Chances are your business runs on data. Even if you’re only using stored data for marketing purposes, it’s still a crucial part of your business. If a disaster happens, are you ready to recover your lost data? A surprising number of companies may not be able to answer this question.
While ensuring data availability with disaster recovery plans is a start, it’s not your only solution. You’re going to need additional tools to prevent data loss.
Different Types of Data Loss Prevention Tools
A data recovery plan (DRP) addresses retrieving lost data and minimizing the associated risks. Along with planning for a disaster, you should also be taking steps to prevent one. There are three primary types of data loss prevention tools. You can take advantage of all, a couple, or only one. The point is to utilize every tool at your disposal to keep your stored data safe.
The three main types of data loss prevention tools are:
- Endpoint DLP: Enables auditing and managing the types of activities users (staff) take on sensitive items.
- Network DLP: Monitors user (staff) behavior on the network to detect data exfiltration.
- Cloud DLP: Keeps your information safe from cyberattacks, insider threats, and accidental exposure.
Okay, now that you have a general idea of the types of tools available, it’s time to look at the various features. You’ll probably find some of the features are must-haves, and others you may not know what to do with. This is perfectly fine, remember, every business has unique data loss prevention needs.
Common Features of Data Loss Prevention Tools
The software effectively monitors your data by performing continuous scans. The scans search for any potential risks that include unauthorized access. Unauthorized access is a common issue. Even though it’s frequently caused by staff accidentally trying to access data, it can also be an indication hackers are searching for a way into your network.
Along with monitoring, the software is also designed to block unauthorized access. Don’t worry, it’s not as extreme as whistles and warning lights going off. However, you should expect to receive a message notifying you of the suspected attempted breach; this way you can identify if it is an internal mistake or a more serious threat. Sometimes, knowing that there’s the potential that someone can get in is enough to prevent any actual damage from occurring.
The data loss prevention tools also come with a handy forensic analysis tool. This can be invaluable in preventing a cybersecurity breach. The tool can help identify any vulnerabilities in your network and even make the necessary upgrades. This is one less thing your IT department needs to keep on their plate. However, remember these are only tools. Don’t rely solely on data prevention tools to keep your network and data safe.
Tips on Safeguarding Your Data and Ensuring Availability
Along with data prevention tools, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure your data isn’t irretrievably lost. This can include using software-based infrastructure. What is software-based infrastructure?
You may be more familiar with its acronym, IaaS (infrastructure as a service). This is a cloud computing model that provides software as a service. In other words, your data is stored in the cloud. You can choose either a public, private, or hybrid cloud.
Since your data and network are stored off-site, it’s easier to retrieve and harder for hackers to potentially breach.
Other tips include the following:
- Remove any unnecessary data; you may be surprised at what you’re holding on to. Only keep the data necessary for business operations. This way, if a disaster occurs, you’re not spending hours searching for data you’re probably never going to use.
- Don’t forget to back up your data frequently. You probably don’t need to back up your data multiple times a day. You may even be able to go a week or so without backing everything up. However, create a data backup plan and stick with it.
- You may also want to consider having multiple access routes to the data, which can include multiple storage methods. For example, storing your data in the cloud and keeping some on your on-site hardware.
Most importantly, have an effective data recovery plan. Even the best data loss prevention tools aren’t infallible: disasters can still happen, and you want to be ready to meet any challenge.
Preventing Data Loss is Possible
Equipping your organization with the right disaster recovery and data protection tools is a critical step in fortifying your defenses against data loss in the event of a disaster. These tools, which range from robust backup solutions to advanced cybersecurity measures, can significantly mitigate the risk of losing valuable data due to unforeseen events such as cyber-attacks, natural disasters, or system failures.
However, possessing these tools is only part of the solution; it's equally important to ensure that they are regularly updated and maintained. This includes performing routine software updates, testing backup systems, and revising disaster recovery protocols to address emerging threats and technological advancements.