Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Which form does data need to be in for DLP to work?

1. ASCII

2. Cleartext

3. Uncompressed

4. Encrypted

The correct answer is: Cleartext

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions are designed to monitor, detect, and protect sensitive data and ensure that it does not get misused or leaked. For DLP to effectively identify and take action on sensitive information, the data must be in a form that can be analyzed and understood by the DLP system. Cleartext, also known as plaintext, is the unencrypted format of data. In this format, the information is easily readable by DLP tools, allowing them to scan for sensitive identifiers such as social security numbers, credit card details, health records, and other forms of proprietary or delicate information. Cleartext enables the DLP systems to apply predefined policies to successfully identify and manage data according to organizational compliance standards and security protocols. Other forms of data, such as encrypted or compressed formats, can obscure the content, making it impossible for DLP tools to analyze and efficiently detect sensitive information. Consequently, cleartext is essential for DLP to function effectively as it allows the system to perform its core task of identifying and safeguarding sensitive information from potential breaches or unintended disclosures.