What does Data Loss Prevention (DLP) aim to achieve?

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) focuses on safeguarding sensitive information from being accessed, shared, or transmitted without authorization. The primary goal of DLP is to prevent unauthorized data exfiltration, which is the unauthorized transfer of data from within an organization to an external destination. This includes protecting data in transit, data at rest, and data in use, making it crucial for organizations that deal with sensitive information, such as personal identifiable information (PII), financial records, or intellectual property.

Implementing DLP strategies entails identifying and classifying sensitive data, establishing policies for handling that data, and employing technologies that can detect and block unauthorized attempts to move or access the data. By doing this, organizations can minimize the risks associated with data breaches and ensure compliance with regulations governing data protection.

While other options address aspects related to data management—such as retrieval processes or facilitating access—the essence of DLP is distinctly focused on preventing the unauthorized movement and loss of sensitive data. This makes the second choice the most aligned with the fundamental aims of Data Loss Prevention.