DATA LOSS PREVENTION

An introduction to DLP and why it is a

gray area for security professionals

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 CONTENT

Introduction to DLP & DLP solutions

DLP as a gray area

Conclusion

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 INTRODUCTION
DATA LOSS
Data loss refers to the accidental or
unauthorized deletion, destruction, or
exposure of sensitive or critical data.
It can occur due to various reasons,
such as human error, system failures,
cyber attacks, or insider threats.
DATA LOSS PREVENTION (DLP)
DLP encompasses the tools, policies,
and practices aimed at preventing
data breaches and minimizing the risk
of data loss.
Also termed as Data Loss Protection.
Presentation by Aastha Verma
 DLP SOLUTIONS
DLP solutions typically involve identifying, monitoring, and protecting
sensitive data across various channels, such as email, cloud applications,
endpoints, and network traffic.

They involve a combination of people, processes, and technologies.

By implementing a combination of people (responsible roles), processes

(defined procedures and workflows), and technologies (DLP tools and
solutions), organizations can establish a comprehensive DLP program.

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 DLP EXAMPLES - PEOPLE
• Data owners responsible for determining data sensitivity & access controls
• DLP administrators managing and configuring DLP policies
• Security analysts monitoring DLP alerts and incidents
• Information security officers overseeing DLP strategy and program
• Privacy officers ensuring DLP compliance with data privacy regulations
• Legal counsel advising on data protection laws and requirements
• Business unit representatives providing input on data usage and requirements
• System administrators managing user access and data repositories
• End-user training and awareness programs on data handling best practices

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 DLP EXAMPLES - PROCESS
• Data mapping & flow analysis to understand where sensitive data resides & moves
• Risk assessment processes to identify and prioritize DLP requirements based on
data sensitivity and potential risks
• Data classification processes with clear guidelines, roles, and responsibilities
• Data discovery, inventory, and cataloging
• Data retention, archiving, and disposal
• Monitoring and auditing data activities (data access, usage, and transfer activities)
• Integration of DLP into existing security processes (e.g., incident response, change
management, risk management)

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 DLP EXAMPLES - TECHNOLOGY
• Data Discovery and Classification tools (e.g., Titus, Boldon James)
• Content Inspection and Filtering tools for email, web, and network traffic (e.g.,
Symantec, Forcepoint)
• Endpoint DLP solutions (e.g., Digital Guardian, Symantec)
• Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) for securing cloud app data (e.g.,
Netskope, Cisco Cloudlock)
• Encryption and Digital Rights Management (DRM) tools (e.g., Microsoft Azure
Information Protection)
• Data Masking and Redaction tools (e.g., IBM Optim, Oracle Data Masking)
• Centralized DLP management consoles (e.g., Symantec DLP, Forcepoint DLP)

Presentation by Aastha Verma

DLP AS A GRAY
AREA

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 PROBLEM?
DLP encompasses a wide range of activities and technologies aimed at preventing
the unauthorized disclosure or misuse of sensitive data. However, there is no
universally accepted definition or standardized scope for DLP, making it
challenging to determine what falls under its purview. The implementation and
assessment for DLP solutions hence often fall into a gray area for security
professionals and auditors.

This gray area arises from the inherent complexities involved in balancing data
protection with operational needs, user privacy concerns, and evolving regulatory
landscapes. Let us try to explore these challenges in the next slides:

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 CHALLENGES (1/4)
DATA CLASSIFICATION CHALLENGES
• Accurate data classification is critical for effective DLP, but it can be a complex
and subjective process
• Determining what constitutes sensitive data and setting appropriate protection
levels can be challenging, leading to inconsistencies and debates
PRIVACY CONCERNS
• DLP solutions often involve monitoring and inspecting user communications and
data, which can raise privacy concerns
• Striking the right balance between data protection and respecting user privacy
rights can be a gray area, especially with data privacy regulations like GDPR

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 CHALLENGES (2/4)
FALSE POSITIVES AND OVERBLOCKING
• DLP systems can generate a high volume of false positive alerts, leading to
productivity disruptions and user frustration
• Determining the appropriate thresholds and rules to minimize false positives
while still protecting data effectively is a constant challenge
EXCEPTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS
• Certain data types, user groups, or business processes may require exemptions or
exceptions from DLP controls, creating potential loopholes or gaps in protection
• Managing these exceptions and ensuring consistent enforcement can be a gray
area

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 CHALLENGES (3/4)
COST AND RESOURCE CONSIDERATIONS
• Implementing and maintaining robust DLP solutions can be costly, requiring
significant investments in hardware, software, and personnel
• Organizations must carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of DLP measures,
considering their specific risk profiles and regulatory requirements
COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY AMBIGUITY
• Different industries and regions may have varying data protection regulations and
compliance requirements
• Interpreting and adhering to these regulations, while also considering operational
needs, can create gray areas for security professionals and auditors

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 CHALLENGES (4/4)
INSIDER THREAT DETECTION
• DLP solutions are primarily designed to prevent accidental data leaks, but
detecting and mitigating intentional insider threats can be more complex
• Identifying malicious intent and distinguishing legitimate activities from potential
threats is a gray area
EVOLVING THREAT LANDSCAPE
• As new technologies and data sharing methods emerge, DLP solutions must
continuously adapt to address evolving threats and data loss vectors
• Keeping up with these changes and maintaining the effectiveness of DLP
measures can be challenging and resource-intensive

Presentation by Aastha Verma

 CONCLUSION
Few suggestions on how we can navigate the complex gray areas of DLP:
• Continual assessment and striking the right balance between data protection,
privacy, and operational efficiency
• Clear policies & communication across the organization
• Cross-functional collaboration involving stakeholders from security,
compliance, legal, IT, and business units
• Adopting a risk-based approach that aligns DLP measures with the
organization's specific risk profile and business needs
• Ongoing adaptation and refinement of DLP strategies to keep pace with
evolving threats and technologies

Presentation by Aastha Verma

“S e c u re Yo u , S e c u re A l l : P e r so na l C y b e r V i g ila nce M a t t er s!”

THANK YOU!
A A S T HA V ER M A
S e c u ri ty C o n su ltan t
Go v ern an ce, R i s k & C o mp l ianc e

D r o p yo u r qu e r i e s i n th e c o m m e n ts o r r e a c h o u t o n Li n ke dIn ! I wo u l d be
h a ppy to h e a r m o r e pe r spe c ti v e s a n d e n ga ge i n fu r th e r di sc u ssi o n .