A guide to protecting sensitive client data from leaks and breaches.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is crucial for modern businesses, especially for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) who handle sensitive client information. An effective DLP strategy helps to identify, monitor, and protect data from accidental exposure, unauthorized access, or theft. Here are the core elements you should include when building a comprehensive DLP strategy for your clients.
1. Data Identification
The first step is to categorize your data. **Structured data** (like credit card numbers or other standardized information) and **unstructured data** (like documents and images) need to be identified. DLP tools can help you scan your entire network—including cloud drives and employee devices—to find this data wherever it is stored.
2. Encryption
Once identified, sensitive data must be encrypted. Encryption protects your data by converting it into a code that only authorized users can access. This is essential for protecting data both when it is **in transit** (being moved between networks) and **at rest** (in storage).
3. Access Controls and Data Classification
Data classification involves sorting data into groups based on sensitivity levels (e.g., public, confidential, highly confidential). This allows you to set appropriate **access controls**, which define user roles and permissions. By assigning specific permissions to each role, you can control who can access what data and what actions they can perform.
4. Data Monitoring
Continuous monitoring is key to detecting risky behavior. You should monitor data in three states: **in use** (when it’s being accessed or processed), **in motion** (when it’s being transmitted), and **at rest** (when it’s in storage). This real-time oversight helps you spot and address potential threats.
5. Incident Response Plan Creation
A well-crafted plan is your best defense against the inevitable. An incident response plan should outline the steps to quickly and effectively respond to a data breach. This includes identifying and containing the breach, notifying affected parties, and taking corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
6. Team Training
Since most data breaches are caused by human error, employee training is a vital part of your strategy. By teaching your teams to recognize phishing emails, use strong passwords, and follow data protection rules, you can significantly reduce risk and build a strong cybersecurity culture.
About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
