What is Data Loss Prevention?

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) refers to strategies, technologies, and tools designed to detect and prevent the unauthorized transmission or leakage of sensitive data. DLP solutions monitor, detect, and block data breaches, exfiltration, or accidental exposure of confidential information, such as personal identifiable information (PII), financial records, intellectual property, or corporate secrets.

DLP operates at three main levels:

1. Data in use: Protects data being actively used by endpoints (e.g., copying files to USB drives).
2. Data in motion: Monitors data transferred across networks (e.g., emails or file uploads).
3. Data at rest: Secures stored data on servers, databases, or cloud storage.

Example: A company uses DLP software to block employees from emailing customer credit card numbers outside the organization. If an employee attempts to send such data via email, the DLP system detects the sensitive information and either quarantines the email or alerts the security team.

In cloud environments, Tencent Cloud offers Data Security Solutions, including Cloud DLP, which helps identify and classify sensitive data across cloud storage, databases, and applications. It also provides encryption and access control to prevent unauthorized data transfers.