How to set up a Network-based Data Loss Prevention (DLP) System to Prevent Sensitive Data from Leaving your Network

Setting up a network-based Data Loss Prevention (DLP) system involves several steps to ensure that sensitive data is protected and prevented from leaving your network unauthorizedly. Here's a detailed guide on how to set up a network-based DLP system:

1. Define Your DLP Strategy

• Identify Sensitive Data: Determine what constitutes sensitive data in your organization (e.g., PII, financial data, intellectual property).
• Define Policies: Establish DLP policies that outline what data should be protected, how it should be protected, and what actions should be taken when policies are violated.
• Compliance Requirements: Consider any regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) that apply to your data protection strategy.

2. Choose the Right DLP Solution

Select a DLP solution that meets your needs. Some popular network-based DLP solutions include:

• Symantec Data Loss Prevention
• Forcepoint DLP
• McAfee Total Protection for DLP
• Digital Guardian
• Microsoft Information Protection (MIP)

3. Prepare the Infrastructure

• Network Configuration: Ensure you have the necessary network configuration, such as network taps or port mirroring, to capture and monitor network traffic.
• Dedicated Hardware/VMs: Set up dedicated servers or virtual machines to host the DLP components.

4. Install and Configure the DLP Solution

Example: Setting up Symantec Data Loss Prevention

1. Install the DLP Management Server:
   • Follow the installation guide provided by Symantec to install the DLP Management Server. This typically involves running an installer and configuring database settings.
2. Install Network Monitor:
   • Install the Network Monitor component to capture network traffic. This component will be deployed on a server connected to a network tap or a mirrored port.
3. Install Endpoint Agents (Optional):
   • If you also want to monitor endpoints, deploy the DLP endpoint agents on all relevant machines.

5. Define DLP Policies and Rules

• Create Policies: Use the DLP management console to create policies based on the types of sensitive data you want to protect. For example, create policies to detect and block the transmission of credit card numbers, social security numbers, or proprietary documents.
• Set Detection Methods: Configure detection methods such as pattern matching, keyword matching, and file type detection to identify sensitive data.
• Specify Actions: Define actions to be taken when a policy violation is detected, such as blocking the transmission, encrypting the data, or alerting an administrator.

6. Configure Network Traffic Monitoring

• Network Taps or Port Mirroring: Set up network taps or configure port mirroring on your switches to send a copy of the network traffic to the Network Monitor component of your DLP solution.
• Traffic Filtering: Configure the DLP solution to filter and analyze network traffic based on your defined policies.

7. Test the DLP System

• Simulate Data Loss Scenarios: Test the DLP system by simulating data loss scenarios. For example, attempt to send sensitive data via email or upload it to a cloud service.
• Verify Detection and Response: Ensure that the DLP system correctly identifies the sensitive data and takes the appropriate actions as defined in your policies.

8. Monitor and Adjust

• Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor the DLP system’s alerts and logs to identify and respond to potential data loss incidents.
• Policy Updates: Regularly review and update your DLP policies to address new threats and changes in the regulatory environment.
• User Training: Educate employees about DLP policies and best practices for handling sensitive data to minimize accidental data loss.

9. Integrate with Other Security Systems

• SIEM Integration: Integrate your DLP system with a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to centralize logging and improve incident response.
• Incident Response: Establish and refine incident response procedures to quickly address any detected data loss events.

Setting up a network-based DLP system involves careful planning, installation, and configuration of the DLP solution, defining and testing policies, continuous monitoring, and regular updates. By following these steps, you can effectively prevent sensitive data from leaving your network unauthorizedly and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.