Why Managed Services in Houston Should Include DLP

As cybercrime becomes more common, it’s important for you and your managed services provider in Houston to have a thorough understanding of Data Loss Prevention (DLP). This technology helps IT providers identify, monitor, and protect data that is in storage and moving across your network. Using this technology will help you set data security policies for your organization to follow. Here are ways that DLP can help your company prevent cyber disasters:

How Data Gets Lost

There are multiple ways data can get lost or damaged, either by a natural or manmade disaster. Your managed services provider in Houston must be prepared in either situation to take proactive measures to protect your data. They must first view your data as valuable to the strength and future of the company. The more volume of data that flows through your network, the more precautions they must take. Due to the rise in cybercrime in recent years, your team must accept that every business is a target for an attack to steal information and sell it to other cybercriminals. Other than theft, here are other ways that data loss can occur:

• Careless treatment of data
• Accidental disclosure
• Leakage
• Intentional misuse

Establishing DLP Policies

Setting strict policies is part of the equation for DLP to be effective. If you implement a “bring your own device” (BYOD) policy, then you must set clear rules on how data can be used on the job. It’s important to understand that even though BYOD can save a company expenses on hardware and security, it can cost a firm its reputation if confidential data gets into the wrong hands. It’s helpful to compartmentalize data so that only certain employees have access to certain data.

A key DLP policy is blocking access to nonproductive sites and applications. In this sense, not only can DLP protect data, it can prevent employees from engaging in activities that waste time and money. The combination of DLP technology and a robust mobile device management (MDM) system makes a BYOD policy more secure, giving more control to administrators.

How DLP Works

One of the most important functions of DLP technology is that it monitors and inspects your network around the clock. It also identifies risky activity on your network and visitors who do not have access permission. Another main advantage of DLP technology is that it automatically encrypts confidential data to protect against data loss. A modern DLP solution can be easily integrated into existing network systems with a plug-in. It can restrict the use of removable media such as USB drives to strengthen data protection and control. The software is able to detect when keywords are used improperly. It can also send out alerts to employees to remind them of security policies.

DLP comes with templates that ensure regulatory compliance. It provides real-time reporting and speeds up audits and enforcement with forensic data capture. Since it’s a centrally-managed solution, it simplifies administration while raising visibility and control at lower costs. It gives administrators multiple options for dealing with policy violations.

Conclusion 

You need a managed services provider in Houston that is up-to-date with the latest security solutions to guard against cyberattacks. DLP is an effective solution to monitor your network and prevent attacks. Contact us at ICS to learn more about making your business as secure as possible.