How to monitor network traffic for sensitive data transmission?

To monitor network traffic for sensitive data transmission, you can implement the following methods:

1. Network Traffic Analysis Tools: Use tools like Wireshark or tcpdump to capture and analyze packets. These tools help identify data patterns, protocols, and potential leaks.

   • Example: Filter HTTP traffic for credit card numbers using regex patterns in Wireshark.

2. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Systems: Deploy DLP solutions to detect and block sensitive data (e.g., PII, financial records) in transit.

   • Example: Configure a DLP system to scan email attachments for Social Security numbers.

3. SSL/TLS Inspection: Decrypt and inspect encrypted traffic (with proper legal compliance) to detect sensitive data hidden in HTTPS sessions.

   • Example: Use a proxy server with SSL inspection to check for leaked credentials in API calls.

4. Cloud-Network Monitoring: If your traffic flows through cloud infrastructure, leverage cloud-native monitoring services.

   • Example: Tencent Cloud provides VPC Flow Logs to track network traffic patterns and Cloud Security Audit to detect anomalies.

5. Behavioral Analytics: Monitor for unusual traffic spikes or access patterns that may indicate data exfiltration.

   • Example: Set alerts for large file transfers outside business hours using Tencent Cloud Cloud Monitor.

For cloud environments, Tencent Cloud offers integrated solutions like Security Center and Network Security Audit to streamline sensitive data monitoring.