Data loss is more than just a nuisance; it can take a toll on your business’s operations and even its revenue. Research shows that the average data breach costs small businesses up to $50,000. Data breaches involving larger businesses, of course, cost even more money to recover from. When creating a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) plan for your business, though, you’ll need to choose between standard and advanced measures.

What Are Standard DLP Measures?

Standard DLP measures consist of traditional types of software and solutions that are designed to preserve the security of data. A firewall, for instance, is considered a standard DLP measure. Most types of firewalls are software-based, though some are hardware-based. Regardless, a firewall will create a filtration wall between your business’s network and the internet. It will scan traffic coming into your business’s network — as well as traffic going out of your business’s network — to determine whether it’s safe.

An intrusion detection system (IDS) is considered a standard DLP measure as well. Like with firewalls, IDSs can be either hardware- or software-based. When installed, an IDS will monitor traffic on your business’s network and devices for security threats. If the IDS detects suspicious activity, it will block the traffic so that it doesn’t pose a risk to your business’s data.

Even antivirus software is considered a standard DLP measure. Antivirus software doesn’t just protect against malware; it preserves the security of data.

What Are Advanced DLP Measures?

Advanced DLP measures, on the other hand, consists of newer and more advanced types of software and solution that are designed to preserve the security of data. In the past, DLP plans consisted entirely of standard measures. It wasn’t until the past few decades when advanced measures were pioneered. Advanced DLP measures are simply newer and more advanced ways to preserve the security of data.

A honeypot is considered an advanced DLP measure. Honeypots are essentially traps for hackers. They often present themselves as valuable and sensitive data, and they often have lax security measures. When a hacker accesses the honeypot, his or her information is recorded.

Machine-learning algorithms are also used as an advanced DLP measures. Some businesses use machine-learning algorithms to detect specific types of malicious behavior on their networks. These algorithms are designed to adjust themselves automatically to detect potential threats. They’ll learn from the activities of hackers while automatically blocking those activities in the future.

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