How does DLP help with regulatory compliance?

Data loss prevention or DLP refers to practices and technologies designed to prevent unauthorized access and accidental sharing of sensitive information. Whether protecting customer data or employee information, DLP tools offer a range of functionalities to secure data at rest, in motion, and in use.

DLP compliance management involves identifying, monitoring, and protecting data through deep content inspection, contextual analysis, and enforcement actions like blocking, encrypting, or alerting in SaaS applications and in Endpoints.

Let’s look at DLP's role in upholding various compliance requirements. 

1. PCI DSS compliance and DLP

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security regulations designed to ensure the secure handling of credit card and payment data. Organizations that process, store, or transmit credit card information must adhere to these standards, which include secure network design, data encryption, access control, ongoing monitoring and testing, incident response planning, and employee security awareness. 

Compliance with PCI DSS is crucial to protect customer data and a company's reputation. Failing to do so can result in fines ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per month and the potential loss of the ability to process credit card payments. 

Role of DLP in PCI DSS compliance

The DLP tools for PCI DSS compliance securely manage cardholder data to prevent fraud and breaches. These tools enable organizations to discover, classify, and protect credit card data, ensuring it is always encrypted, access-controlled, and monitored. 

Moreover, by employing DLP solutions like Strac, you can redact cardholder information in real time and protect it from prying eyes. For example, if an employee attempts to send cardholder data via email, Strac’s Gmail DLP will instantly identify and redact sensitive data before it’s sent.

2. HIPAA compliance and DLP

As we explore specific regulations, covering the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is essential. This U.S. law has far-reaching implications for healthcare organizations. 

HIPAA mandates that healthcare organizations implement various administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect Protected Health Information or PHI. This includes everything from patient medical records to billing information. Noncompliance can lead to hefty penalties, including fines of $100 to $50,000 per violation.

Role of DLP in HIPAA compliance

Effective DLP compliance management is crucial for healthcare organizations. DLP technologies can identify PHI across various data points, monitor its usage, and prevent unauthorized access or sharing. For instance, Strac can flag an attempt to send PHI via an unsecured email and either block the transaction or redact the data before it leaves the organization's network.

By offering functionalities like real-time monitoring, encryption, and alerting, DLP tools provide healthcare organizations with a comprehensive solution for safeguarding PHI and, by extension, maintaining HIPAA compliance.

Related: The Definitive Guide to HIPAA Compliance Checklist

3. GDPR compliance and DLP

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection and privacy regulation enacted by the European Union (EU). It came into effect on May 25, 2018, replacing the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC. GDPR gives individuals greater control over their personal data and harmonizes data protection laws across the EU member states. 

A GDPR fine can amount to €20 million or 4% of global annual revenue. This was evident when Google was hit with a €50 million penalty in January 2019 by France's data protection agency, CNIL, for not adhering to GDPR guidelines on the transparent and lawful processing of personal data.

Role of DLP in GDPR compliance

DLP tools can help organizations meet GDPR requirements for limiting access to personal data for authorized personnel and ensure that such data is adequately protected during transfers outside the European economic area.

It assists organizations in identifying and classifying personal data, enabling them to maintain transparency and accountability regarding the data they handle.

Additionally, DLP plays a crucial role in enforcing data protection policies by offering a suite of security measures, including encryption and access control. It aids in real-time breach detection, ensuring organizations can promptly report data breaches as GDPR requires. In essence, DLP simplifies GDPR compliance by automating data protection and assisting organizations in safeguarding personal data effectively.

4. CCPA compliance and DLP

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a state statute intended to enhance privacy rights and consumer protection for residents of California. The law has been in effect since January 1, 2020, and requires diligent data mapping practices vital to understanding and safeguarding personal data. 

Role of DLP in CCPA compliance

CCPA penalties can range from $2,500 to $7,500 per violation. To mitigate this risk, DLP solutions assist in complying with CCPA by identifying and mapping personal data, helping them understand where data originates, where it is stored, who has access, and how it is used. This is essential for CCPA compliance, enabling businesses to gain complete transparency in their data ecosystem. By automating data discovery and mapping, DLP tools streamline the complex process of understanding data flows, identifying personal information, and ensuring it is protected.

Related: Data Mapping for CCPA Compliance

Strategies for effective DLP compliance management

Maintaining DLP regulatory compliance requires more than a basic understanding of laws. You need a comprehensive strategy addressing what needs to be protected, what pitfalls to avoid, and what actions to take.

What requires protection

The first step is understanding what needs protection, which includes everything from basic personal details to financial information, identification numbers, and personal preferences. A detailed list can be found in our sensitive data catalog.

What to avoid

The next crucial aspect is to establish access controls to sensitive data. A single breach can have catastrophic consequences, from hefty fines to irreparable reputational damage. In case a breach occurs, immediate detection and transparent communication is essential.

The action plan

An effective data privacy strategy requires a clear action plan, which includes giving individuals the right to access, view, and erase their data as required by laws like CCPA and GDPR. Organizations must have visibility into where this data is stored and enforce strict data protection protocols.

Managing these complex requirements manually can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tool like Strac simplifies this, streamlining the path to efficient compliance. 

Integrating Strac for Enhanced Data Loss Prevention

Strac has extensive DLP abilities, serving as a valuable asset for companies looking to establish DLP compliance management. Among its features are:

1. Instant detection and redaction

Strac uses advanced AI algorithms to identify and redact sensitive data across multiple platforms instantly. This feature is particularly useful for complying with regulations that require immediate action to secure sensitive information.

2. No-code integrations

Strac offers seamless no-code integrations with popular SaaS applications, making it easier for organizations to extend their compliance efforts without the need for extensive coding.

3. Continuous scanning for compliance

The platform continuously scans data to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA. This is crucial for meeting GDPR's data minimization requirements and CCPA's consumer data access provisions.

Read Our Guide to Endpoint Security Compliance

4. Highly-accurate algorithms

Strac’s AI-driven algorithms are highly accurate, reducing the likelihood of false positives and negatives. This is particularly important for complying with stringent regulations with zero error tolerance, such as HIPAA.

5. Real-time masking and tokenization

Strac offers real-time masking and tokenization features, protecting sensitive data even further. This is especially useful for PCI compliance, where cardholder data must be securely stored and transmitted.

6. API integration and versatility

Strac's API allows for custom integrations, providing the versatility to meet various compliance requirements. This makes it easier for organizations to adapt their systems to comply with various regulations.

Related Reads: