User Experience: Tips, Blocks & Overrides
Understanding the Concept
DLP policies should educate users, not just block them. Policy tips explain why content is flagged and help users make better decisions. Blocking without explanation leads to frustration and workarounds.
Three main user experiences: Tips (warning only), Blocks (prevents action), and Overrides (user can justify and proceed). The right mix depends on data sensitivity and organizational culture.
Customizable notifications let you brand messages, provide instructions, and direct users to resources. Clear, helpful notifications increase compliance and reduce support tickets.
Key Points
- Policy Tips: Educational warnings that allow continuation
- Soft Blocks: Blocks with user override option
- Hard Blocks: No override, requires admin intervention
- Custom Notifications: Organization-branded messages
- Justification: Required business reason for override
User Response Options
Notify Only
Show warning, log incident, allow action
Warn with Override
Require acknowledgment, allow with click
Block with Override
Block by default, allow with justification
Block with Manager
Require manager approval for override
Hard Block
No override possible, action prevented
Why This Matters in Real Organizations
User experience determines policy success. Overly aggressive policies lead to workarounds (personal email, USB drives). Well-designed policies with clear explanations and reasonable override paths maintain security while enabling legitimate work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Interview Tips
- Discuss the balance between security and usability
- Explain how you would customize notifications
- Mention the importance of override justifications for auditing
Exam Tips (SC-401)
- Know the different notification/action options
- Understand override configuration
- Know how justifications are logged
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