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Data Loss Prevention

Also known as:DLP

Data Loss PreventionPreventionMeasures intended to stop security incidents or attacks before they occur.: Detects and prevents the unauthorized use or disclosure of sensitive information. The focus is on protecting sensitive information throughout its entire lifecycle. Classification, access control, encryption, monitoringMonitoringThe continuous observation of systems, identities, networks, and controls for relevant changes., retention, and secure deletion are typical measures.

How it works and where it fits

Data Loss Prevention must be considered across the complete data lifecycle: creation, processing, transfer, storage, sharing, archiving, and deletion. Safeguards depend on sensitivity, legal obligations, business value, and potential harm. Copies, metadata, and derived information may carry the same or a different protection requirement.

Practical security relevance

In practice, this calls for classification, governed access, suitable encryption, and traceable retention periods. Data flows and storage locations should be inventoried across cloud services, backups, and test environments. Monitoring and loss prevention complement technical controls, but they do not replace data minimization or the secure deletion of information that is no longer required.

  • Data ClassificationData ClassificationAssigns data to protection classes based on sensitivity, value, and regulatory requirements.: Assigns data to protection classes based on sensitivity, value, and regulatory requirements.
  • Data Security Posture ManagementData Security Posture ManagementIdentifies sensitive data, assesses its exposure, and monitors protective measures.: Identifies sensitive data, assesses its exposure, and monitors protective measures.
  • Data ExfiltrationData ExfiltrationUnauthorized transfer or theft of data from an organization.: Unauthorized transfer or theft of data from an organization.
  • Information Rights ManagementInformation Rights ManagementControl over the use, dissemination, and processing of protected documents and data.: Control over the use, dissemination, and processing of protected documents and data.

Related terms