In an era where the average data breach costs a business over $4.4 million, Data Loss Prevention（DLP）has evolved from an enterprise luxury to a core business necessity. For Managed Service Providers（MSPs), this presents a critical opportunity: to deliver a high-value security service that protects clients, deepens trust, and drives recurring revenue.

This playbook provides a comprehensive framework for MSPs to build and deliver an effective DLP service, covering everything from initial strategy to the tools that power it.

 

The MSP’s Imperative for DLP

Data Loss Prevention is a set of strategies and tools used to identify, monitor, and protect sensitive data—whether it’s in use, in motion, or at rest. For MSPs, offering DLP services is no longer optional. It allows you to:

  • Become a Trusted Security Advisor: Move beyond basic IT support and provide strategic protection against threats like human error, insider risks, and data exfiltration.
  • Reduce Client Liability: Help clients meet regulatory compliance requirements（like GDPR and HIPAA）and avoid costly breach penalties.
  • Deliver Measurable Value: Demonstrate ROI through proactive risk mitigation and strengthened security posture, justifying higher-value service tiers.

 

The 6 Pillars of an Effective DLP Service Offering

Building a robust DLP strategy for your clients involves a structured, multi-layered approach. Follow these six essential pillars to create a comprehensive and effective service.

  1. Client Data Discovery and Classification: You cannot protect what you don’t know exists. The first step is to use DLP tools to scan the client’s entire network—including cloud storage, endpoints, and personal devices—to map all sensitive data. Once identified, classify it based on sensitivity（e.g., Public, Confidential, Highly Confidential）to inform your protection strategy.
  2. Implementing End-to-End Encryption: With data identified, the next step is to encrypt it. Encryption converts sensitive information into a secure code, rendering it unreadable to unauthorized users. This is a fundamental control for protecting data both in transit（moving across networks）and at rest（in storage).
  3. Enforcing Granular Access Controls: Based on your data classification, implement strict access controls. This works by defining user roles and assigning permissions based on the principle of least privilege—users should only have access to the data absolutely necessary for their job. This is one of the most effective ways to mitigate insider threats.
  4. Continuous Data Monitoring and Threat Detection: A DLP strategy is not “set and forget.” You must continuously monitor data to detect risky user behaviour and potential breaches. This includes monitoring data in use（when accessed or modified), in motion（when shared via email or apps), and at rest（in storage).
  5. Building a Client-Ready Incident Response Plan: When a breach occurs, a rapid and organised response is critical. Develop a well-documented incident response plan for each client that outlines the steps to identify, contain, and eradicate threats, as well as notify affected parties. This minimises damage and accelerates recovery.
  6. Delivering Employee Security Training: Since human error remains a primary cause of data breaches, ongoing employee training is essential. Provide regular training for your clients’ teams on how to spot phishing attacks, adhere to data protection policies, and practice good credential hygiene. This builds a strong, security-first culture.

 

Powering Your DLP Service with NordLayer

Executing a comprehensive DLP strategy requires the right tools. NordLayer provides MSPs with a suite of features designed to power an effective DLP service offering.

  • For Pillar 3（Access Controls): NordLayer’s Network Access Control（NAC）and Identity & Access Management（IAM）features ensure only authorised and compliant devices can connect to the network, while guaranteeing the right users have access to the right data.
  • For Pillar 4（Data Monitoring): The Cloud Firewall allows you to secure cloud traffic, enforce granular filtering rules, and reduce the risk of insider threats and data exfiltration.
  • For Pillar 2（Encryption): Advanced AES 256-bit encryption protects all data in transit, ensuring that even if intercepted, it remains unreadable.

 

Grow Your Business with a Partnership

Looking to enhance your security offerings and provide more value to your clients? The NordLayer Partner Program provides advanced security solutions to help your MSP business grow.