Data Loss | The Central Texas IT Guy

Data loss prevention (DLP) is a critical process that organizations must adopt to safeguard sensitive data from being lost or stolen. Sensitive data, such as financial records, personal data, and intellectual property, are valuable assets that, if compromised, can have major repercussions for the organization.

Strategies that organizations can use to prevent the loss or theft of sensitive data include:

Identify Sensitive Data

The first step in preventing data loss is identifying sensitive data. Organizations should conduct a thorough assessment of their data assets to determine the types of sensitive data that they possess. This includes personally identifiable information (PII), payment card information (PCI), and protected health information (PHI). Once identified, this sensitive data can be protected with appropriate controls.

Implement Access Controls

Implementing access controls is an essential step in preventing data loss. Access controls limit access to sensitive data to only authorized personnel. Access controls can be implemented through user accounts and password policies, as well as other techniques such as role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and biometric authentication.

Encrypt Sensitive Data

Encrypting sensitive data is a critical step in preventing data loss. Encryption converts sensitive data into a code that can only be deciphered with a key. Even if an attacker gains access to the encrypted data, they will not be able to read it without the encryption key. Encryption should be used for data at rest and data in transit.

Monitor Data Access and Usage

Monitoring data access and usage is an important step in preventing data loss. Organizations should implement security information and event management (SIEM) tools to monitor data access and usage. These tools can detect anomalous activity, such as data exfiltration, and alert security teams in real-time.

Implement Data Backup and Recovery

Implementing data backup and recovery is essential for preventing data loss. Regular data backups ensure that even if data is lost or stolen, it can be recovered. Organizations should implement a backup strategy that includes both onsite and offsite backups. The data backup strategy should also include a disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a data loss incident.

Educate Employees

Employee education is a crucial step in preventing data loss. Employees should be educated on the importance of data security and the consequences of data loss. Employees should also be trained on how to identify and report security incidents.

Implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Tools

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools are essential for preventing data loss. DLP tools can detect sensitive data and prevent it from leaving the organization. DLP tools can be used to monitor data usage, detect anomalous activity, and prevent data exfiltration.

Implement Security Policies and Procedures

Organizations should implement security policies and procedures to ensure that all employees follow best practices for data security. Security policies should include password policies, access control policies, and data classification policies. Security procedures should include incident response procedures, disaster recovery procedures, and data backup procedures.

For more information on how to protect your computer network systems and devices, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

A data loss prevention policy defines how an organization can share data while ensuring the data being shared is protected. It also lays down the guidelines for using the data for decision-making without exposing it to anyone who should not have access to the data. In general terms ‘Data Loss Prevention Policy’ can be broadly defined as processes that identify confidential data, tracks data usage, and prevents unauthorized access to data.

Why Is It Important To Establish Data Loss Prevention Policy?

Before understanding ways to establish data loss prevention policy, it is important to understand the need for the policy. As the organizational setup has changed with an increase in number of remote employees and employees accessing the data on different devices, the risk of data loss has also increased.

Under these circumstances, there are three main reasons for setting up a Data Loss Prevention Policy:

Compliance
IP Protection
Data Visibility

Once the need for Data Loss Prevention is clear, it is time to understand the best practices to establish the policy.

Best Practices To Establish Data Loss Prevention Policy

Take time to understand and get an insight into the data. Classify the data according to its vulnerability and risk factors. Once classified, identify the data that needs to be protected and fabricate the data loss prevention policy around this data type.
Establish strict criteria for choosing data loss prevention vendors. Create an evaluation framework with right set of questions to choose effective data loss prevention solutions for the organization.
Identify the people who will be involved in the data loss prevention process and clearly define their rules. It is necessary to segregate the responsibilities of every individual and clearly convey the responsibilities to avoid data misuse.
Start by choosing the data set with highest level of priority and risk. Once an effective policy is set up to secure most critical data, build up on this policy to further secure other data sets as per their level of priority.
Educate all the employees on importance of data, sources of data loss, need for data loss prevention policy and steps to be taken in case of a data loss or breach.
Document the data loss prevention policy and make sure that every employee has a copy for reference.

For more information on establishing data loss prevention policy, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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Tag: Data Loss

Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Strategies For Preventing The Loss Or Theft Of Sensitive Data

Establishing Data Loss Prevention Policy