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From Risk Assessment to Action: Improving Your DLP Response
- Data loss prevention (DLP) is an essential part of a cybersecurity strategy that helps in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks related to data loss or unauthorized access. DLP risk assessments work towards detecting and protecting sensitive information including personally identifiable information (PII), intellectual property, and financial data. It helps in identifying potential vulnerabilities, mapping data flows, reviewing security policies, and enhancing DLP strategies, such as updating DLP tools, refining data classification rules. These assessments ensure compliance with several data protection regulatory standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. The key takeaway is that DLP risk assessments are crucial, but they mean nothing unless implemented properly and conducted regularly.
- Risk assessments for each organization will slightly differ based on organizational needs and differences in IT infrastructures. IT teams and data protection officers should conduct a planned, methodical approach based on eight steps. The first essential step is the identification and classification of data based on its sensitivity and regulatory requirements, followed by the evaluation of existing DLP tools and assessing data flows. Another crucial stage is ensuring your security policies align with regulatory requirements and establish best practices for data protection.
- By simulating attacks like phishing attempts, malware infections, and unauthorized data transfers, organizations can evaluate the effectiveness of their DLP solutions and incident response plans. Regularly conducting assessments, monitoring data flows and security measures are equally crucial. The gist is a DLP risk assessment is only useful when implemented correctly and conducted routinely to ensure continuous protection.
- According to Josh Breaker-Rolfe, DLP is key in cybersecurity due to the continuous refinement required for effective cybersecurity because of cyber criminals' adaptation to evolving and sophisticated tactics. Organizations must conduct DLP risk assessments and identify the types of data that need protection, the threats they face, and the necessary measures to safeguard them.
- These assessments can help safeguard against cyberattacks and inadvertent data exposure, comply with data protection regulations and enhance data protection strategies such as updating DLP tools, refining data classification rules, streamlining communication channels, or implementing employee awareness training programs.
- It is crucial to set up a regular DLP risk assessment timeline, including all stages to ensure comprehensive protection from a variety of cyber threats. Failure to do so could result in legal and financial consequences. In summary, DLP risk assessments are a continuous process that helps you keep pace with changing IT environments and ever-evolving cybercriminal tactics.
- Josh Breaker-Rolfe holds a degree in Journalism and has a background in cybersecurity PR. He is a Content writer at Bora and has written on a wide range of topics, from AI to zero trust and particularly interested in the impact of cybersecurity on the wider economy.
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