Windows File Protection (WFP) prevents programs from replacing critical Windows system files. Programs must not overwrite these files because they are used by the operating system and by other programs. Protecting these files prevents problems with programs and the operating system. Data protection technologies can be used in new ways to accelerate migrations, power DevOps activities, simplify compliance and regulatory requirements, and facilitate the preservation of data for long-term monetization. Data protection can no longer only be considered an insurance policy; it must evolve to be a leverageable service that can help drive business outcomes.
Essential Guide
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What is data protection management (DPM)?
Data protection management (DPM) is the administration of backup processes to ensure that tasks run on schedule, and that data is securely backed up and recoverable. Good data protection management means having effective processes and methodologies in place to maintain data integrity.
Data protection management software first entered the enterprise data storage market with data backup reporting tools designed to help storage administrators analyze their backup environments. Early DPM products reported on backup failure and success rates.
Modern data protection management tools allow storage administrators to set service level-driven backup and recovery policies and tier data protection based on its value to the business. The newer products are designed to help administrators understand what is or is not working in their environment so they can spend less time troubleshooting and more time managing errors and infrastructure issues. A data protection management tool can provide visibility into such issues that isn't possible with a standalone backup application.
Vendors of data protection management products include Akorri, Aptare Inc., Bocade Inc., EMC Corp., Microsoft Corp., Servergraph (a Rocket Software brand), Symantec Corp. and Tek-Tools.
This was last updated in January 2010
Continue Reading About data protection management (DPM)Related Terms
Vendor Resources
Best DLP service
Read on for our detailed analysis of each service
We’re collectively creating a massive amount of data on a daily basis. In fact, according to research from tech giant IBM, our devices generate around 2.5 quintillion bytes of the stuff every day.
Businesses are no different. In fact, their need for privacy is probably even greater. Companies collect masses of information, such as customer orders and communication between employees. If this is suddenly leaked onto the internet, or if it gets into the wrong hands the consequences can be severe. At the least it's a PR disaster waiting to happen, at worst you could break the law
This is why data loss prevention (DLP) is a crucial area for businesses. You’ve likely come across this term before if you’re a business owner or work in technology. Essentially, it refers to a strategy that organisations use to ensure that sensitive information doesn’t end up outside the corporate walls. But the term also extends to software and tools that can be used to control who has access to certain data and how it’s managed, and in this article we’re going to look at some of the very best services out there.
1. Symantec Data Loss Prevention
Platforms: Desktop | Capabilities: Data management and tracking | Autonomous features: No | Cloud compatible: Yes | Free trial: No
Highly scalable
May be too enterprise-oriented
Symantec is well-known for its cybersecurity offerings, both in the consumer and business world. Its Data Loss Prevention product helps you monitor and protect valuable business information and assets. With this scalable software suite, you can see where data is stored throughout your business, taking into account cloud, mobile, and multiple endpoints.
It does this through a number of ways, not least through monitoring for suspicious behaviour, not least from user-installed apps. It can also identify and stop apps from accessing secured information, as well as prevent any data-transfers which are non-compliant, all of which can be managed through a management dashboard.
There’s also the ability to see and control how your data is used, regardless if your employees are online or offline. The system puts safeguards in place to ensure data is never leaked or stolen, wherever it’s stored – and that includes a host of cloud apps, with coverage of over 60 of these including popular offerings such as Box, Dropbox, Google Apps, Salesforce and Office 365.
There is no flat-rate pricing fees advertised, so you will need to contact Symantec directly, else contact a partner reseller.
2. SecureTrust Data Loss Prevention
Platforms: Desktop | Capabilities: Data management and tracking | Autonomous features: Yes | Cloud compatible: Yes | Free trial: Demo available
Large range of predefined settings
So many settings may overwhelm some
SecureTrust’s DLP solution provides companies with the tools they need to discover, monitor and secure data while complying with internal and external regulations.
The system has been designed so that it’s ready to be used straight out of the box, offering over 70 predefined policy and risk settings, which you can adjust and turn on (or off) according to your everyday business needs. As well as these, you get a configurable dashboard, so you can easily see where your data is located and put mechanisms in place to protect it.
Analysis plays a big role in this platform. SecureTrust will monitor all web-based documents and attachments that come into your business, including emails, blogs and social media posts. They’re analysed for violations of company governance and compliance. The system will automatically block any violations, keeping your data safe.
It does this by utilizing a number of features, not least advanced content control, investigation management, and real-time identity matching, all of which works under a general Content Control Engine for security monitoring. No flat-rate pricing is provided on the website, so you will need to contact sales for a quote.
3. McAfee Total Protection for Data Loss Prevention
Platforms: Desktop | Capabilities: Data management and tracking, forensic analysis | Autonomous features: Yes | Cloud compatible: Yes | Free trial: No
Forensic analysis
Could be overly complex for some users
This offering from McAfee (part of Intel Security) is, like some other systems, highly scalable and can be tailored for the needs of your company. The big difference, though, is that it places an emphasis on forensic analysis.
Indeed, McAfee Total Protection for DLP goes a step further than most by exploring ways that data may have been leaked in the absence of internal compliance rules and regulations. That’s handy for firms that may not have concrete corporate rules in place.
Another great thing about this solution is that it’s an intelligent system which can identify and prioritize more sensitive data. There’s also location and application tagging, which makes it easier to put data protection strategies in place.
The software aims to ensure you remain compliant, while simplifying deployment and management with a centralized dashboard for monitoring. It can also ensure the same protection policies are applied across all aspects of your IT infrastructure, whether on-premises networks or cloud-based applications.
4. Check Point Data Loss Prevention
Platforms: Desktop | Capabilities: Data loss education and remediation | Autonomous features: No | Cloud compatible: No | Free trial: 30-day
Single console
Could be overly simplistic for some
Check Point’s DLP offering - called the severe sounding Data Loss Prevention Software Blade - combines a variety of different cybersecurity processes to help businesses prevent data from being leaked or sent accidentally to the wrong person. It aims to educate users on the risk of data loss and help them respond to incidents as quickly as possible.
It does this by tracking data use across services, not least email, web browsing, and file-sharing. It also takes pre-emptive steps to prevent data-loss by providing automated alerts to users to ensure proper data-handling, without having to involve security teams directly.
This is a less complicated system than some of the others listed here, sporting a centralized management console for security policies. There are also a few preconfigured rules, so you don’t have to worry about creating new ones if you don’t have the time or technical knowledge.
No pricing flat-rate pricing options are made available, so you will need to contact sales for a quote. However, there is a free online demo you can use to test out its features.
5. Digital Guardian Endpoint DLP
Platforms: Desktop | Capabilities: Data management and tracking, advanced encryption | Autonomous features: Yes | Cloud compatible: Yes | Free trial: Demo available
Works with Windows, Mac and Linux endpoints
Opaque on pricing
Digital Guardian DLP is one of the broadest data loss prevention systems you can get. It’s been designed to work with Windows, Mac and Linux endpoints, which is perfect if you use a plethora of desktop systems within your firm. As soon as you set it up, it’ll begin tagging and classifying datasets, a process that can otherwise prove time-consuming.
Flexibility and scalability are strengths of this particular DLP offering. In terms of the former, you can deploy the Digital Guardian platform on-premise, or as a cloud-based system, or indeed a hybrid of both. And when it comes to scaling, a single management server can cover up to 250,000 users, no less. Not that your business is likely to have that many employees, but if you need a system that scales well, then this is obviously worth bearing in mind.
Digital Guardian also boasts a series of add-ons which can extend the product and offer elements like advanced encryption for better data protection.
As with the other services listed, there is no standard pricing made available due to custom-user requirements so you will need to contact Digital Guardian for a quote. However, you can test out a demo before making a buying decision.
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