Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Cloud data breaches happen when organizations lose visibility into where sensitive information lives and who can access it. The attack surface keeps expanding as you juggle multiple cloud providers, containers, and serverless functions. Traditional DLP tools weren’t built for this world, and legacy approaches create friction that drives users toward workarounds.
Correlating data location with permissions, vulnerabilities, and actual attack paths is what separates a good choice from a regretted one. You need to see the connections that exposure management tools miss. A file with PII sitting in a public S3 bucket matters more than a misconfigured security group, but most tools treat them equally.
We evaluated cloud data security solutions across AWS, Azure, and GCP environments, evaluating data discovery speed, context correlation, compliance reporting, and integration with existing security stacks. We focused on which platforms actually reduce alert fatigue and help teams prioritize remediation.
This guide identifies the solutions that combine agentless visibility with smart prioritization, so your security team spends time on risks that matter rather than chasing configuration noise.
Cloud data security refers to the tools, policies, and controls that protect sensitive data stored and processed in cloud environments. These platforms discover where sensitive data lives across cloud storage, databases, and applications, then apply encryption, access controls, data loss prevention policies, and threat detection to prevent unauthorized access and data exposure. As organizations move more workloads to the cloud, purpose-built cloud data security tools replace on-premises approaches that lack the visibility and control needed for cloud-scale data protection.
Cloud data security platforms operate across several control layers. Data discovery engines scan cloud storage, databases, data warehouses, and SaaS applications to identify and classify sensitive information including PII, PHI, and PCI data. Encryption and key management services protect data at rest and in transit, with some platforms offering customer-managed keys and hardware security module integration for full cryptographic control. Data loss prevention engines monitor data movement across cloud services, endpoints, and email channels, enforcing policies that block exfiltration and restrict sensitive data sharing. Cloud security posture management evaluates service configurations against compliance frameworks and flags misconfigurations that expose data. Cloud access security brokers sit between users and cloud applications to enforce visibility, compliance, and threat protection policies. Advanced platforms correlate data sensitivity with access permissions, vulnerabilities, and attack paths to prioritize risks that create real exposure.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the cloud data security platforms reviewed in this guide.
| Product | Best For | Type | Multi-Cloud | Data Discovery/DLP | Agentless | Compliance Frameworks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Thales DSPM
|
Native encryption and key management
|
Data Security Platform
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Aikido Security
|
Code-to-cloud vulnerability management
|
AppSec Platform
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
|
MSP consolidation
|
Cyber Protection
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud
|
Enterprise hybrid compliance
|
Hybrid Security
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Cisco Secure Cloudlock
|
Agentless shadow IT discovery
|
CASB
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security
|
Threat-informed cloud security
|
CNAPP
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Microsoft Defender for Cloud
|
Microsoft-centric multi-cloud
|
CSPM
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
|
Full-lifecycle CNAPP
|
CNAPP
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Virtru Google Cloud Encryption
|
Google Workspace encryption
|
Encryption
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Wiz Data Security Posture Management
|
Multi-cloud attack path analysis
|
DSPM
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Zscaler Data Protection
|
Unified DLP across all data paths
|
DLP
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
We evaluated 12 cloud data security platforms across real-world deployment scenarios, assessing product capability, ease of implementation, and customer feedback. This guide was researched by Alex Zawalnyski and technically reviewed by Laura Iannini. Read our full methodology
Thales DSPM is a strong choice for organizations that need a security focused platform for multi-cloud environments. The platform is centered on the CipherTrust Data Security Platform. What sets Thales apart from most DSPM-only vendors is that CipherTrust doesn’t simply identify where sensitive data lives and hand off to third-party tools for protection; it runs the full encryption, tokenization, and key management stack natively.
We think Thales DSPM is a strong option for organizations that need a single platform to cover discovery, classification, and native data protection without stitching together multiple vendors. The case is particularly strong for regulated industries and organizations with on-premise or hybrid infrastructure, where cloud-native DSPM tools often fall short. If your security requirements include full encryption key ownership, tokenization, and data masking enforced at the data layer, across cloud and on-premise environments, Thales is well worth the investment.
Aikido is a code-cloud-runtime security platform that protects cloud-based data across your cloud environments. It’s designed to help developers find and detect cloud infrastructure vulnerabilities faster and more effectively, and we recommend it as a strong platform for teams looking for cloud vulnerability management.
Aikido can be deployed in just a few minutes, and the interface is very modern and slick. Pricing is publicly available, starting at $350 USD per month, but a free plan is available for up to two developers. We recommend Aikido for teams looking for CSPM with code and runtime security in an all-in-one platform.
Best for MSP consolidation of backup and security
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud bundles backup, anti-malware, and endpoint management into one platform built for MSPs. We think it’s a strong consolidation play for service providers managing protection across multiple clients who want to stop juggling separate tools. The platform is trusted by over 21,000 service providers.
Teams consistently highlight the low learning curve. Engineers say they can delegate tasks to junior admins without extensive training. Automated backup and recovery workflows save significant time on daily operations. Something to be aware of is that console page loads can be slow, especially during complex operations, and the feature density can overwhelm users who only need basic backup.
We think Acronis fits MSPs looking to consolidate cyber protection vendors. The platform can cut costs by eliminating separate backup and security subscriptions. Add-on packs let you scale protection to specific client needs, and the EDR/XDR capabilities have improved significantly with recent updates.
Best for enterprise-scale compliance across hybrid environments
Symantec Enterprise Cloud is a hybrid security platform targeting large enterprises with complex environments spanning devices, data centers, and cloud workloads. We think it fits organizations needing unified policy enforcement across on-prem and cloud infrastructure. Broadcom has recently launched Symantec CBX, which merges Symantec and Carbon Black capabilities into a unified XDR platform.
Teams praise the stability and reliability of the platform. The unified approach simplifies administration for large environments. ZTNA and advanced threat protection get called out as standout capabilities. Something to be aware of is that initial setup and configuration complexity requires significant implementation effort, and regional support quality has declined since the Broadcom acquisition.
We think Symantec Enterprise Cloud works for large organizations already invested in the Broadcom ecosystem. If you need best-of-suite integration and strict compliance enforcement across hybrid environments, the platform delivers. The new CBX platform, expected later in 2026, could change the value proposition significantly for SOC teams.
Best for agentless shadow IT discovery for Google and Microsoft clouds
Cisco Secure Cloudlock is a cloud-native CASB built to protect users, data, and applications across SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS environments. We think it’s a reasonable option for organizations running Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 that need shadow IT visibility and DLP without deploying agents.
Teams highlight automated risk management and customizable policies. Threat detection runs with low false positives, which means alerts get attention. Something to be aware of is that DLP policy configuration is difficult for complex or custom requirements. Support responsiveness has been inconsistent according to some users when troubleshooting advanced configurations.
We think Cloudlock works for organizations on Google or Microsoft cloud platforms who need CASB functionality without infrastructure overhead. If shadow IT visibility is your primary concern, the agentless discovery delivers. Something else to be aware of is that user feedback suggests the product hasn’t received significant feature updates recently, so teams with advanced requirements should evaluate whether it keeps pace with their needs.
Best for threat-informed cloud security with adversary intelligence
CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security is an AI-native CNAPP that unifies workload protection, CSPM, identity management, and application security in one platform. We were impressed by the threat detection capabilities, which are backed by real adversary intelligence rather than generic rule sets.
Teams praise detection accuracy and consistent performance. The management console is intuitive once you learn the layout. Integration with existing EDR and SIEM solutions adds operational value beyond standalone cloud security. Something to be aware of is that low-risk configuration alerts can add noise that requires tuning to manage effectively.
We think CrowdStrike fits enterprise organizations that want threat-informed cloud security backed by real intelligence. If you’re already in the Falcon ecosystem, the integration value compounds. The adversary-focused approach to risk prioritization is a strong differentiator in this category.
Best for multi-cloud security for Microsoft-centric enterprises
Microsoft Defender for Cloud provides unified security posture management across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud from a single console. We think it’s a strong fit for organizations with multi-cloud or hybrid environments who want native integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. Recent 2026 updates have expanded multi-cloud visibility to new AWS and GCP services.
Teams praise ease of implementation, especially within Azure environments. AI-powered threat detection and real-time notifications get consistent positive feedback. Something to be aware of is that recommendation status updates lag after remediation is completed, with the dashboard sometimes showing pending issues already resolved. Alert fine-tuning also requires significant time investment.
We think Defender for Cloud works best for organizations already invested in Microsoft infrastructure. If you’re running Azure workloads or using Sentinel for SIEM, the native integration creates real operational efficiency. The secure score is a very useful tool for tracking posture improvements across your cloud estate.
Best for full-lifecycle cloud-native application protection
Prisma Cloud is a cloud-native application protection platform covering CSPM, workload security, identity management, and code security across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. We think it’s a strong option for organizations wanting a single platform to handle everything from IaC scanning to runtime protection. Palo Alto Networks is in the process of merging Prisma Cloud with Cortex CDR to create Cortex Cloud, with existing customers being transitioned.
Teams highlight deployment simplicity relative to the platform’s scope. Multi-cloud visibility and the ability to monitor resources regardless of location get consistent praise. Something to be aware of is that dashboard information density can overwhelm users who need simpler views, and advanced features require specific implementation conditions that add complexity.
We think Prisma Cloud works well for organizations wanting consolidated cloud security without multiple point solutions. If you need code-to-runtime protection with strong compliance capabilities, the platform covers the full lifecycle. The transition to Cortex Cloud is worth monitoring, as it should bring deeper XDR integration.
Best for Google Workspace encryption with key control
Virtru provides a Google-focused encryption platform built on zero-trust principles for organizations running Google Workspace and Cloud Platform. We think it’s a strong fit for teams needing granular control over data protection and client-side encryption within the Google ecosystem. Virtru is FedRAMP authorized and supports compliance with CMMC 2.0, CJIS, and ITAR.
Teams praise ease of initial setup and reliability. The plugin integrates directly into Gmail workflows without disrupting productivity. Strong access controls and compliance support help organizations meet regulatory requirements. Something to be aware of is that mobile app accessibility issues can disrupt remote work scenarios, and external recipients face friction when interacting with encrypted content.
We think Virtru works best for organizations standardized on Google Workspace who need encryption without changing user behavior. If compliance requirements demand client-side encryption and key control, the platform delivers those capabilities cleanly. The ability to revoke messages, disable forwarding, and set expiration adds real governance value.
Best for multi-cloud data visibility with attack path analysis
Wiz DSPM scans cloud environments for sensitive data like PII, PHI, and PCI without deploying agents. We think it’s one of the strongest options in this category for security teams managing multi-cloud infrastructure who need visibility into where critical data lives and how it’s exposed.
Agentless deployment and asset visibility get consistent praise. Teams highlight quick onboarding across cloud providers and the depth of configuration data across networks and applications. Something to be aware of is that GUI navigation frustrates some teams working on complex investigations, and API documentation lacks detail for teams building custom integrations.
We think Wiz DSPM works best for mid-size to large organizations running multi-cloud workloads. If you need to understand where sensitive data sits and who can access it, the security graph delivers real value. The compliance heatmap tracks PCI, GDPR, and HIPAA status across all cloud accounts. For smaller teams, the cost may not justify the investment.
Best for unified DLP across web, SaaS, endpoint, and email
Zscaler Data Protection is a cloud-native DLP platform that secures data across web traffic, SaaS applications, endpoints, and email from a unified policy engine. We think it’s a strong fit for large enterprises wanting to consolidate data protection under their existing Zscaler proxy infrastructure.
Teams praise inline DLP effectiveness and zip file scanning for detecting executables. Custom dictionaries and EDM get positive feedback. Policies are easy to manage and work consistently across modules. Something to be aware of is that the GUI organization and user experience need significant improvement, making day-to-day management harder than it should be.
We think Zscaler Data Protection works well for organizations already running Zscaler proxy who want to add DLP without another vendor. If you need unified policy across web, endpoint, and email, the platform is a natural extension. The GenAI protection capabilities are a timely addition for organizations concerned about data leakage through AI tools.
Cloud data security pricing varies significantly by platform type, deployment model, and organization size. Most enterprise platforms use quote-based pricing tied to workload count, data volume, or user seats. Contact vendors directly for accurate pricing based on your requirements.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thales DSPM
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Aikido Security
|
Free for up to 2 developers; from $350/mo
|
Monthly/Annual
|
|
|
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
|
Per-client pricing with add-on packs
|
Monthly
|
|
|
Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Cisco Secure Cloudlock
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Microsoft Defender for Cloud
|
Pay-as-you-go per resource type
|
Monthly
|
|
|
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Virtru Google Cloud Encryption
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Wiz Data Security Posture Management
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
|
Zscaler Data Protection
|
Contact for quote
|
Annual
|
|
These are the evaluation and deployment steps we recommend when selecting a cloud data security platform.
Cloud data sits in S3 buckets, blob storage, managed databases, data warehouses, and SaaS applications; platforms with blind spots leave sensitive data unprotected.
PII, PHI, and PCI detection must work reliably across structured and unstructured data without generating false positives that overwhelm your team.
Controlling your own encryption keys through customer-managed key programs or HSM integration ensures the platform vendor cannot access your data.
Data moves through web traffic, SaaS applications, endpoints, and email; DLP rules must cover each path consistently from a single policy engine where possible.
Context-aware platforms that connect data location with permissions, vulnerabilities, and network exposure surface real risks rather than isolated configuration findings.
Policies and visibility must work equally across AWS, Azure, GCP, and any other cloud providers in your environment.
Platforms that feed into your existing SIEM, SOAR, or ticketing systems reduce the gap between detection and remediation.
Confirm that the platform generates audit-ready reports for the regulations you must meet without significant manual customization.
Agentless platforms deliver faster time to value; platforms requiring agents provide deeper runtime protection but need ongoing management.
Platforms that distinguish between actual risks and benign configurations save your team from alert fatigue and wasted remediation effort.
Cloud data security choices depend on your deployment model, compliance requirements, and whether you need specialized data tools or consolidated platforms.
For rapid multi-cloud visibility, Wiz Data Security Posture Management agentless scanning covers AWS, Azure, and GCP without infrastructure overhead. The security graph contextualizes risks that matter most.
If you need unified cloud protection beyond data, Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud covers CSPM, workload security, code scanning, and compliance in one platform.
For development teams wanting code and cloud security together, Aikido Security eliminates false positive fatigue with reachability analysis. Single console for SAST, SCA, IaC, and containers means less tool sprawl.
MSPs managing multiple clients get consolidation value from Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. Backup, threat protection, and endpoint management from one console cuts vendor costs and simplifies client offboarding.
For regulated enterprises standardized on Microsoft, Microsoft Defender for Cloud delivers Azure, AWS, and GCP coverage with native Sentinel SIEM integration. Compliance frameworks come out of the box.
Organizations running hybrid infrastructure benefit from Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud. ZTNA, DLP, and CASB in one platform with consistent policy enforcement across on-prem and cloud.
For Google Workspace shops needing encryption controls, Virtru Google Cloud Encryption delivers client-side encryption with straightforward Gmail integration that users actually adopt.
Review the detailed assessments above to match your specific requirements, data discovery speed, compliance framework support, and multi-cloud flexibility all factor into the right choice for your environment.
Cloud Data Security solutions work in a number of ways to address a raft of risks associated with storing and utilizing data from the cloud. It is essential that this type of platform has a range of features at its disposal, to properly address as wide a range of threats as possible.
Some of the key areas that Cloud Data Security platforms will be designed to address include:
One of the key ways that Cloud Data Security solutions achieve this is through applying consistent and robust encryption across all of your data. This ensures that even if an attacker were to gain access to your data, they would be unable to access or understand it. Common encryption methods include AES-256.
This allows you to strike the balance between ensuring data is properly protected, whilst making it accessible and usable for users. Data that has too many security protections may be unmanageable, and not flexible enough for diverse workforces.
Whilst addressing these issues, Cloud Data Security tools will ensure that there is a high level of visibility and that processes are logged. This improves the auditing processes, where you will need to prove that you are acting properly and adhering to the expectations placed on you.
Finding the right data protection solution for your organization should be a top priority. Failure to do so could lead to preventable attacks being successfully carried out on your organization. As well as the direct threat to your and your customer’s data, you risk tarnishing your brand image and trustworthiness, thereby reducing your future potential customer base. When trying to identify the ideal solution for your organization, you should look for the following features.
Visibility – Your platform should allow you extensive insight into your network and the risks that you face. When you are able to better understand these risks, you can ensure that your policies are appropriate and effective.
Reporting – Linked to having extensive visibility, easy and customizable report generation is essential to explain the measures you take to keep customer and stakeholders’ data safe.
Strong Encryption – In order to effectively safeguard all your data, at rest and while in transit, effective encryption is essential. AES-256 is the gold-standard for encryption as it is virtually impossible to break, even for today’s supercomputers.
Regulatory Alignment – The ideal solution will align with prominent data regulation frameworks to ensure that you are meeting all of your obligations.
The recent mass migration to the cloud has encouraged some organizations to question how safe the cloud is, and if it is an appropriate place to store data. Transferring processes to the cloud does improve flexibility, allowing users to work across a wider range of devices, from a range of locations. If you fail to take proper, precautionary steps, there are dangers associated with the cloud. The vast majority of these, however, can be eliminated, or, at least, mitigated. Common risks facing your cloud data include:
The first step in protecting yourself from the risks associated with securing cloud data is to gain visibility to understand what the risks are, and how they may affect your organization. These risks tend to revolve around data loss and privacy or confidentiality breaches. If you take the proper steps and implement the appropriate policies, many of these threats are easily reduced.
For more on the rise of the cloud and how to protect your data, head to our interview with Rich Lilly of Netrix LLC here:
Further reading on data security and privacy from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Alex is an experienced journalist and content editor. He researches, writes, factchecks and edits articles relating to B2B cyber security and technology solutions, working alongside software experts.
Alex was awarded a First Class MA (Hons) in English and Scottish Literature by the University of Edinburgh.
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.