What is data loss prevention?

Data loss prevention (DLP) is a set of tools and strategies used to ensure that sensitive data is not lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users.

What is data loss prevention?

Data loss prevention (DLP) is a strategy for ensuring that sensitive data — such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial data, and intellectual property — does not get outside the corporate network or to a user without access.

How does DLP work?

DLP solutions monitor, detect, and block the transmission of sensitive data. They use content inspection and contextual analysis to identify sensitive data in motion (network traffic), at rest (storage), and in use (endpoint activities).

DLP detection methods

  • Content analysis: Scanning for patterns like credit card numbers, SSNs
  • Contextual analysis: Evaluating who is sending data and where
  • Machine learning: Identifying unusual data transfer patterns
  • Policy-based rules: Enforcing predefined data handling policies