On Data Leakage Prevention Maturity: Adapting the C2M2 Framework

Abstract

In an evolving cybersecurity landscape marked by escalating data breaches and regulatory demands, data leakage prevention (DLP) has emerged as one of several defense mechanisms. This study underscores unresolved foundational issues within DLP, revealing that it remains a significant challenge in large organizations. This highlights the necessity for a holistic approach to DLP to effectively address these persistent challenges. By developing a DLP Maturity Model, adapted from the renowned C2M2 framework, this research provides a comprehensive tool for assessing organizational DLP capabilities and pinpointing critical gaps. Applying the DLP Maturity Model within the financial sector as demonstrated through a banking scenario showcases its relevance and added value. This application illuminates the model’s effectiveness in securing sensitive data and adhering to essential regulatory standards, highlighting its adaptability across various compliance landscapes. Implementing this DLP Maturity Model in a banking scenario showcases its applicability, highlighting its ability to formulate a strategy to secure sensitive data and comply with regulatory standards. This approach aligns with the concept of a continuous risk-based strategy, merging the holistic model to identify and address critical insider risks within organizations. The study addresses a specific gap in DLP research, notably the lack of a holistic framework for assessing and enhancing DLP strategies across organizations. It equips practitioners with a foundational tool to determine current DLP maturity and devise strategies for mitigating insider-driven data breach risks, thereby bolstering organizational cybersecurity resilience.