DLP as a Strategy versus a Category

DLP (data loss prevention) is one of the most confusing terms when it comes to data protection. Although the terms are frequently used interchangeably, DLP as a specific product category and DLP as a broad security strategy are very different.

Both assist in protecting confidential information, but you can accomplish DLP without a DLP product. Anti data exfiltration (ADX) is a good example of a segment that performs DLP, but requires no data classification or long implementations, and is based upon a zero trust approach.

We’ll explain these differences and look at why ADX might be the better option given the state of security today.

The broad strategy used by organizations to stop sensitive data from being accessed, transmitted, or exposed by unauthorized parties is known as data loss prevention, or DLP.

It focuses on establishing a comprehensive data protection philosophy and encompasses a range of tactics, guidelines, and procedures intended to safeguard data at every stage of its lifecycle.

Typical components of DLP as a category include:

1. Teaching your team how to work with data in a way that does not lead to a leak.
2. Pointing out which data is sensitive to make sure it’s properly protected.
3. Defining access settings to determine who should have access to certain data.

DLP as a whole is a thorough, long-term approach that blends administrative procedures with technical measures.

DLP, on the other hand, is also a product that refers to particular software solutions designed to stop unwanted data loss in real-time. In order to give businesses automated tools to enforce data protection, these products usually concentrate on identifying, tracking, and managing data movement through predetermined policies.

Traditional DLP products achieve this through technologies like:

1. Content Inspection: Scanning files, emails, and documents for sensitive information based on content rules.
2. Real-Time Monitoring: Tracking data movements across applications, and networks.
3. Automated Responses: Triggering alerts or blocking transfers based on predefined security policies.

While DLP products can be powerful, they often rely on static rules that need regular updates, which can limit flexibility to respond to advanced threats or new exfiltration methods. They also require complex setup, and critically, data classification, so they can identify when certain documents are being transmitted. This is a never-ending complex and time-consuming task, typically involving larges teams that must constantly tag documents.

In addition, these products, by their very nature require packet decryption and inspection and therefore operate like a man in the middle attack, effectively breaking end to end encryption. Traditionally, they must operate on the edge of the network due to the sheer computational power required, and therefore exist only within corporate networks. This is of limited use with today’s mobile and remote workforces.

ADX takes traditional data protection a step further. While regular DLP tools do a good job when things are running as expected, meaning all data is tagged, all users are within the corporate network, and data encryption is not a requirement.

In contrast, ADX prevents data exfiltration in real time using AI based training. It adds a layer of security that keeps up with today’s threats.

Here’s how ADX stands out compared to regular DLP:

Proactive Endpoint Defense

Unlike traditional DLP products, which primarily monitor data within specific environments, ADX focuses on endpoint security, actively monitoring and blocking unauthorized data transfers at the point of origin. This approach ensures that sensitive data is contained even if traditional network boundaries are breached.

Adaptive Threat Detection

By adapting to different data exfiltration techniques, including ones that haven’t been observed in the wild yet, ADX goes beyond static rules. ADX is especially effective against complex AI threats that evolve quickly because of its dynamic response, which enables it to identify and eliminate anomalous behavior.

Protection Against Emerging Threats

ADX is excellent at handling sophisticated tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that attackers employ, such as exfiltration techniques to get around conventional DLP controls. By using AI to quickly identify threats it is possible to stop a data breach before it happens.

A lot of organizations think that preventing data loss requires a DLP product. Even though DLP products can be effective, they provide limited protection from today’s AI based attacks and have significant limitations and resource requirements. In the absence of a more comprehensive data protection strategy that incorporates thorough policies and training, even the best DLP product might not live up to expectations.

Even if a business implements a DLP product its employees may not be savvy when it comes to sophisticated phishing techniques. Humans are still the weakest link in terms of data loss, highlighting the necessity of both technical and non-technical solutions.

By emphasizing real-time data exfiltration prevention at the endpoint, ADX goes beyond data security, focusing on DLP as a strategy not a destination. As a higher level of protection, ADX can stop more complex data exfiltration attempts that often evade common DLP controls.

Cybercriminals are always perfecting their methods. ADX offers a versatile and progressive approach to data security. Combining ADX with other DLP strategies gives businesses a complete data protection framework that can handle both established and new threats.

BlackFog pioneered ADX technology to provide a solution aimed at preventing data exfiltration. This next-generation cybersecurity solution was created to assist organizations in protecting themselves from ransomware attacks and extortion 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no human intervention required.

Learn how our solutions can strengthen your cybersecurity posture and prevent ransomware incidents.