Migrating to the cloud does not mean giving up on-premise infrastructure. Most organizations today have a hybrid model, with data moving between an on-premise environment and SaaS and IaaS services. The problem is that controlling the flow of data in a hybrid architecture is much more difficult than in a closed corporate network. Lack of visibility and consistent security policies can lead to information leaks, RODO violations and loss of control over sensitive data. The solution is to implement advanced DLP and access control mechanisms, such as those offered by Forcepoint.
Key findings
-
Hybrid environments increase risk of uncontrolled data flow
-
Data moving between cloud and on-premise requires consistent DLP policies
-
Visibility of data traffic is the basis for effective protection
-
Forcepoint enables central management of security policies
-
User context analysis reduces false alarms
-
CASB and DLP integration strengthens control of data in the cloud
Table of contents
-
Why hybrid model data flow is challenging
-
The most common risks in transferring data to the cloud
-
The role of the DLP in controlling the flow of information
-
How data control works in Forcepoint solutions
-
Consistent cloud and on-premise security policies
-
FAQ
-
Summary
Why hybrid model data flow is challenging
In the hybrid model, data moves between:
-
SaaS applications
-
IaaS environments
-
local servers
-
users’ devices
-
file sharing services
Each of these channels can become a potential data leakage point. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that users use different devices and locations, making it difficult to centrally manage access.
The most common risks in transferring data to the cloud
Lack of control over the flow of data between the cloud and the local environment leads to:
-
unauthorized file sharing
-
copying sensitive data to private accounts
-
loss of visibility over documents after uploading to SaaS
-
Violations of compliance with RODO and other regulations
-
accidental leaks through misconfigurations
Without proper controls, an organization may not know where its critical data is and who has access to it.
The role of the DLP in controlling the flow of information
DLP (Data Loss Prevention) is the foundation of data control in a hybrid environment. DLP systems analyze:
-
contents of the documents
-
user context
-
data channel
-
target location
This makes it possible to block, warn or log attempts to transfer sensitive data outside of permitted environments.
However, it is crucial that DLP policies work in both on-premises and cloud environments – without creating security vulnerabilities.
How data control works in Forcepoint solutions
Solutions Forcepoint combine DLP, CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) and access control mechanisms in a single ecosystem. This makes it possible:
-
monitoring data traffic between cloud and on-premise
-
real-time classification of sensitive data
-
Enforcement of security policies regardless of location
-
user behavior analysis (UEBA)
-
Protection against data leakage by SaaS applications
Forcepoint allows you to create unified security policies that span both on-premises and cloud environments, providing full visibility into the flow of information.
Consistent cloud and on-premise security policies
Effective control of data flow requires:
-
central management of policies
-
integration with identity systems
-
classification of data by level of sensitivity
-
continuous monitoring of user activity
-
reporting and compliance auditing
The integrated approach offered by Forcepoint enables organizations to manage risk continuously, no matter where the data is.
FAQ
Does data flow control slow down users?
Modern solutions run in the background and minimize the impact on productivity by focusing on risky activities.
What is the difference between CASB and DLP?
CASB focuses on access and visibility control for cloud applications, while DLP focuses on data content analysis and protection.
Is it possible to manage one policy for cloud and on-premise?
Yes – solutions such as Forcepoint enable consistent management of security policies.
Summary
Controlling the flow of data between cloud and on-premises environments is one of the biggest challenges of modern IT security. Hybrid environments require consistent policies, central visibility and user context analysis. Forcepoint’s solutions combine DLP, CASB and behavioral analytics to effectively manage data flows and minimize the risk of leaks. As a result, organizations gain greater control, regulatory compliance and information security.
