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[Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown) 2. [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-security?ts=markdown) 3. [What Is DLP (Data Loss Prevention)? An Overview](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp?ts=markdown) Table of Contents * [What makes data loss prevention essential today?](#what-makes-data-loss-prevention-essential-today) * [How does data loss prevention actually work?](#how-does-data-loss-prevention-actually-work) * [What types of data loss prevention solutions are available?](#what-types-of-data-loss-prevention-solutions-are-available) * [Where does DLP stop, and what do you need alongside it?](#where-does-dlp-stop-and-what-do-you-need-alongside-it) * [How does data loss prevention map to security standards?](#how-does-data-loss-prevention-map-to-security-standards) * [Where is data loss prevention headed next?](#where-is-data-loss-prevention-headed-next) * [Data loss prevention FAQs](#data-loss-prevention-faqs) # What Is DLP (Data Loss Prevention)? An Overview 5 min. read Table of Contents * [What makes data loss prevention essential today?](#what-makes-data-loss-prevention-essential-today) * [How does data loss prevention actually work?](#how-does-data-loss-prevention-actually-work) * [What types of data loss prevention solutions are available?](#what-types-of-data-loss-prevention-solutions-are-available) * [Where does DLP stop, and what do you need alongside it?](#where-does-dlp-stop-and-what-do-you-need-alongside-it) * [How does data loss prevention map to security standards?](#how-does-data-loss-prevention-map-to-security-standards) * [Where is data loss prevention headed next?](#where-is-data-loss-prevention-headed-next) * [Data loss prevention FAQs](#data-loss-prevention-faqs) 1. What makes data loss prevention essential today? * [1. What makes data loss prevention essential today?](#what-makes-data-loss-prevention-essential-today) * [2. How does data loss prevention actually work?](#how-does-data-loss-prevention-actually-work) * [3. What types of data loss prevention solutions are available?](#what-types-of-data-loss-prevention-solutions-are-available) * [4. Where does DLP stop, and what do you need alongside it?](#where-does-dlp-stop-and-what-do-you-need-alongside-it) * [5. How does data loss prevention map to security standards?](#how-does-data-loss-prevention-map-to-security-standards) * [6. Where is data loss prevention headed next?](#where-is-data-loss-prevention-headed-next) * [7. Data loss prevention FAQs](#data-loss-prevention-faqs) Data loss prevention (DLP) is a security practice that identifies sensitive data and enforces policies to stop it from being accessed, shared, or transferred without authorization. It applies monitoring and control across data in use, in motion, and at rest. DLP is used to reduce data breaches, prevent accidental leaks, and meet regulatory requirements. ## What makes data loss prevention essential today? [Data breaches](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach) are more common and more expensive than ever. [IBM's 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report](https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach) found the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.44 million per incident. In the United States, the average was more than double at $10.22 million. And those figures only represent direct costs. They don't capture long-term damage to customer trust or reputation. Here's why that matters. Some result from external attackers. Others stem from careless mistakes or misconfigured systems. But regardless of cause, organizations are legally and contractually required to keep this data secure. Yet, IBM's report indicates that a third of organizations have even faced regulatory fines because of breaches. And the challenge is growing. Cloud services and SaaS platforms already complicate data protection. But [AI](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/artificial-intelligence-ai) introduces an even bigger shift. Employees are feeding [sensitive information](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sensitive-data) into generative AI tools without oversight. "So far in 2025, we're seeing the total number of GenAI-related DLP incidents increase more than 2.5X, now comprising 14% of all DLP incidents across our SaaS traffic." [- Palo Alto Networks, The State of Generative AI 2025](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/state-of-genai-2025) IBM found [shadow AI](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-shadow-ai) incidents added $670,000 to breach costs. Which means AI has become a new---and fast-growing---channel for data exposure. And that's only one dimension of how it's reshaping [data security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security). Data loss prevention helps address these risks. It gives organizations visibility into where sensitive data resides and how it moves. It applies policies that stop unauthorized access and prevent data from leaving approved environments. Today, DLP is one of the few controls designed to deal directly with the problem that drives breach costs higher every year. ## How does data loss prevention actually work? ![Chart titled 'How data loss prevention works' showing a circular five-part process diagram. Each segment represents a stage with a short label and description. The top segment in blue is labeled 'Discover \& classify' with the text 'Scan endpoints, networks, and cloud for sensitive data.' The right segment in light blue is labeled 'Monitor \& inspect' with the text 'Regex, checksums, EDM/IDM, OCR, ML.' The lower right segment in dark blue is labeled 'Enforce policy' with the text 'Block, encrypt, quarantine, require justification.' The lower left segment in gray is labeled 'Report \& log' with the text 'Generate alerts, support compliance.' The upper left segment in orange is labeled 'Refine \& tune' with the text 'Adjust policies, reduce false positives.'](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp/how-data-loss-prevention-works.png "Chart titled 'How data loss prevention works' showing a circular five-part process diagram. Each segment represents a stage with a short label and description. The top segment in blue is labeled 'Discover & classify' with the text 'Scan endpoints, networks, and cloud for sensitive data.' The right segment in light blue is labeled 'Monitor & inspect' with the text 'Regex, checksums, EDM/IDM, OCR, ML.' The lower right segment in dark blue is labeled 'Enforce policy' with the text 'Block, encrypt, quarantine, require justification.' The lower left segment in gray is labeled 'Report & log' with the text 'Generate alerts, support compliance.' The upper left segment in orange is labeled 'Refine & tune' with the text 'Adjust policies, reduce false positives.'") Data loss prevention works by applying controls at each stage of the data lifecycle. * **The process starts with discovering and classifying information.** Tools scan endpoints, networks, and cloud systems to identify sensitive data such as financial records, intellectual property, or personal information. [Classification](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification) ensures that [policies](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-policy) can be applied according to data type and sensitivity. * **Once data is identified, the system monitors how it's used and where it moves.** Inspection can be content-based, using techniques like regex or checksum validation. For higher accuracy, organizations use exact data match (EDM) or indexed document match (IDM) to fingerprint structured records or documents. Some tools add optical character recognition (OCR) an [machine learning](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/machine-learning-ml) to detect sensitive content in images, PDFs, or unstructured files. Why is that important? Because raw content alone is rarely enough. Context---who is sending the data, from which device, and to where---helps determine whether an action violates policy. Behavior patterns also matter. A single file transfer might be harmless. A surge of uploads to an unsanctioned service could signal risk. * **When violations are detected, DLP enforces policy.** That might mean blocking a transfer, quarantining data, applying [encryption](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption), or requiring the user to justify the action. Every decision is logged, and incidents are reported to security teams. Those reports are then used to refine policies and reduce false positives over time. Essentially, DLP works by combining content, context, and behavior into a continuous cycle of discovery, monitoring, enforcement, and tuning. ## What types of data loss prevention solutions are available? Data loss prevention isn't a single tool. It's a set of controls applied at different points where data can leave organizational boundaries. Each type focuses on a specific channel---devices, networks, email, or cloud platforms---but all use the same foundation: identifying sensitive data, monitoring how it moves, and enforcing policy when risks are detected. ### Endpoint DLP ![Architecture diagram titled 'Endpoint DLP' showing a device labeled 'Agent' on the left connected by a horizontal line to three elements on the right. The three elements are arranged vertically and labeled from top to bottom as 'Internet' with a globe icon, 'Database' with a stacked cylinder icon, and 'Email server' with an envelope over a cloud icon. Each of these elements is connected to the central horizontal line by a short branch.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp/Endpoint-DLP.png "Architecture diagram titled 'Endpoint DLP' showing a device labeled 'Agent' on the left connected by a horizontal line to three elements on the right. The three elements are arranged vertically and labeled from top to bottom as 'Internet' with a globe icon, 'Database' with a stacked cylinder icon, and 'Email server' with an envelope over a cloud icon. Each of these elements is connected to the central horizontal line by a short branch.") Endpoint DLP runs on user devices. It monitors activity such as copying to USB drives, printing, screenshots, or use of the clipboard. It can also track uploads from local applications. So organizations can stop sensitive data from leaving through unmanaged devices or offline methods. ### Network DLP ![Architecture diagram titled 'Network DLP' showing a device icon on the left connected by a horizontal line to a red firewall icon in the center labeled 'Firewall.' Below the firewall, a section labeled 'Agent' includes three bullet points: 'SSL decryption,' 'Payload info,' and 'URL inspection.' From the firewall, a horizontal line extends to the right and branches into three elements arranged vertically and labeled 'Internet' with a globe icon, 'Database' with a stacked cylinder icon, and 'Email server' with an envelope over a cloud icon.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp/Network-DLP.png "Architecture diagram titled 'Network DLP' showing a device icon on the left connected by a horizontal line to a red firewall icon in the center labeled 'Firewall.' Below the firewall, a section labeled 'Agent' includes three bullet points: 'SSL decryption,' 'Payload info,' and 'URL inspection.' From the firewall, a horizontal line extends to the right and branches into three elements arranged vertically and labeled 'Internet' with a globe icon, 'Database' with a stacked cylinder icon, and 'Email server' with an envelope over a cloud icon.") Network DLP inspects traffic moving across the corporate network. It looks at outbound channels like SMTP, HTTP(S), and FTP. Some solutions work inline to block traffic in real time. Others use a span or tap to monitor without interfering. TLS decryption may be needed to analyze encrypted flows. ### Email DLP ![Architecture diagram titled 'Email DLP' showing an envelope over a cloud icon labeled 'Email' on the left, connected by a horizontal line to a globe icon labeled 'Internet' on the right. Above the email icon, a magnifying glass symbol represents an 'Agent,' with the label 'Email inspection.'](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp/Email-DLP.png "Architecture diagram titled 'Email DLP' showing an envelope over a cloud icon labeled 'Email' on the left, connected by a horizontal line to a globe icon labeled 'Internet' on the right. Above the email icon, a magnifying glass symbol represents an 'Agent,' with the label 'Email inspection.'") Email DLP enforces policy on outbound messages. It can detect sensitive content in subject lines, bodies, and attachments. Common actions include blocking the message, encrypting it, or holding it for review. This reduces the chance of misdirected emails or intentional [data leaks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak"). ### Cloud and SaaS DLP ![Architecture diagram titled 'Cloud DLP' showing a computer icon labeled 'Device' on the left, a cloud and envelope icon labeled 'Cloud app' on the right, and a central blue circle labeled 'Cloud DLP software.' An 'Agent' represented by a magnifying glass overlays the device icon. Arrows connect the device and the cloud app to the central 'Cloud DLP software,' indicating bidirectional data flow.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp/Cloud-DLP.png "Architecture diagram titled 'Cloud DLP' showing a computer icon labeled 'Device' on the left, a cloud and envelope icon labeled 'Cloud app' on the right, and a central blue circle labeled 'Cloud DLP software.' An 'Agent' represented by a magnifying glass overlays the device icon. Arrows connect the device and the cloud app to the central 'Cloud DLP software,' indicating bidirectional data flow.") Cloud DLP protects data in software-as-a-service applications. API-based approaches scan stored files and messages. Integration with [CASB](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-casb-cloud-access-security-broker) or [SSE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-security-service-edge-sse) provides inline control for uploads and sharing. This is increasingly critical as more sensitive data moves to cloud platforms. | ***Further reading:** [What Is Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP)?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-data-loss-prevention)* ***Note:*** *Some vendors deliver these functions as dedicated enterprise DLP platforms. Others integrate them into broader security suites or cloud-native services. The right fit depends on the environment and requirements.* ## Where does DLP stop, and what do you need alongside it? ![Chart titled 'How data loss prevention works' depicting a circular five-stage process. At the top, a blue section labeled 'Discover \& classify' reads 'Scan endpoints, networks, and cloud for sensitive data.' Moving clockwise, a light-blue section labeled 'Monitor \& inspect' reads 'Regex, checksums, EDM/IDM, OCR, ML.' Next, a darker blue section labeled 'Enforce policy' reads 'Block, encrypt, quarantine, require justification.' At the lower left, a gray section labeled 'Report \& log' reads 'Generate alerts, support compliance.' Finally, an orange section labeled 'Refine \& tune' reads 'Adjust policies, reduce false positives.'](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp/DLP-scope-and-complementary-technologies.png "Chart titled 'How data loss prevention works' depicting a circular five-stage process. At the top, a blue section labeled 'Discover & classify' reads 'Scan endpoints, networks, and cloud for sensitive data.' Moving clockwise, a light-blue section labeled 'Monitor & inspect' reads 'Regex, checksums, EDM/IDM, OCR, ML.' Next, a darker blue section labeled 'Enforce policy' reads 'Block, encrypt, quarantine, require justification.' At the lower left, a gray section labeled 'Report & log' reads 'Generate alerts, support compliance.' Finally, an orange section labeled 'Refine & tune' reads 'Adjust policies, reduce false positives.'") DLP plays a central role in monitoring and controlling sensitive data. But like any tool, it operates within a defined scope. It can't always see inside encrypted or obfuscated traffic. And it's not designed to control what happens to information once it legitimately leaves managed environments. That's why organizations pair DLP with complementary technologies. * DSPM shows where sensitive data lives across cloud and hybrid environments. * CASB or SSE extend control to SaaS and web applications. * IRM and DRM apply protections that stay with the file after it moves. Other tools address different dimensions. * Tokenization and masking reduce the value of data if it's exposed. * UEBA adds behavior analytics to flag unusual activity that may not be visible through content inspection alone. DLP enforces policies where data is discovered, classified, and monitored. But it needs other technologies to expand that protection by covering blind spots, extending control into new environments, and continuing safeguards beyond the network edge. | ***Further reading:*** * [*What Is DSPM?*](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm) * [*What Is UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics)?*](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-user-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba) ## How does data loss prevention map to security standards? DLP isn't defined by any one standard. Instead, it maps across multiple frameworks and regulations that govern how organizations must control, monitor, and protect data. The goal is the same: prevent unauthorized disclosure while keeping data available for business use. What follows is a starter set of the most widely recognized frameworks and regulations where DLP capabilities align directly with published requirements. | Frameworks, regulations, and DLP tie-ins | |------------------------------------------| | Framework / Regulation | Type | Relevant requirement and DLP tie-in | |---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | [NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/r5/upd1/final) | Framework / standard | Controls such as AC-4 (information flow enforcement) and SC-7(10) map directly to DLP policies that monitor, restrict, and log data transfers. | | [NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0)](https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/CSWP/NIST.CSWP.29.pdf) | Framework | *Protect \> Data Security* and *Detect \> Anomalies \& Events* align with DLP's role in identifying and controlling sensitive data movement. | | [ISO/IEC 27001](https://www.iso.org/standard/27001) | International standard | Annex A.8 and A.13 call for protecting data in storage and transit. DLP supports compliance by enforcing access and information-flow controls. | | [ISO/IEC 27040](https://www.iso.org/standard/80194.html) | International standard | Specifies storage security measures, including confidentiality and information-flow restrictions, which DLP helps implement. | | [PCI DSS](https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/standards/) | Regulation / industry standard | Requirement 3 (protect stored cardholder data) and Requirement 4 (encrypt transmission) align with DLP monitoring and blocking unauthorized handling of PCI data. | | [HIPAA Security Rule](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/index.html) | Regulation (US healthcare) | Requires safeguards for **PHI**, including access control and transmission security, which DLP enforces across endpoints, email, and networks. | | [GDPR](https://gdpr-info.eu/) | Regulation | Article 32 requires security of processing. DLP maps to this by monitoring personal data flows and preventing unauthorized disclosures. | This list isn't exhaustive. Other frameworks, sector-specific rules, and national privacy laws also tie back to DLP. But these are the anchors most organizations look to when building or auditing a data protection program. | ***Further reading:** [What Is Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Compliance?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance)* ## Where is data loss prevention headed next? * By 2027, 70% of CISOs in larger enterprises will adopt a consolidated approach to address both insider risk and data exfiltration use cases. * By 2027, organizations incorporating intent detection and real-time remediation capabilities into DLP programs will realize a one-third reduction in insider risks. [- Gartner, "Market Guide for Data Loss Prevention," by Andrew Bales, Franz Hinner, Anson Chen, Paulo Aresta, and Brent Predovich, 9 April 2025.](https://www.gartner.com/doc/reprints?id=1-2KQRE2RN&ct=250409&st=sb) Data loss prevention is evolving. It's no longer just about scanning files and blocking transfers. The focus is shifting toward context, behavior, and integration with broader data security platforms. Traditional content-based DLP creates noise and requires heavy tuning. But modern approaches add user and activity context, intent detection, and behavior analytics to make policies more precise. Also, most organizations today want DLP capabilities delivered inside larger platforms such as secure service edge (SSE), insider risk, and DSPM. The [consolidation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cybersecurity-consolidation) reduces overhead and keeps policies consistent across environments. ![Chart titled 'Evolution of DLP' showing a five-step upward progression represented by circular icons connected along an ascending line. From left to right, the steps are labeled: 'Content scanning' with an orange icon; 'Context \& behavior analytics' with a blue icon; 'Platform integration (SSE, DSPM, insider risk)' with a light-blue icon; 'Cloud \& AI expansion' with a teal icon; and 'Zero Trust \& post-quantum alignment' with a dark-gray icon positioned highest on the slope.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp/Evolution-of-dlp.png "Chart titled 'Evolution of DLP' showing a five-step upward progression represented by circular icons connected along an ascending line. From left to right, the steps are labeled: 'Content scanning' with an orange icon; 'Context & behavior analytics' with a blue icon; 'Platform integration (SSE, DSPM, insider risk)' with a light-blue icon; 'Cloud & AI expansion' with a teal icon; and 'Zero Trust & post-quantum alignment' with a dark-gray icon positioned highest on the slope.") Cloud and AI are reshaping expectations too. Sensitive data now flows through SaaS apps, multicloud services, and generative AI tools. Which means DLP has to expand into API-based cloud scanning, inline SaaS enforcement, and monitoring of AI prompts and outputs. Vendors are also embedding AI into DLP itself to improve classification accuracy, triage, and investigations. Looking further ahead, DLP is expected to align with [Zero Trust architectures](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-zero-trust-architecture) and support cryptoagility as post-quantum encryption becomes mainstream. The result is less about standalone enforcement and more about adaptive controls that protect data wherever it lives or moves. DLP is becoming smarter, more integrated, and better aligned with the way organizations actually use and secure data today. ![Icon of a book](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/cyberpedia/what-is-a-firewall/icon-ebook.svg) ## UNIT 42 2025 INCIDENT RESPONSE REPORT Get the latest data on disruption, downtime, and financial consequences. [Download report](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/unit-42-incident-response-report) ## Data loss prevention FAQs ### What is the data loss prevention definition? The DLP meaning in cyber security is an approach aimed at preventing unauthorized access, use, or transmission of sensitive information. ### What do you mean by data loss prevention? In network security, DLP is a strategy for preventing unauthorized access, transfer, or destruction of sensitive data. It involves tools and processes to monitor data in motion, at rest, and in use to prevent data breaches. ### What is the DLP security meaning? DLP security refers to data loss prevention security measures that protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, misuse, or loss. It involves monitoring and managing data at rest, in use, or in transit to prevent data breaches, ensuring compliance with regulations, and safeguarding confidential information against cyber threats. ### What does a DLP do? DLP solutions identify, monitor, and protect sensitive data. They prevent unauthorized sharing or exposure of information by enforcing policies on data movement and use, enhancing data security and regulatory compliance. ### What are the three types of DLP? The three types of DLP are network DLP (protects data in transit across networks), endpoint DLP (secures data on user devices), and cloud DLP (protects data in cloud environments). ### What is the DLP process? The DLP process involves identifying sensitive data, defining data security policies, monitoring data movement, enforcing rules to prevent data breaches, and responding to incidents to maintain data integrity and security. ### What are the risks of DLP? DLP implementation risks include false positives, system performance issues, complexity in policy configuration, and privacy concerns over employee data monitoring. ### What is a loss prevention example? An example of loss prevention is encrypting sensitive information being sent via email to prevent unauthorized users from accessing it even if they intercept the data. ### How do you use data loss prevention? DLP is used by implementing tools to monitor data flow, applying encryption, setting up user access controls, and creating policies to restrict unauthorized data sharing. ### Why do companies need DLP? Companies need DLP to prevent data breaches, comply with regulations, protect sensitive information like intellectual property, and maintain customer trust by ensuring data privacy. ### What are the 5 parts of DLP? The five parts of a DLP solution are securing data in motion, securing data at rest, securing data in use, data identification and classification, and data leak detection. ### What is an example of DLP? An example of DLP is endpoint DLP software that prevents employees from copying sensitive data to external storage devices like USB drives. ### What is DLP in simple terms? DLP (Data Loss Prevention) refers to tools and strategies used to keep sensitive information from being lost, leaked, or accessed by unauthorized users. ### Which component of data loss prevention deals with investigation? Data leak detection is the DLP component responsible for investigation, as it monitors for suspicious data transfers and alerts administrators for further action. ### What is data loss protection? Data loss protection refers to safeguarding sensitive data from being lost or destroyed, often due to malicious attacks, human errors, or technical failures. ### What is a DLP system? A DLP system is a set of tools and policies designed to prevent unauthorized access, movement, or destruction of sensitive data, thereby securing an organization's critical information. Related Content [On-demand webinar: Best Practices for Enabling DLP \& Compliance Learn how to successfully implement data loss prevention.](https://register.paloaltonetworks.com/bp-for-enabling-dlp) [Data sheet: Enterprise DLP at a Glance Discover Palo Alto Networks Enterprise DLP.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/datasheets/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown) [Comic book: Network Security Guardians Join Paolo \& team as they protect the digital realm and stay ahead of today's attackers.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/ebooks/network-security-guardians?ts=markdown) [Report: Gartner^®^ Market Guide for Data Loss Prevention Find out how enterprise DLP solutions can address both insider risk and data exfiltration.](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/gartner-2023-market-guide-for-data-loss-prevention.html) ![Share page on facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/facebook-circular-icon.svg) ![Share page on linkedin](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/linkedin-circular-icon.svg) [![Share page by an email](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/email-circular-icon.svg)](mailto:?subject=What%20Is%20DLP%20%28Data%20Loss%20Prevention%29%3F%20An%20Overview&body=Data%20loss%20prevention%20%28DLP%29%20is%20a%20security%20practice%20that%20identifies%20sensitive%20data%20and%20enforces%20policies%20to%20stop%20it%20from%20being%20accessed%2C%20shared%2C%20or%20transferred%20without%20authorization.%20at%20https%3A//www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-loss-prevention-dlp) Back to Top {#footer} ## 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