Network DLP vs. Endpoint DLP (and Why Both Are Critical)

Endpoint Data Loss Prevention vs. Network Data Loss Prevention

Endpoint DLP and network DLP are two complementary approaches to preventing data loss. The differences between these two approaches boil down to where users interact with data. 
 

Endpoint DLP protects data on individual devices such as servers, computers and mobile hardware. Endpoint DLP software is designed to run on each device within an organization, traditionally via an agent installed on the device, to monitor and prevent unauthorized access of sensitive information by outside bad actors or through data exfiltration. As many companies have shifted to a remote or hybrid work model, employees increasingly use personal devices – either approved under “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) policies or unsanctioned – which makes it critical to utilize an endpoint DLP solution.

On the other hand, network DLP protects and monitors all data in use, in motion or at rest on the company’s network. A network DLP solution is designed to prevent data loss as it travels in any direction across the network. These solutions can ensure that sensitive data is protected wherever it is to be found, whether moving to its destination or in storage for future use. Cloud DLP is an important subset of network DLP, safeguarding the movement of data between the network and the numerous popular cloud applications like Microsoft 365, Slack and Salesforce.

What are the benefits of unified endpoint and network DLP?

Endpoint DLP and network DLP represent two sides of the same coin, and any worthwhile DLP solution must offer unified endpoint and network coverage to support a comprehensive data security strategy.

If an endpoint becomes compromised, network DLP measures can act as a failsafe to block data from traveling along this threat vector. And even if a network security measure such as a firewall or Virtual Private Network (VPN) fails to block risky activity, endpoint DLP can protect sensitive data where it resides on a device.

Some of the benefits of unified endpoint and network DLP include being able to:

• Enforce overlapping protection
• Maintain compliance with global data security and privacy regulations
• Monitor and block copying and pasting of sensitive data
• Reduce insider threat risk by maintaining better visibility and control over data
• Eliminate the need for maintaining multiple DLP systems or performing manual syncing
• Provide comprehensive visibility of sensitive data

Secure data everywhere with Forcepoint DLP

If your organization is currently evaluating DLP solutions, unified endpoint and network DLP should be one of your main criteria. But this is only one of the capabilities that differentiates Forcepoint Enterprise DLP from the competition. These advanced data security features include:

• 1,700+ pre-defined policies and classifiers – the industry’s largest such library – simplifying regulatory compliance
• Unified policy enforcement extending across web, cloud and private applications
• Risk-adaptive protection to respond dynamically to risks in real time
• Advanced fingerprinting and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities

Organizations seeking a strong technology partner for enabling a Zero Trust approach and risk-adaptive data security controls should consider Forcepoint."

- The Forrester Wave™: Data Security Platforms, Q1 2023 report

Forcepoint offers a comprehensive DLP solution that can allow your organization to transform your data security strategy, strengthening protections while reducing work and operating costs. Sign up for a demo to experience firsthand the Forcepoint Enterprise DLP difference. Or read on for further insights into creating an effective end-to-end Data Loss Prevention strategy.