 hours to the data protection authority. The DP Bill defines PDs as “any information relating to an individual whose consent is required for its processing”. NPDs include any data processed without consent, such as IP addresses, cookies, device identifiers, geo-location data, etc.
The GDPR has brought significant changes to the way companies manage customer data. In particular, it gives customers greater control over their own data. As a result, many companies are now rethinking their approach to data management.
Cybersecurity professionals should focus on expanding their existing competencies by developing new skills to identify and report cyber incidents. Internal IT policies must be reformed or overhauled to align them with the Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Requirements of the DP Bill. This includes developing adequate security incident response plans, practices, and procedures to detect and mitigate potential data breaches.
A good understanding of these concepts will enable you to make informed decisions when selecting a solution for your organization.
The Data Loss Prevention Solution
A data loss prevention – a DLP-based solution, provides a secure environment where sensitive documents, emails, databases, and other files can be safely stored and accessed. These solutions offer real-time analysis of user activity and block unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data. They also provide comprehensive reporting capabilities so that administrators can easily track and investigate suspicious activities. Additionally, integrating ‘Reverse ETL‘ tools can enhance data management and streamline the flow of insights across your organization.
How Does a DLP System Work?
A DLP system works by monitoring the content of files stored on a computer or mobile device. Once a file is identified as containing sensitive information, the system automatically sends the file to a secure server for analysis. The server analyzes the content of the file and determines whether it contains sensitive information. If it does, the server notifies the administrator so he or she can investigate further.
DLPs use various methods to detect sensitive information. They may look at metadata (information about the file) such as its size, date created, location, etc., or they may scan the actual contents of the file itself.
Why Is a DLP System Important?
Data loss prevention systems help organizations comply with privacy laws and protect sensitive information. For example, they prevent employees from viewing confidential financial records or accessing child pornography.
They also ensure that company intellectual property stays safe. Employees cannot copy proprietary designs or trade secrets without authorization.
They help organizations meet compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI, GLBA, Sarbanes-Oxley, and others. Many organizations are required to store personal health information and other sensitive data on servers located outside of their own facilities. A DLP solution helps companies comply with these regulations by ensuring that no one but authorized personnel can access this data.
The following are some of the benefits of using a DLP solution:
Reduces the risk of a data breach – Companies that invest in a DLP solution reduce the risk of data breaches because they know exactly what information is being viewed.
Protects against insider threat – A DLP solution helps prevent an employee from stealing sensitive information. It identifies any sensitive information contained in a file before the file is sent to the server. This prevents a malicious employee from viewing the information.
Protects against ransomware attacks – Ransomware encrypts files and holds them hostage until a ransom is paid.
Prevents data theft – Data loss prevention systems identify when sensitive information is copied to another device. This allows you to take action immediately so that you don’t lose control over your organization’s most valuable assets.
Prevents unauthorized sharing of documents – When a user shares a document containing sensitive information, the DSP engine instantly flags the document and prevents anyone else from opening it.
Protects against phishing scams – Phishing scams attempt to steal sensitive information by sending users emails that appear to come from trusted sources.
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Choosing a Solution That Meets Your Needs
The first step in choosing a DLP solution is determining what you want to accomplish. Do you need to identify and block certain types of files? Are you looking for a solution that will help you comply with HIPAA regulations? Or do you just want to make sure that no one has access to confidential documents?
Once you’ve decided what you’re trying to achieve, you’ll need to decide which type of solution best fits your needs. There are two main categories of DLP solutions: file-based and web-based. File-based systems store all data locally on a user’s PC or mobile device, while web-based systems send the data directly to a remote server where it is analyzed. Both approaches have pros and cons.
Here are some things to consider before making a decision.
File-Based vs Web-Based Systems
A file-based system provides more control over the content stored on users’ devices. It can also perform faster scans because it doesn’t rely on a third party to process the data. On the flip side, file-based systems require more storage space than web-based systems. They also typically take longer to set up and configure than web-based systems because they involve installing software on every user’s computer.
Another consideration is whether you need to integrate your existing document management system into your new data loss prevention (DLP) solution. If so, you may need to upgrade your current system. You should also think about how well your existing system handles large amounts of data. Some file-based systems can handle terabytes of data, while others can only manage gigabytes.
If you use a file-based system, you might choose to encrypt the data using 256-bit AES encryption. However, this isn’t always possible, especially if the data is stored on shared drives or removable media.
Finally, you should evaluate whether your company’s budget allows for both file-based and web-based solutions. The price of a single license for either approach varies widely depending on the vendor.
Choosing a Vendor
When evaluating cyber threat monitoring services and vendors, look at their track record, reputation, customer support, and product features. Ask yourself questions such as these: How long has the vendor been around? What kind of experience does the vendor have working with other organizations? Does the vendor offer any free trials? Can I get answers to my questions quickly? Is the vendor easy to reach by phone? Will the vendor respond promptly to my inquiries?
When comparing vendors, keep in mind that there is no perfect solution. Each organization must weigh its own unique requirements against the capabilities of each vendor. Ultimately, the choice comes down to finding an affordable, effective solution that meets your specific needs.
