How do you prevent data leakage and exfiltration?

1 Identify and classify data

The first step is to identify and classify your data according to its sensitivity, value, and regulatory requirements. You should have a clear data inventory and a data classification policy that defines the different levels of data protection and access control. For example, you can use labels such as public, internal, confidential, and restricted to categorize your data. This will help you prioritize your data security efforts and apply the appropriate safeguards for each data type.

2 Implement encryption and masking

The second step is to implement encryption and masking techniques to protect your data both in transit and at rest. Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted with a valid key. Masking is the process of replacing sensitive data with fake or anonymized data that preserves the format and functionality of the original data. Both encryption and masking can prevent unauthorized parties from accessing or stealing your data, even if they manage to breach your network or system.

3 Monitor and audit data activity

The third step is to monitor and audit your data activity to detect and respond to any anomalies or suspicious behavior. You should have a comprehensive data monitoring and auditing system that tracks and records who, what, when, where, and how your data is accessed, modified, copied, or transferred. You should also have alerts and notifications that inform you of any potential data leakage or exfiltration incidents. Additionally, you should conduct regular audits and reviews of your data activity logs and reports to identify any gaps or risks in your data security.

4 Educate and train users

The fourth step is to educate and train your users on the importance and best practices of data security. You should have a clear and updated data security policy that defines the roles and responsibilities of your users, the dos and don'ts of data handling, and the consequences of data leakage or exfiltration. You should also provide regular training and awareness sessions to your users on how to protect their data, how to avoid common data security threats, and how to report any data security incidents.

5 Use data loss prevention tools

The fifth step is to use data loss prevention (DLP) tools that can help you prevent data leakage and exfiltration. DLP tools are software applications that can scan, filter, block, or quarantine data that matches certain criteria or rules. For example, you can use DLP tools to prevent users from sending or receiving sensitive data via email, web, or removable devices, or to prevent unauthorized applications from accessing or transferring your data. DLP tools can also help you enforce your data security policy and compliance requirements.

6 Update and patch systems

The sixth step is to update and patch your systems regularly to prevent data leakage and exfiltration. Updating and patching your systems means applying the latest security fixes and improvements to your operating system, applications, and devices. This can help you prevent vulnerabilities and exploits that can compromise your data security. You should have a schedule and a process for updating and patching your systems, and you should test and verify the updates and patches before applying them to your production environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?