subject: The Asian Network Security Story: Hackers, Employees And Dlp [print this page] It's hardly an epic battle between good and evil, but the relationship, or tension, between 'people' and 'data' is one that has existed since people themselves have. Today the tension comes to a head, as data becomes more prevalent, sensitive and accessible ... and also more closely related to money.
A comprehensive IT security management strategy is the only way to maximize the potential of both your data and your people, as well as their combined worth which is more than the sum of the parts. Data Loss Prevention systems, a holistic system that prevents your people coming into conflict with your data is the gold standard solution for information technology consultants.
What does DLP entail?
DLP is most easily understood as a suite of technologies, all working together to create an unbreakable network of data security processes. The approach to Asian network operations security is process-based, rather than point by point based. It covers data at every stage of its life cycle, from the time it is at rest, to when it is being transmitted, while it is in use and even as it moves beyond the perimeter of the organization's computing control.
DLP also usually involves both the Human Resources and Legal departments of an organization, helping both areas to meet their responsibilities. DLP effectively brings data security back into the domain of the end user, making the protection of data a collaborative exercise, rather than a dictator top-down initiative. Concurrently, DLP provides an audit trail which allows security breaches to be effectively tracked to single machines or people and dealt with.
My business already has IT security management processes in place
This is usually true. It is a rare business that doesn't implement a firewall, protect access to various documents and monitor who uses sensitive data. However, these business network security practices are frequently disparate, and rife with 'holes' that could be exploited by a determined hacker, or even accidentally, by an unaware or careless employee.
Also, it is the very fact that you already have security processes in place that makes DLP such an attractive addition to your IT security management suite.
DLP is not as expensive as you think
DLP is not a single system - it isn't like the massive overhaul required by 'going virtual', and certainly doesn't involved the same level of organization as moving your business into an e-commerce environment. In fact, most organizations have the bones of this new business network security portfolio already in place within their organization.
Technologies usually inherently include some sort of protection for the data they are transmitting, storing, or displaying, and DLP utilizes these inbuilt Asian network security technologies to the fullest extent possible.
So, the difference between DLP and a simple combination of the standard perimeter technologies is that standard technologies will protect your data from the outside world, and protect it when it is at several points. When your Asian information security specialist implements DLP, the perimeter and the points coalesce into a cohesive, unbreakable data security whole.
