What does "data loss prevention" (DLP) involve?

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) encompasses techniques and tools specifically designed to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, loss, or theft. This includes mechanisms to monitor and control the movement of data to ensure that it doesn't leave the organization unwittingly or maliciously. DLP solutions can involve implementing policies that classify data, encrypting sensitive information, and applying monitoring to detect any potential data breaches. The focus of DLP is on safeguarding data both at rest (stored data), in use (currently being processed), and in transit (data being sent across networks).

While training employees on data handling is a critical aspect of a comprehensive data security strategy, it is not the core focus of DLP itself. Similarly, firewalls can serve to block unauthorized access to a network, but they do not specifically address the broader multi-faceted approach needed for protecting sensitive data as DLP does. Regularly updating software applications is essential for ensuring security against vulnerabilities but does not directly relate to the specific functionality or goals of a DLP strategy.