The benefits of data loss prevention software include:
1. Knowing where your data is - DLP software can help find your data wherever it may be by monitoring the network, scanning known data repositories, and scanning employees’ devices. Using DLP software you can also prove where your data isn’t.
2. Understanding where your data goes - DLP software can help your organization keep track of its data in three ways:
Monitoring the network
Monitoring endpoints (such as employee hard drives)
Monitoring storage (tracking all sensitive data that is moved to portable storage)
3. Knowing how your data is being used - Different DLP tools offer you different features in terms of monitoring your data. You might be able to track when users print or fax information or when they cut and paste data between applications. Some DLP tools integrate with file monitoring tools and can track when files are accessed. Then you can track which business units are using the data and where it is being communicated externally, etc. The more you know, the more you can adjust your business processes appropriately rather than just blocking access to data.
4. Proactively preventing unwanted activities - Most data leaks are accidental and come from employees not knowing better. When a DLP solution catches an issue, you can notify and educate your employees so they know what not to do next time. Hundreds of companies that use DLP solutions have reported a drop in unwanted activity after they notified employees of their mistakes. This means you’ll have fewer issues to deal with in the future.