The feature adds user-identifying watermarks to screen content, helping organisations establish accountability when sensitive information is shared or leaked visually.
Traditional DLP systems focus on controlling data transfers through channels such as email attachments, USB devices and cloud uploads. However, they cannot directly prevent someone from photographing confidential information displayed on a screen. This risk is particularly relevant in workplaces where employees, contractors and business partners access sensitive financial records, customer information, designs and other proprietary material.

The risk also extends to virtual meetings conducted through platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Webex, Google Meet and Zoom. Participants may capture screenshots or record presentations containing confidential information, creating potential exposure even when the original meeting is restricted to authorised users.

eScan’s Screen Watermarking feature allows users to activate an on-screen watermark using the keyboard shortcut Win+Y. The overlay displays identifying details, including the user’s identity, computer hostname, timestamp and company name. According to the company, the feature works across business applications such as Office documents, CAD/CAM design tools, PDF editors and QuickBooks.

The watermark remains visible to people viewing the screen, including participants in video meetings and anyone attempting to photograph the displayed content. Users can switch the feature on or off as required. If a screenshot or photograph subsequently appears in an unauthorised location, the identifying information can help security teams investigate the incident and determine the account and timestamp associated with the exposed content.

The new capability builds on eScan Enterprise DLP’s existing printer watermarking functionality, which is designed to attribute printed confidential documents. By extending watermarking to screen content, the company aims to strengthen protection across different output channels, including printed documents and visual information displayed on devices, alongside existing controls for digital data transfers.

eScan positions Screen Watermarking primarily as a deterrence and attribution mechanism rather than a tool that prevents photography or screen recording. Although the feature cannot stop someone from capturing a screen, the visible identifying information can make unauthorised disclosure more traceable and support incident investigations.

As screen-sharing and mobile photography become routine parts of business operations, the feature addresses a gap in conventional data protection strategies by helping organisations establish accountability for sensitive information displayed on screens.