In the 21st century, data is the biggest asset for any company. Each year, the amount of data an organization deals with increases significantly, and so does the risk of it getting exposed. 

That is why every organization needs to have Data Loss Prevention strategies in place regardless of its size or sector. Here are the seven best data loss prevention practices and strategies to help you prevent data loss. 

Identify sensitive data

The first step of Data Loss Prevention practices and strategies is identifying and classifying sensitive data. You need to understand what kind of data you have that is prone to exposure. It will give you a better look at what data needs to be protected. 

You can use data discovery and data classification technologies to control how users interact with new and existing data. You need to avoid storing such crucial data in unsecured locations. It will reduce the chances of data getting exposed. 

Data encryption

Crucial data – whether static or dynamic – should always be encrypted. Encryption on hard drives and computers will protect the data even during a breach or attack. So there is more than one reason to protect your data with encryption.

Use anomaly detection 

You can identify unusual user behavior with the help of DLP technologies. They supplement correlation rules and statistical analysis with the use of machine learning. It is done by creating a model of the normal behavior of each user and group of users to detect suspicious activities. Thus, protecting you from data leakage.

Avoid unnecessary data 

Keep an account of all the data that you’re storing. Strictly avoid storing unnecessary data, as it can be overwhelming for the system and difficult for you to protect. Only store the data you think is worth keeping. 

Use fingerprinting

Not to be confused with fingerprint technology, it is similar and equally secure. Algorithms perform fingerprinting to shorten data and convert them into smaller string texts to keep them secure. Similar to actual fingerprints, these are unique identifiers for particular files and data. It helps identify sensitive data within forms. 

Train employees

This one is a no-brainer. Precaution is always better than cure, and training employees about the best data loss prevention practices and strategies is an essential step in securing your data. Invest time and effort in training your employees to prevent them from taking any action that makes crucial data vulnerable to breach. Informed and well-trained employees are far less likely to make mistakes; thereby, keeping the data secure.

You can also create rules and regulations to prevent your employees from exposing crucial data and files mistakenly or on purpose. Many big corporations lay down such ground rules to prevent employees from leaking data. In the case of highly confidential data, companies ask employees to sign NDAs. 

Strengthen your system 

When it comes to data loss prevention practices and strategies, the best one is to secure your data by strengthening your system with the help of DLP technologies. They can provide several features to keep your data safe and prevent it from any breach. 

From fingerprinting to encrypting, DLP products can offer many features to secure data without affecting its accessibility for authorized individuals. One such DLP technology is Lookout. 

Conclusion 

Data is vital for any organization and can be considered its most significant asset. Data exposure to the wrong entities can cause loss of business and losing potential clients to competitors. That is why organizations dedicate their time and money to secure crucial data. You can protect your data by following the data loss prevention strategies and practices or by investing in DLP products. 

 

Author

Sumit is a Tech and Gadget freak and loves writing about Android and iOS, his favourite past time is playing video games.

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