Cloud vs. Network vs. Endpoint DLP
Choosing between Endpoint, Cloud, and Network DLP isn't always a simple task. The approach you take will largely depend on your organization's environment, and we've listed the key differences for each approach below.
What is DLP and why do you need it?
Data loss prevention (DLP) or data leak prevention is a set of tools and processes that organizations use to protect their data from loss or malicious compromise. DLP also ensures companies remain compliant with key frameworks and regulations such as SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA and other leading standards. Its importance is also reflected in the fact that under ISO 27001:2022 organizations that deal with sensitive data are now required to have a DLP tool implemented.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software classifies regulated, confidential, and business-critical data. It also identifies violations of any policies set within the tool, helping organizations quickly remediate any breaches and help prevent end users from accidentally or maliciously sharing data that could put the organization at risk. DLP also provides reporting to meet compliance and auditing requirements and identify areas of weakness for forensics and incident response. DLP can be implemented at three key points within the enterprise digital environment: endpoint, network and cloud systems. The modalities all protect different types of users and data.
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The architecture of DLP
DLP can be implemented on the endpoint, network, or cloud layer.
Each modality protects different types of users and data.
Connects directly with sanctioned cloud applications via APIs to monitor and protect data when it is accessed, shared, or stored.
Monitors and protects data that is in transit on networks managed by the organization
Connects directly with sanctioned cloud applications via APIs to monitor and protect data when it is accessed, shared, or stored.
Cloud DLP
Connects directly with sanctioned cloud applications via APIs to monitor and protect data when it is accessed, shared, or stored.
Endpoint DLP
Deployed as an agent to monitor data stored and created on the device.
Network DLP
Monitors and protects data that is in transit on networks managed by the organization.
Detailed breakdown of each approach
Your organization's environment and user access methods will determine what type of
protection is best suited to your needs.
Security Posture
Depth of insight
Scalability
Coverage
Impact
Accuracy
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
How DLP protects your data
Regardless of your method of DLP, data is protected in three key steps.
Discover
Data stored or sent is captured for analysis. This is why a multi-modal approach is important to ensure all of your companies data is scanned, otherwise you can create data blind spots. Commonly blind spots include BYOD assets, cloud data, and contractors.
Classify
Data is then analyzed based on organizational policies and detectors. It is important that your detection engine is scanning for files and images, as well as uses AI based detection rather than regular regex that will miss or incorrectly flag data. Incorrectly flagged data may create more manual work for your team.
Protect
Data that is flagged then needs to be remediated, this can be very time consuming or can impact employees if you simply block data. This highlights the importance of automated actions and the ability to only remediate relevant data - not just blanket blocking all information.
How can you best protect your data?
In today's rapidly changing threat environment, users are increasingly using their own devices, working from home, and utilizing cloud apps such as Salesforce. This has created significant holes in network or endpoint DLP threat coverage. This is why using Cloud DLP, or Cloud DLP with network or endpoint DLP ensures your data is fully protected.
It is also important to realize that not all cloud DLP providers are created equal. Any cloud DLP vendor should be using AI for accurate detection, have in-built analytics, and have automated remediation.
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