Network Print Request Interception for Data Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data loss prevention (DLP) technologies face challenges in protecting sensitive information due to the complexity of network-based printing, where data can be easily transmitted to remote cloud-connected printers, bypassing security systems, especially with the rise of cloud-based printing services like Google Cloud Print, which allows easy sharing and printing across various platforms and networks.
Innovation Solution
A DLP system that monitors outbound data transfers for network print requests and determines whether the data violates DLP policies, preventing unauthorized data transfers by intercepting and analyzing network packets to identify and block sensitive information from being printed to network-based printers, both within and across different networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network-based printing is enabled for easy document sharing and printing across platforms, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but data security and loss prevention capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DLP system as an intermediary component that sits between the network printing infrastructure and the data flow. This mediator monitors outbound data transfers, detects network print requests, analyzes the data against DLP policies, and prevents unauthorized printing of sensitive information while allowing legitimate printing operations to proceed normally
Solution Approach 2:
The DLP system performs preliminary analysis of data before it reaches the network printer by monitoring outbound data transfers and detecting print requests in advance. The system determines whether identified data violates DLP policies before the actual printing occurs, preventing data loss proactively rather than reactively
2Reliability
If DLP monitoring is deployed to prevent data loss, then data security is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detection worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The DLP system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated architecture: it monitors outbound data transfers, detects various types of network print requests (including cloud-based printing), analyzes data content against policies, and enforces prevention measures. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate security components into one unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The DLP system autonomously performs data analysis and policy evaluation without requiring constant human intervention. The system automatically detects network print requests, determines policy violations, and executes prevention actions independently, reducing the operational complexity burden on users while maintaining robust security monitoring
3Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-based printing services are used for cross-platform printing, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but loss of information through unauthorized printing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DLP system acts as an intermediary layer between cloud-based printing services and the organization's data, monitoring all outbound data transfers to cloud printers. It detects network print requests even when routed through cloud services like Google Cloud Print, analyzes the content against DLP policies, and prevents data leakage while maintaining the organization's ability to use cloud printing services for legitimate purposes
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for monitoring network-based printing for data loss prevention (DLP). A DLP system may monitor outbound data transfers performed by a computing system, and detect a network print request in a current one of the outbound data transfers being sent to a network-based printer over a network, the network print request identifying data to be printed by the network-based printer. The DLP system determines whether the identified data of the current outbound data transfer violates a DLP policy and prevents the current outbound data transfer when the current outbound data transfer violates the DLP policy.