What security control is primarily focused on preventing data breaches and ensuring data compliance?

Data loss prevention (DLP) is primarily focused on preventing data breaches and ensuring data compliance by monitoring, detecting, and controlling the movement of sensitive data. DLP systems are designed to prevent unauthorized access, sharing, or leakage of critical information, which is essential for maintaining data confidentiality and integrity.

DLP tools typically enforce policies that help organizations identify and protect sensitive data across various environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid settings. They achieve this by using techniques such as content inspection, contextual analysis, and user behavior monitoring to prevent the transfer of sensitive information outside the organization’s secure boundaries.

For companies dealing with compliance requirements, such as GDPR or HIPAA, DLP is crucial in ensuring that sensitive data is handled appropriately, reducing the risk of regulatory penalties resulting from data breaches. By implementing effective DLP strategies, organizations can significantly enhance their security posture and maintain compliance with relevant data protection laws.