Cloud data loss prevention (DLP) is a security strategy for monitoring and protecting sensitive data in cloud environments. Advanced DLP solutions use data classification, pattern matching, and machine learning to identify and secure critical information. They enforce context-aware policies to ensure compliance with regulations and reduce the risk of data breaches in cloud infrastructures.

What Is Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP)?

Cloud data loss prevention (DLP) includes solutions to protect sensitive data in cloud storage from misuse or leaks. Traditional DLP solutions are usually on-premises, focusing on safeguarding endpoints and internal network infrastructure.

Cloud DLP solutions became crucial with the shift to a hybrid work-from-home model. Suddenly, data moved from on-premises to the cloud. This rapid change increased data breach risks, especially with cloud-based collaboration platforms introducing new data exposure threats.

How Cloud Data Loss Prevention Works

Cloud DLP uses advanced cloud data security techniques to reduce data risk in cloud environments.

Data Discovery

Cloud DLP scans the organisation’s cloud infrastructure, including storage services, databases, and applications. It searches for sensitive data like personal information, financial records, and intellectual property defined by policies that could lead to a breach.

Data Classification

After identifying sensitive data, it is sorted into categories according to predefined rules and policies. The data is divided into types such as public, internal, confidential, and restricted. The restricted category is the most sensitive, often involving trade secrets or financial transaction history.

Policy Enforcement

When a policy violation is found, the cloud DLP solution acts according to set rules. These rules can block data transmission, encrypt data, or mask data to stop unauthorised access.

Continuous Monitoring and Detection

The cloud DLP monitors data in transit and at rest in the cloud. It scans for anomalies and suspicious behaviour indicating potential security risks, such as data exfiltration attempts or unusual movements.

Cloud Data Loss Prevention Best Practices

Sensitive Data Discovery

Companies typically use 100-200 SaaS apps to streamline operations. Customer data is often spread across apps and platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP. Security and compliance leaders need visibility into sensitive data, so businesses should safeguard customer information.

DLP tools can help organise cloud data efficiently. Categorize all information, whether it’s customer, employee, or HR data. Keeping a complete inventory of cloud-based assets makes it easy to access specific data quickly.

Define User Groups

Admins can follow DLP regulations to deploy security by creating groups like admin users, operators, and end users. These groups allow setting up firewalls and controlling file sharing based on access levels. Limiting file and email sharing helps prevent sensitive data leaks.

Prioritise Data Management

Create company-wide policies to categorise data based on their value. This will improve data management and security measures. Use Cloud DLP policies to label data as important, confidential, private, or sensitive.

This feature helps administrators quickly find and assess data batches, allowing them to prioritise tasks based on labels.

Consider removing personal information from sensitive data before uploading it to the cloud. Label client and employee data as confidential to ensure private information is eliminated before cloud storage, maintaining consistency in data management.

Follow the Zero-trust Encryption Policy

Use zero-trust encryption to protect specific data sets from unauthorised access. This feature prevents spying on your data during transit by scrambling it. This practice helps avoid man-in-the-middle attacks, ensuring top security for your critical information.

Actively Monitor User Behavior

Advanced detection engines like User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) closely monitor user and application behaviours. UEBA observes user device and application activity to spot any suspicious actions. This process helps keep compromised data secure, adding a layer of data protection for businesses.

How is DLP Different from Other Security Tools

How is DLP Different from Other Security Tools?

Web Security

Web security focuses on protecting websites and online applications from cyber threats. It involves measures to guard against malware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. Effective web security ensures safe browsing experiences and safeguards user information, reducing risks associated with online activities and maintaining the integrity of web-based services.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software protects computers from malware and viruses. It scans files and programs for harmful code and removes threats. Regular updates are crucial for maintaining its effectiveness. Antivirus solutions work alongside DLP tools to provide comprehensive security for sensitive information in cloud services and on local machines.

Intrusion Detection

Intrusion detection systems monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. They alert security teams to potential threats and breaches. These systems help identify unauthorized access attempts and protect sensitive data and data privacy. When combined with DLP tools, they strengthen overall security measures in cloud environments.

How to Choose the Right Cloud DLP Solution?

Selecting Cloud DLP Providers

When choosing a cloud DLP solution, ensure it offers these features:

  • Content and context-based monitoring
  • Comprehensive scanning, auditing, alerting, prompting, blocking, and remediation
  • Encryption of critical data before cloud upload
  • Extensive activity tracking and reporting
  • API integration for sensitive data redaction
  • Accurate machine learning models to detect false positives
  • Integrations with popular SaaS applications
  • Deep integration with all attachment types (PDFs, JPEGs, PNGs, images, Word documents, etc.)
  • Exceptional customer service

Why is it so Hard to Protect Data in the Cloud?

Complex Cloud Environments

Cloud environments are often complex. Data is stored across multiple platforms, making protection challenging. Different users have different access levels, which increases risk. Effective security measures must cover all data types. Regular assessments help identify weaknesses. Consistency in applying policies is essential for maintaining data security.

Real-time Classification

Real-time classification helps identify sensitive data immediately. It enables effective monitoring and quick responses to security threats. Organisations must implement robust systems for consistent classification. This process ensures strong protection for valuable information, reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Shadow IT

Shadow IT refers to the use of unauthorised applications and services by employees. This practice poses significant security risks as it circumvents official security measures. Companies must monitor and control these applications to protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with regulations. Awareness and training are crucial in preventing Shadow IT risks.

FAQs

What are the benefits of cloud DLP?

Cloud DLP helps prevent data leakage through cloud storage or apps. Here are some benefits:

Data Security: DLP solutions focus on stopping sensitive data leaks. Cloud DLP strengthens data security by covering cloud storage and SaaS apps.

Cloud Data Visibility: It tracks corporate data flowing into authorised and unauthorised cloud solutions. This visibility provides crucial security insights and a better understanding of data, apps, and cloud infrastructure use.

Regulatory Compliance: DLP solutions secure data types protected by laws like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. Managing access to this data, both on-premises and in the cloud is vital for regulatory compliance.

What are the 3 types of data loss prevention?

There are three types of DLP: Network DLP, Endpoint DLP, and Cloud DLP.

What is the best DLP software?

The top 5 software products to prevent data loss include Cyberhaven, Forcepoint DLP, Symantec Data Loss Prevention, Trellix, and Proofpoint.