EDM (Exact Data Match): Data Protection Technique

TL;DR:

• Exact Data Matching (EDM) is a powerful feature in Data Loss Prevention (DLP) for precise detection and protection of sensitive data.
• EDM works by comparing data against exact records, minimizing false positives and ensuring only specific data is flagged.
• Real-life examples show how EDM safeguards account numbers, patient data, and payment card information.
• Benefits of implementing EDM include accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Strac's EDM capabilities offer comprehensive data ingestion, real-time monitoring, flexible remediation options, and enhanced compliance for effective data protection.

In today’s data-driven world, protecting sensitive information is crucial for maintaining compliance, safeguarding privacy, and reducing risks of data breaches. Exact Data Matching (EDM) is a powerful feature in the Data Loss Prevention (DLP) toolkit that enables organizations to precisely detect and secure sensitive data. This post explores what EDM is, how it works, practical use cases, the benefits of using EDM, and how Strac's EDM capabilities provide industry-leading data protection.

Understanding Exact Data Matching (EDM)

Exact Data Matching (EDM) is a data protection technique used to identify and secure specific pieces of sensitive information by matching it against a predefined dataset. Unlike traditional keyword or pattern-based detection methods, EDM allows for highly accurate detection by comparing data against exact, structured records such as customer databases or transaction logs. This technique helps minimize false positives and ensures that only the data you specifically want to monitor or protect is flagged.

Exploring the Role of Exact Data Matching (EDM) in Data Security

1. Data Ingestion: Sensitive data is ingested into the EDM system. Typically, this data comes from a trusted source, like a customer database, and includes exact records of personally identifiable information (PII), financial data, or health information.
2. Tokenization and Hashing: To enhance security, the ingested data is tokenized or hashed. This means the system doesn’t store the actual sensitive data in a readable form, reducing risks associated with data handling.
3. Matching: The EDM tool then monitors data flows in emails, files, or databases, looking for exact matches to the tokenized data. When an exact match is found, the tool can take predefined actions, such as alerting administrators, blocking the data, or encrypting it.

3 Real-Life Examples Demonstrating the Effectiveness of Exact Data Matching (EDM)

1. Safeguarding Account Numbers in Financial Institutions Using Exact Data Matching (EDM)

A bank uses EDM to protect customer account numbers from being shared or accessed in unauthorized ways. The bank uploads a list of all customer account numbers into its EDM system. When employees send emails or share files, the system scans the content and checks for exact matches to the account numbers. If a match is found, the system can block the data or alert the compliance team, ensuring customer financial information remains secure.

2. Enhancing Patient Data Security in Healthcare Organizations through Exact Data Matching (EDM)

A healthcare provider handles sensitive patient information, such as Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and medical record numbers. By uploading these records into the EDM tool, the provider ensures that any attempt to share or access this exact data outside authorized channels is flagged. This approach helps them stay compliant with regulations like HIPAA by preventing unauthorized disclosure of protected health information (PHI).

A retail company collects and stores credit card numbers for transactions. With EDM, the company can monitor for exact matches to these card numbers in email, file sharing, or database activities. This enables the company to protect sensitive payment information and comply with PCI-DSS requirements, minimizing the risk of data breaches that could lead to financial penalties and reputational damage.

The Benefits of Implementing Exact Data Matching (EDM) for Enhanced Data Protection

1. Accuracy and Precision: EDM ensures highly accurate data detection by focusing on exact matches, reducing false positives and the time wasted on investigating non-relevant data.
2. Compliance and Security: Many regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, require organizations to protect specific types of sensitive information. EDM helps meet these requirements by providing precise control over data.
3. Operational Efficiency: With EDM, organizations can automate the detection and protection of sensitive data, reducing the need for manual intervention and ensuring data security policies are consistently enforced.

Utilizing Strac's Expertise for Effective Implementation of Exact Data Matching (EDM)

Strac is a leader in Data Discovery, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), specializing in safeguarding sensitive data across SaaS, Cloud, Endpoint devices, and Gen AI. Strac’s EDM solution integrates seamlessly with cloud and on-premises environments, offering the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Data Ingestion: Strac supports various data sources and ingestion methods, allowing you to securely upload sensitive datasets for precise EDM matching.
• Real-Time Data Monitoring: Strac provides real-time scanning across emails, file-sharing apps, and cloud storage. This ensures that sensitive data is protected continuously and promptly, no matter where it resides or how it’s shared.

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• Flexible Remediation Options: When an exact match is detected, Strac offers multiple remediation options, including alerts, automatic encryption, and data redaction. This flexibility helps tailor the response to fit your organization’s security policies.
• Enhanced Compliance: Strac is compliant with standards like SOC 2, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA, making it easier for organizations to meet regulatory requirements and maintain data security.

In Summary, Exact Data Matching (EDM) is Crucial for Data Protection

Exact Data Matching (EDM) is an essential tool for organizations seeking precise and effective data protection. By implementing EDM, companies can significantly reduce the risks of data breaches, protect customer trust, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. With Strac’s advanced EDM capabilities, you can automate sensitive data detection and remediation, protecting your organization’s most valuable asset—its data.

Invest in a solution that prioritizes accuracy and efficiency. Protect your sensitive data with Strac's EDM today!