Cyber With Debra!

It does not always take a hacker to cause a data breach. Sometimes, information leaves an organization by accident, such as a file emailed to the wrong person, a report uploaded to a public folder, or sensitive data saved on an unsecured drive.

That is where Data Loss Prevention, or DLP, comes in.

DLP is a security approach that helps organizations protect sensitive information by monitoring, detecting, and blocking risky actions. It keeps data from being shared where it should not go, whether the leak is intentional or not.

In this week’s comic, Brittany tries to email a report to her personal account to finish it later. The system immediately blocks the message, recognizing that it contains confidential data. Debra explains that this is how DLP helps prevent leaks before they happen. Data protection is not just about keeping threats out. It is also about keeping information where it belongs.

What DLP does

DLP solutions look for patterns or rules that match sensitive information such as credit card numbers, health records, or financial data. When a match is found, the system can alert the user, block the action, or encrypt the data automatically.

With DLP, organizations can:

• Identify sensitive data across emails, files, and cloud storage

• Monitor how that data is being shared or moved

• Prevent unauthorized transfers through alerts or blocks

• Comply with privacy laws and data protection standards

Why it matters

Every organization handles sensitive data, from patient information in healthcare to financial details in banking. A single accidental email or upload can expose private information and lead to costly consequences.

DLP adds a layer of protection that focuses not on systems but on the data itself. It keeps security grounded in what truly matters, protecting the information people trust organizations to handle safely.

Everyday takeaway

Think of DLP like the locks on file cabinets in an office. Even if someone walks in with good intentions, they cannot open a drawer without permission. It is not about mistrust. It is about keeping private information private.

Good security is not only about stopping attacks from the outside. It is also about preventing mistakes from the inside.

Thank you for reading. I hope you have subscribed. Let me know in the comments how you make sure sensitive information stays where it should. 🗂️