Understanding Endpoint DLP

15 Feb 2023

Endpoint Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution is designed to protect sensitive data from being accidentally or maliciously shared, leaked, or stolen from endpoints, such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.  Endpoint Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution should protect sensitive data from being accidentally or maliciously shared, leaked, or stolen from endpoints, An Effective endpoint DLP solution should have following features. 

1. Data Discovery and Classification

• Function: Identify and classify sensitive data on endpoints, such as intellectual property, financial information, personal data, and confidential business documents.

• Why Important: Understanding where sensitive data resides is the first step in protecting it. Classification helps apply appropriate policies and controls based on data sensitivity.

2. Policy Enforcement

• Function: Implement and enforce data protection policies on endpoints. This includes controlling how data is used, shared, or transmitted (e.g., via email, USB devices, or cloud services).

• Why Important: Enforcing policies ensures that users comply with data protection rules, reducing the risk of data breaches or leaks.

3. Real-Time Monitoring and Control

• Function: Monitor data in real-time as it moves on and off endpoints. The solution should be able to block, allow, or restrict actions based on predefined policies.

• Why Important: Real-time monitoring helps prevent data breaches by stopping unauthorized or risky actions before they occur./

4. Content Inspection

• Function: Analyze the content of files, emails, and other data to detect sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or proprietary information.

• Why Important: Content inspection ensures that sensitive data is accurately identified and protected, even if users try to circumvent policies.

5. Endpoint Protection

• Function: Protect data at rest on endpoints by controlling access to sensitive files and ensuring that data is encrypted or otherwise secured.

• Why Important: Securing data on endpoints prevents unauthorized access, especially in case of device loss or theft.

6. Data Encryption

• Function: Automatically encrypt sensitive data on endpoints to protect it from unauthorized access.

• Why Important: Encryption ensures that even if data is accessed without authorization, it cannot be read or used by unauthorized parties.

7. Device Control

• Function: Control and restrict the use of removable devices, such as USB drives, external hard drives, and CD/DVD burners, to prevent unauthorized data transfer.

• Why Important: Device control mitigates the risk of data loss through removable media, a common vector for data breaches.

8. Application Control

• Function: Restrict or monitor the use of applications that can be used to exfiltrate data, such as file-sharing services, cloud storage, or unauthorized software.

• Why Important: Application control prevents users from using unapproved or risky software that could lead to data leakage.

9. Incident Response

• Function: Provide alerts, logs, and reports on data loss incidents, including details of the actions taken by users and the DLP system.

• Why Important: Incident response capabilities help security teams quickly identify, investigate, and respond to potential data breaches.

Reputed endpoint DLP solutions available in market: 

1. Trelix DLP

2. Symantec Data Loss Prevention

3. McAfee Total Protection for DLP

4. Forcepoint Data Loss Prevention

5. Digital Guardian DLP

6. Trend Micro Data Loss Prevention

7. Cisco Umbrella with DLP

8. Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (formerly Microsoft 365 DLP)

9. Broadcom (formerly Symantec) Cloud SOC CASB with DLP

10. Check Point Data Loss Prevention