Double Take on Data Governance: 2 Reasons Why Security Execs are Reconsidering Their DLP Strategy  

Since the end of last year, Tevora has recognized a noticeable uptick in security executives reevaluating their Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategies. But what’s driving this renewed scrutiny? And what measures are they taking to fortify their DLP approaches?  

   

Problems with Today’s DLP Strategies  

Modern DLP strategies often rely on outdated methods to block, tag, and classify data leakage. While these methods might have been sufficient in the past, they present significant challenges in today’s fast-paced, data-driven world:  

Highly manual process: Traditional DLP methods often require significant manual effort to manage and enforce policies. 

Prone to human error: The manual nature of these processes increases the risk of mistakes, leading to potential data breaches or accidental or unintended changes.  

Incomplete: Manual processes can result in gaps in data protection, leaving sensitive information vulnerable.  

Time-consuming: Implementing and maintaining these processes can be labor-intensive, diverting resources from other critical security tasks.  

These shortcomings are a significant driver in general frustration around existing DLP strategies; but the problems are not new. So why retool established systems and processes now? 

2 Reasons Why Security Execs Are Reconsidering Their DLP Strategies  

The reality is that changes to processes, or addition of new tools, often fall subject to organizational inertia. You need a compelling reason to overcome that inertia and implement meaningful change. For security leaders, those compelling reasons are compounding.  

   

Reason 1: PCI 4.0 is Forcing the Issue  

The release of PCI DSS version 4.0 has brought about new requirements that compel companies to reassess their data flow and security measures.  

Section 12.5.2 of PCI DSS v4.0 mandates organizations to define and validate their data flows. This means companies must have a clear understanding of how data moves through their systems and prove that they have appropriate controls in place to protect it. This heightened focus on data flow validation is pushing security executives to modernize their DLP strategies to ensure compliance and enhance data protection.  

For more on PCI DSS 4.0, read our update here. 

   

Reason 2: Data Leakage is Becoming a Larger Concern  

Data leakage has always been a significant concern for businesses, but the focus is increasingly shifting towards data flow and visibility. The continued trends toward hybrid and remote work environments have aided in the discussions. And as higher profile cyber attacks compound – sometimes leading to CISOs being held personally liable – the microscope is on.  

As more organizations migrate to cloud environments, understanding and controlling data flows has become more complex and critical. Regulatory bodies and stakeholders are demanding greater transparency and accountability in data handling practices. Consequently, security execs are recognizing the need for advanced DLP solutions that offer better visibility and control over data, especially in cloud-based environments.  

   

Now What? What Can Companies Do to Improve Their DLP Strategy?  

To address the shortcomings of traditional DLP strategies and adapt to the evolving landscape, companies can leverage various new cybersecurity solutions. These solutions can enhance their security posture and address the issues identified above:  

   

DSPM – Data Security Posture Management  

DSPM solutions enable comprehensive data discovery, identification, and classification at scale, with built-in automation. These tools can scan customer data sources, deduplicate data, and categorize it based on machine learning algorithms or customer-defined policies. By automating these processes, DSPM solutions reduce the manual effort required and minimize the risk of human error, providing a more robust approach to data governance.  

DLP – Data Loss Prevention  

Modern DLP solutions go beyond traditional methods by preventing data from leaving the organization’s defined perimeters based on policy. On endpoints, these solutions can block actions like uploading to cloud storage, copying to USB devices, and attaching sensitive data to emails. By enforcing policies at the endpoint level, companies can better protect their data from unauthorized access and leakage.  

   

CASB – Cloud Access Security Broker  

CASB solutions, also known as cloud DLP, play a crucial role in securing cloud environments. They prevent users from accessing unauthorized “shadow applications” and conduct DLP-type scans within the company’s cloud storage locations. CASB tools can identify files or folders shared publicly and prevent unauthorized access to cloud data, ensuring that only approved applications and users can interact with sensitive information.  

   

SSPM – SaaS Security Posture Management  

SSPM solutions focus on the configuration management of SaaS applications like CRM, ERP, and cloud file storage locations. These tools connect to SaaS solutions via APIs and identify misconfigurations that could allow unauthorized access to stored data. By ensuring that SaaS applications are correctly configured, SSPM solutions help mitigate risks associated with SaaS usage and enhance overall data security.  

   

But Which Tools Are Right for My Organization? 

Given the evolving regulatory landscape and the increasing complexity of data flows, it is crucial for organizations to reassess their DLP strategies. A robust Data Governance Policy and advanced DSPM solutions, like the ones mentioned above, can significantly enhance your DLP strategy and improve your overall security posture.  

But navigating these tools among the nuances of your individual organization can be challenging, both in terms of implementation and expected benefits. Reach out to Tevora to discuss a solution that best fits your organization’s unique needs and helps you stay ahead of the ever-changing threat landscape.