What is the primary function of Data Loss Prevention (DLP)?

The primary function of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is to detect and prevent unauthorized data transmission. DLP systems are designed to protect sensitive information from being accessed, misused, or transmitted without authorization. This is achieved by monitoring data in motion (such as files being sent over email or uploaded to cloud storage), data at rest (like files stored on devices), and data in use (which includes files being edited or viewed).

DLP solutions analyze content, context, and various policies to identify and block potential data breaches or leaks. By focusing on unauthorized transmission, DLP helps organizations maintain compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA, while safeguarding their intellectual property and customer information from accidental or malicious exposure.

Other options, while related to data security, serve different specific purposes. Encryption, for instance, secures data but does not necessarily prevent it from being transmitted unauthorizedly. Monitoring user access and permissions is essential for ensuring that only authorized individuals can access certain data, but it does not actively prevent data loss incidents. Auditing data integrity helps ensure that data remains accurate and unaltered, but it does not focus on preventing data from being lost or improperly transmitted.