Need indicators
This capability is usually relevant when these signals appear in the operating environment.
Sensitive screens are photographed.
Files are shared without clear attribution.
Visual deterrence is needed.
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Data and Information Protection
Technology solutionScreen and File Watermarking
Add visible marks that link content to a user or session to reduce informal leakage.
WatermarkingNCA DCC
What is this solution?
A visible watermark associates a screen or document with a user, device, or session. A screen watermark overlays the display; a file watermark is applied to the output itself. A visible overlay does not establish marks on exports or printouts, and does not itself prevent capture.
Screen and file watermarking makes viewing context visible. A dynamic screen watermark differs from persistent sensitive document watermarking.
Practical example
An employee views an internal report with a mark tied to their user or session. If an image circulates, the mark helps reviewers identify its viewing context.
Technical summary and scope of use
Technical explanation
What to validate before rollout
- Choose where the mark appears while keeping the underlying content readable.
- Choose a suitable user or session identifier with privacy in mind.
- Test what remains visible in outputs; do not assume a screen mark travels with a file.
Scope of use
Test screen watermark readability in the applications in scope. File watermarking after export and capture prevention are separate capabilities to validate.
What it delivers
Core capabilities that turn the requirement into practical controls.
Screen watermarking
File and output watermarking
Traceability and limits
Expected value
The impact security teams and leadership can expect from the right implementation.
Better leakage deterrence
Clearer accountability
Additional protection for sensitive content
Technical capabilities
Feature availability depends on product version, target systems, deployment, and integrations.
Screen watermarking
Dynamic session overlay
Supported deployments overlay user- or session-specific identifiers on covered apps. Test multiple displays and remote sessions.
Readable marks without obscuring content
Tune density, contrast, and placement so information remains usable. Check different colors and display sizes.
File and output watermarking
Separate file watermarking
Persistence after export requires file-format or authoring integration. Inspect saved and printed samples rather than inferring support from the screen overlay.
Copy and print path testing
Results vary by path and application. Keep samples for each in-scope output and test conversion or sharing.
Traceability and limits
Associate display with context
Choose an identifier that supports review without displaying unnecessary personal data, and associate it with a session record where permitted.
Distinguish deterrence from capture prevention
Watermarks deter and support investigation but do not prevent capture. If capture blocking is required, test it as a separate control and identify paths it cannot cover.
What to validate before rollout
- Choose where the mark appears while keeping the underlying content readable.
- Choose a suitable user or session identifier with privacy in mind.
- Test what remains visible in outputs; do not assume a screen mark travels with a file.
Integration and scope
Test screen watermark readability in the applications in scope. File watermarking after export and capture prevention are separate capabilities to validate.
Regulatory alignment
Illustrative ways to support control implementation. An area may have more than one example; each row is not necessarily a separate official control.
NCA · DCC-1:2022For entities within the scope of the Data Cybersecurity Controls, subject to data classification and control applicability.
| Domain or control | How it supports implementation | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Document watermarking and traceability | Screen watermarking supports the display part for Secret and Top Secret data. The control also addresses document creation, storage, printing, and copies; verify those paths separately. Watermarking does not establish capture prevention. | Applied |
“Applied” describes the capability in the illustrative example, not an implementation or compliance status for the customer.
Decision questions
Questions before you start
How do we know this solution is right for us?
Start with the risk signals on this page. If they match your environment, they can be turned into a short assessment that defines scope, priority, and a practical implementation approach.
How do we start without adding operational complexity?
Start with a focused risk and scope assessment, then define implementation priorities, technical requirements, and phased rollout steps.
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