Advanced DLP ScenariosDLP Policy Priority & Conflicts

DLP Policy Priority & Conflicts

25 mins

Understanding the Concept

When multiple DLP policies match the same content, priority determines which rule actions apply. Lower numbers = higher priority. Rules process in order until a match is found.

Within a policy, rules also have priority. The 'Stop processing more rules' option can prevent lower-priority rules from evaluating after a match.

Conflicts can occur when different policies have contradictory actions. Understanding priority helps design policies that work together rather than against each other.

Key Points

  • Policy Priority: Lower number = higher priority
  • Rule Priority: Order within each policy
  • Stop Processing: Skip remaining rules after match
  • Most Restrictive Wins: For conflicting actions
  • Testing: Use 'test mode' to understand evaluation

Policy Evaluation Order

Step 1

Policies Listed by Priority

P1: Priority 0, P2: Priority 1, P3: Priority 2

Step 2

Rules Within Policy

Each policy's rules evaluated in order

Step 3

First Match Applies

Unless 'continue processing' is set

Step 4

Actions Aggregated

If multiple rules match, actions combine

Why This Matters in Real Organizations

Misconfigured priorities lead to unexpected behavior: intended blocks not applying, wrong notifications showing, or excessive alerts from multiple policies matching the same content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not understanding the stop processing option
Creating overlapping policies without clear priority
Testing policies individually but not together
Forgetting that actions can aggregate

Interview Tips

  • Explain how you would design non-conflicting policies
  • Discuss the 'stop processing' use cases
  • Mention testing strategies for complex deployments

Exam Tips (SC-401)

  • Know the default behavior for multiple matches
  • Understand action aggregation
  • Know how to use test mode effectively

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