What Is Data Loss Prevention (DLP)?

No organization is immune to data security threats. But as your IT environment becomes more complex — for example, through the adoption of cloud technologies — it’s even harder to implement the data protection you need to protect your business. Many organizations struggle to protect critical data, such as intellectual property, personally-identifiable information covered by various regulations, and sensitive financial data.

The best way to help prevent data leaks and data loss is to build a layered defense strategy. You need to reduce your attack surface, actively look for suspicious activity and insider threats that could lead to data breaches, and plan an effective response strategy.

Data loss prevention (or DLP) is a critical component of any effective strategy. In this article, you will learn what DLP is and why it is worth your attention, what types of data loss prevention methods exist, and how to choose the best approach for your organization.

What is DLP?