Data loss prevention (DLP) is a security strategy that focuses on detecting and preventing the loss, leakage, or misuse of sensitive data through monitoring, detecting, and blocking sensitive data while in use, in motion, and at rest. DLP software classifies regulated, confidential, and business-critical data and identifies violations of policies defined by organizations or within a predefined policy pack, typically driven by regulatory compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or GDPR. Once those violations are identified, DLP enforces remediation with alerts, encryption, and other protective actions to prevent end-users from accidentally or maliciously sharing data that could create organizational risks.

DLP can identify, classify, and tag sensitive data and monitor activities and events surrounding that data. In addition, reporting capabilities provide the details needed for compliance audits. DLP policies define how an organization shares and protects data without exposing it to unauthorized users. It helps organizations comply with government regulations, protect intellectual property, and improve visibility into their data.

DLP solutions can be deployed in different ways, including:

• Endpoint DLP: Monitors all endpoints, including servers, computers, laptops, mobile phones, and any other device on which data is used, moved, or saved.
• Cloud DLP: Classifies and protects sensitive data in cloud computing environments, including public, private, hybrid, and multicloud environments.
• Network DLP: Monitors network traffic to detect and prevent data breaches, exfiltration transmissions, and unauthorized use.

DLP is a program, not a product, and while installing a DLP tool is just the first step in data loss prevention, understanding that DLP is a program to be continuously worked on will help achieve lasting success.