What is data loss prevention (dlp)?

In today’s turbulent digital world, cyber security is one of the most pressing issues businesses must face today. The recent hacking of Sony Pictures and U.S. CENTCOM just goes to show that even the most powerful companies and organizations in the country are not immune to cyber crime. The urgency for providing security for file transfer services has never been greater. In order to better prepare for cyber security threats, it is important to verse yourself in a few basic concepts of data delivery services:

  1. FTP: File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is the standard method of digital file transferring for business as well as personal use. Under FTP, digital files can be transferred between various clients, or “hosts,” and the server. Different control and data connections are maintained for both the clients and the server.

  2. Encryption: Encryption is widely used as part of data delivery methods. Encryption is the process of transcribing readable data, known as “plaintext,” into indecipherable text known as “ciphertext” using complex algorithms. The two major types of encryption, symmetric and asymmetric, use “keys” in order to translate ciphertext back to plaintext. That way, digital files can be sent via FTP or other protocols and can have automatic protection against would-be hackers. Of course, there are ways to break encryption codes but it is exceedingly difficult.

  3. PGP: Pretty Good Privacy, or PGP, is an encryption programs from the 1990s that is still in use today for file transfer services. PGP uses a series of encryption and compression programs to secure digital files. It is very popular with use for email communication but can be applied to other file transfer services.

There are many other kinds of data services, such as sftp file transfers, as well as data loss prevention solutions. But rest assure, even the basic file transfer services will offer better protection for your business or personal digital files. More.