Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
GenAI security solutions provide visibility and control over how employees use AI tools, preventing sensitive data from being submitted to unauthorized AI services and ensuring AI adoption occurs within policy boundaries. Generative AI tools move data outside the organization’s security perimeter in ways that most existing DLP policies were not written to address. We reviewed the top platforms and found Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange and Proofpoint DLP Transform to be the strongest on AI tool coverage breadth and DLP enforcement for AI-submitted content.
GenAI security feels like it appeared overnight, except you’ve been dealing with the risks all along. Employees are pasting source code into ChatGPT, uploading customer data to Gemini, and training third-party AI models on your proprietary information. You need visibility into this activity and the ability to enforce policies without crushing productivity.
Where teams struggle is GenAI governance isn’t monolithic. You may need browser-level controls to stop data exfiltration, endpoint DLP to catch what users copy from files, behavioral monitoring to spot anomalies, or security testing if you’re building custom AI applications. Most organizations need multiple layers working together.
GenAI security is the set of tools and policies that control how employees use generative AI services like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot at work. These platforms show security teams which AI services are in use across the organization, stop sensitive information such as customer records or source code from being pasted or uploaded into them, and help teams adopt AI within clear policy boundaries. The goal isn't to ban AI; it's to let your team use it productively without leaking data the business can't get back.
GenAI security platforms combine four capabilities. Discovery identifies sanctioned and shadow AI usage across web traffic, endpoints, and browser sessions, with leading platforms tracking hundreds or thousands of AI applications. Data protection applies DLP inspection to prompts, file uploads, and clipboard actions, classifying content such as source code, PII, and trade secrets before it reaches an external model. Policy enforcement operates at several layers: network controls through SSE or firewall infrastructure, browser extensions that restrict paste and upload actions per application, and endpoint agents that monitor data in use. Governance features map AI activity to frameworks like the NIST AI RMF and the EU AI Act. Organizations building their own AI applications add a further layer of adversarial testing and runtime guardrails to address prompt injection and model-specific threats.
Here is how the 10 GenAI security solutions we reviewed compare on type and core capabilities.
| Product | Best For | Type | Shadow AI Visibility | GenAI DLP | Browser Controls | Custom AI App Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange
|
Unified zero trust and DLP
|
SSE / Zero Trust
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Proofpoint DLP Transform
|
Behavior-based GenAI DLP
|
Enterprise DLP
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Palo Alto Networks AI Access Security
|
Existing PANW customers
|
SASE add-on
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Next DLP
|
Fast-deploy ML-based DLP
|
Endpoint DLP
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
LayerX
|
Browser-based GenAI control
|
Browser extension
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Harmonic Security
|
Purpose-built GenAI data protection
|
GenAI DLP
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
HackerOne AI Red Teaming
|
Teams building custom AI
|
Red teaming service
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Forcepoint One
|
SSE with DLP and ZTNA
|
SSE
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform
|
Behavioral detection plus governance
|
AI security platform
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Cisco Secure Access
|
Cisco-invested organizations
|
SSE
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team, and we do not accept payment for favorable reviews. We assessed 10 GenAI security tools across browser controls, DLP platforms, zero trust solutions, and red teaming services, examining application coverage, policy enforcement granularity, integration depth, and ease of deployment. This guide was written by Joel Witts and technically reviewed by Laura Iannini. Read our full methodology
Best for Large enterprises unifying GenAI governance with zero trust
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange is an enterprise-grade zero trust platform covering users, workloads, IoT, and partner access. GenAI governance is one piece of a much larger security stack here, and it integrates naturally into the broader policy framework. We think it’s best suited for large organizations that need AI controls as part of a unified zero trust architecture rather than a standalone tool.
Customers highlight the centralized management as a major win. Security teams can handle VPN policies, firewall insights, and web traffic from one console. Day-to-day usability gets praised as lightweight once everything is running. Something to be aware of is that initial deployment is complex and often requires consultant support, and some users note that automation options during setup are limited.
We were impressed with the depth of integration across the platform. If you already run Zscaler infrastructure, the GenAI controls slot in without adding another vendor or console. If you need a standalone GenAI tool, this is overkill. But for enterprises building AI governance into broader network security, it delivers the visibility and policy enforcement your team needs.
Best for Behavior-based GenAI DLP across email, endpoint, and cloud
Proofpoint DLP Transform is an enterprise data loss prevention platform spanning endpoint, cloud, and email channels. It combines content inspection with user behavior analysis, and GenAI governance fits naturally into the broader DLP framework. We think it’s a strong option if you already run Proofpoint for email security, since the integration advantages are real.
Customers consistently praise the visibility into user behavior. Security teams flag the intel as invaluable for investigations, especially when tracking sensitive outbound data. Deployment specialists get strong marks for being responsive and knowledgeable.
We were impressed by the cross-channel consistency. The same classifiers working across email, endpoint, cloud, and GenAI applications means you aren’t maintaining separate rule sets for each channel. If you need standalone GenAI controls without broader DLP requirements, lighter tools exist. But for unified data protection, Proofpoint DLP Transform is well worth considering.
Best for Existing PANW customers running NGFW or Prisma Access
Palo Alto Networks AI Access Security is a cloud-based platform focused on GenAI monitoring and risk management. It extends PANW’s enterprise data security stack, requiring either NGFW or Prisma Access as the foundation. If you already run Palo Alto infrastructure, this slots in as a purpose-built GenAI governance layer with strong app coverage and granular user-level controls.
Customers praise the visibility and threat mapping capabilities. Security teams highlight the AI-specific threat detection as a differentiator from general-purpose tools. The direct integration with existing PANW infrastructure gets positive marks for reducing deployment friction. Some users flag false positives as an issue that requires manual review to filter incorrect flags.
We think this fits best if you already run Palo Alto firewalls or Prisma Access. The integration advantages are significant, and the 600+ app coverage gives you real visibility into shadow AI. Standalone buyers face a higher barrier since PANW infrastructure is a prerequisite. For existing customers wanting dedicated GenAI controls, it delivers strong visibility and granular policy enforcement.
Best for Fast-deploy ML-based DLP without policy complexity
Next DLP’s Reveal Platform is an enterprise DLP solution covering endpoints, mobile devices, and cloud applications. It uses machine learning to classify data as it’s used rather than requiring upfront policy configuration, which cuts down on one of the biggest pain points with traditional DLP. The platform was acquired by Fortinet in 2024 and is now available as FortiDLP, with integration into Fortinet’s SASE stack underway.
Customers consistently highlight ease of use. The console gets strong marks for being straightforward to manage without sacrificing control. Security teams appreciate getting visibility without disrupting end users. Cross-platform support covering Windows, Linux, and macOS gets positive mentions. Something to be aware of is that the Fortinet acquisition is now complete, and the product is transitioning to FortiDLP branding, which may affect future product direction.
We think Next DLP fits organizations that want DLP capabilities without the typical policy complexity. The ML-based classification means you can deploy and get value faster than with traditional DLP tools that require extensive policy building upfront. If you need heavy customization, look elsewhere. But for teams prioritizing usability and faster time to value on GenAI controls, it’s a good option to consider.
Best for Browser-level GenAI control without endpoint agents
LayerX is a browser security platform focused on GenAI governance and shadow AI visibility. It deploys as an extension across Chrome, Edge, and other major browsers, giving security teams granular control over web-based activity without requiring endpoint agents. We think it’s one of the strongest options for organizations where browser-based data leakage is the primary concern. Akamai announced its intent to acquire LayerX in May 2026, with the deal expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
Customers consistently praise the visibility into browser activity and the extension risk scoring. One security team identified risky Workday-related extensions that would have gone undetected with traditional tools. Day-to-day management gets good marks for being straightforward once deployed. Something to be aware of is that initial deployment through MDM can require custom scripting and technical effort upfront, depending on the environment.
We were impressed by the granularity of the GenAI controls. If your primary risk is employees pasting sensitive data into ChatGPT or similar tools, LayerX delivers strong policy enforcement with minimal user disruption. It isn’t a full endpoint DLP replacement, but for browser-focused visibility and control, it’s well worth considering.
Best for Purpose-built GenAI data protection without enterprise DLP overhead
Harmonic Security is a startup built specifically for GenAI data protection. The platform uses pre-trained LLMs to let you define sensitive data in natural language rather than building traditional policies. If you want GenAI governance without the complexity of enterprise DLP, this is worth a look. The company was founded in 2023 by the team behind Digital Shadows and has raised $26M to date.
Customer feedback is limited given the 2023 launch. Early adopters note that the range of features can feel overwhelming initially. The platform packs a lot into its interface, which creates a learning curve despite the natural language approach to policies. The founding team brings credibility from the Digital Shadows acquisition, and industry recognition signals validation. But this is still a young product without the deployment track record of established DLP vendors.
We think Harmonic fits organizations that want dedicated GenAI controls without layering onto existing DLP infrastructure. The natural language policy definition removes the traditional barriers to deployment that make most DLP projects slow and painful. If you need broader data protection beyond AI apps, look at full DLP platforms. But for speed to value on GenAI governance specifically, it’s well worth considering.
Best for Teams building or deploying custom AI models and applications
HackerOne AI Red Teaming is a service that puts your AI systems through adversarial testing using a global community of security researchers. Rather than automated scanning, you get human testers probing for vulnerabilities, unintended behaviors, and exploitable weaknesses. If you build or deploy AI models, this helps validate security before problems hit production.
Customers praise the quality and depth of findings. Security teams consistently note that researchers uncover issues that standard penetration tests miss. The platform builds trust between organizations and the hacker community through transparent engagement models. Something to be aware of is that triage response times can be slow. The platform also requires internal commitment to manage effectively.
We think HackerOne AI Red Teaming fits organizations building AI applications that need rigorous security validation. If you just use third-party AI tools, governance platforms make more sense. For teams developing models or deploying custom AI systems, the human-driven adversarial testing catches what automated tools miss, which is a meaningful advantage.
Best for Organizations evaluating SSE platforms that also need GenAI controls
Forcepoint One is a cloud-based Security Service Edge platform combining CASB, DLP, and Zero Trust Network Access in a single stack. GenAI governance is one use case within a broader enterprise security suite. If you need both access controls and data protection for AI applications, the integrated approach avoids stitching together separate tools. Forcepoint has recently rebranded the platform as Forcepoint Data Security Cloud, reflecting its evolution toward an AI-native data protection model.
Customers highlight the unified interface as a major advantage. Managing multiple security services from one console reduces operational overhead. The platform gets strong marks for ease of initial setup and modern design. Advanced data search can run slow during complex queries, and integration options with third-party tools are more limited compared to some point solutions.
We think Forcepoint One fits organizations evaluating SSE platforms who also need GenAI controls. The 1,700+ data classifiers and integrated ZTNA give you both access and data protection in one platform, which is good to see. If you only need AI governance, standalone tools cost less. But if SSE is already on your roadmap, the integrated capabilities handle GenAI without adding another vendor.
Best for Behavioral threat detection alongside GenAI governance
Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform uses self-learning AI to detect anomalous behavior across your network and respond autonomously to threats. The platform’s GenAI governance capabilities, now branded as Darktrace / SECURE AI, launched in February 2026, adding dedicated visibility and policy enforcement for AI application usage. We think the standout here is coverage for organizations building custom AI applications, not just consuming third-party tools.
Customers consistently praise the support experience. Customer success managers get strong marks for regular engagement, and the support team responds quickly to investigation requests. The email module in particular gets called out as one of the best AI-based filtering tools available. Some users mention that setup is complex and may need dedicated implementation effort, and some users note the interface design feels dated.
We think Darktrace fits organizations that want AI-driven threat detection alongside GenAI governance. If you only need usage policies, lighter tools exist. But if behavioral anomaly detection across network, email, and AI applications appeals to your security model, the self-learning approach delivers strong detection without requiring predefined signatures, which is a meaningful advantage.
Best for Organizations already invested in Cisco networking and security
Cisco Secure Access is a cloud-based SSE platform combining ZTNA, secure web gateway, CASB, and firewall services in a single console. GenAI governance is one layer within this broader security stack. If you already run Cisco infrastructure, the integration advantages compound quickly, and the multi-layered approach to AI controls is strong.
Customers praise the integration with existing Cisco infrastructure. Teams running Umbrella, Firepower, or other Cisco products get a unified view through Cloud Director. Support gets consistently strong marks, with direct engagement through assessment, design, pilot, and deployment phases. Something to be aware of is that geolocation issues have surfaced for some deployments outside the United States, and migration to the platform requires manual effort and planning.
We think Cisco Secure Access makes the most sense for organizations already invested in Cisco networking and security. The code-specific controls for blocking AI-generated downloads and proprietary code uploads are a standout feature that not all competitors offer. Standalone buyers face steeper value justification, but existing Cisco customers get smooth integration with their current stack.
None of the platforms in this guide publish standard pricing. GenAI security is sold through enterprise subscriptions, and quotes vary with deployment size, the modules you license, and existing vendor relationships. Expect to engage vendor sales teams for accurate numbers, and use a proof of concept to validate scope before committing.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange
|
Contact for quote
|
Quote-based
|
|
|
Proofpoint DLP Transform
|
Contact for quote
|
Quote-based
|
|
|
Palo Alto Networks AI Access Security
|
Contact for quote
|
Quote-based
|
|
|
Next DLP
|
Contact for quote
|
Quote-based
|
|
|
LayerX
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual, per user
|
|
|
Harmonic Security
|
Contact for quote
|
Quote-based
|
|
|
HackerOne AI Red Teaming
|
Contact for quote
|
Per engagement
|
|
|
Forcepoint One
|
Contact for quote
|
Quote-based
|
|
|
Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform
|
Contact for quote
|
Quote-based
|
|
|
Cisco Secure Access
|
Contact for quote
|
Quote-based
|
|
GenAI security platforms deliver the most value when they are deployed deliberately. These are the operational steps we recommend to get the most out of the tools in this guide.
A shadow AI baseline shows which tools teams actually rely on, so you avoid blocking workflows that drive real productivity.
Watching violations before enforcing them helps you tune detection accuracy and avoid false positives that erode user trust.
Generic classifiers miss things like internal project names and proprietary code, which are exactly what employees paste into AI tools.
Granular controls let employees keep using AI for legitimate work while stopping sensitive data from leaving the organization.
Blanket bans push AI usage underground; a sanctioned alternative keeps activity visible and within policy boundaries.
Pop-up warnings and incident-based training change behavior over time, where silent blocking just creates workarounds.
AI-generated code and content carry their own risks, including vulnerabilities and licensing issues, and need review before use.
Centralized logging lets your SOC correlate AI usage with other signals during investigations.
Regulators increasingly expect documented AI governance, and several platforms in this guide now report against these frameworks directly.
New AI tools appear constantly, and a policy set that covered the field six months ago will have gaps today.
GenAI security isn’t monolithic. You likely need multiple layers, visibility into shadow AI, policy enforcement at the browser or endpoint, and possibly behavioral monitoring or red teaming.
For fast browser-level rollouts, LayerX blocks data exfiltration without endpoint overhead. Extension risk scoring catches malicious add-ons.
If you need DLP without policy complexity, Next DLP uses machine learning to classify sensitive data. Preconfigured GenAI templates deploy immediately.
For purpose-built GenAI controls, Harmonic Security replaces policy configuration with natural language. No regex patterns, no data labeling.
For large enterprises already committed to zero trust, Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange integrates GenAI governance into broader access controls.
If you build or deploy custom AI applications, HackerOne AI Red Teaming uses human researchers to find vulnerabilities automated tools miss.
Read the individual reviews above for deployment specifics, feature depth, and how each approach fits your security posture.
There are several security challenges posed by generative AI:
While some organizations may think it sensible to block the use of GenAI altogether, we wouldn’t recommend taking this step. There are many valuable use cases for AI in the business – and a ban is only likely to force users into using GenAI tools in a personal capacity for work-related tasks, pushing control out of reach of your security team.
Expert Insights’ CEO Craig MacAlpine recently outlined his 5 recommendations for companies looking to invest in a GenAI solution:
Further reading on ai security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.
Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.
Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.