Data Loss Prevention (DLP) & Data Security Specialist

 Project & Company Context

Our company operates in a data-intensive industry where the protection of sensitive information is paramount. We have identified a critical need to establish a robust Data Loss Prevention (DLP) program to protect our intellectual property, financial data, and customer information. Our current environment lacks a cohesive strategy for data classification and control, leaving us vulnerable to both accidental and malicious data exfiltration. We are seeking a highly detailed-oriented and methodical specialist to design, implement, and manage a state-of-the-art DLP framework.

Scope of Work & Project Lifecycle

This project requires a complete, end-to-end lifecycle approach, from initial assessment to ongoing management. The chosen freelancer will be responsible for the following phases:

• Phase 1: Discovery & Data Classification (15% of Project)
  • Task: Conduct a thorough audit of all data sources (on-premise, cloud, endpoints) to identify and classify sensitive data types (e.g., PII, PHI, financial records).
  • Deliverable: A "Data Inventory & Classification Report" that maps our sensitive data across the organization and provides a clear taxonomy for our DLP policies.
• Phase 2: DLP Strategy & Policy Design (30% of Project)
  • Task: Design a comprehensive DLP strategy that includes policies for email, endpoints, network traffic, and cloud applications. This must be based on our data classification and align with industry best practices and compliance requirements.
  • Deliverable: A "DLP Policy & Strategy Blueprint" that outlines all rules, enforcement mechanisms, and a clear plan for implementation.
• Phase 3: Technology Implementation & Integration (40% of Project)
  • Task: Implement and configure a selected DLP solution (e.g., Microsoft Purview, Symantec DLP, Forcepoint). This includes integrating the solution with our existing infrastructure (email gateway, firewalls, cloud services) and fine-tuning policies to minimize false positives.
  • Deliverable: A fully deployed and operational DLP solution with documented configurations and a runbook for its management.
• Phase 4: Support & Maintenance Handover (15% of Project)
  • Task: Provide a period of intensive support and knowledge transfer to our internal team. This includes training on policy management, incident response, and tool administration.
  • Deliverable: A "DLP Program Handoff Document" and a series of training sessions, followed by a 30-day post-project support and optimization period to ensure the system is stable and effective.

Success Metrics & Performance Indicators

The success of this project will be measured by concrete outcomes, not just task completion.

• Reduced Incidents: A measurable reduction in data exfiltration incidents post-implementation.
• Policy Accuracy: A low rate of false positives from the DLP solution.
• Compliance: The ability to demonstrate compliance with key regulations through a DLP-generated audit trail.
• Documentation Quality: All deliverables, especially the runbook and training materials, are exceptionally clear, accurate, and actionable.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Core Expertise:
  • Extensive, hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and managing enterprise-level DLP solutions.
  • In-depth knowledge of data security principles, encryption, and data classification frameworks.
  • Expertise in one or more major DLP platforms (e.g., Microsoft Purview, Symantec, Forcepoint).
  • Strong understanding of compliance standards (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2).

Methodology & Soft Skills:

• A meticulous and highly analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent communication and training skills to effectively transfer knowledge.
• Proven ability to work with an end-to-end perspective, from strategy to execution.

Project Details & Compensation

• Duration: The total project is expected to be completed within 75 days.
• Compensation: This is a Fixed-Price engagement, reflective of the project's strategic importance and the high level of expertise required.