Best 10 Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software for Enterprise (2026)
We reviewed 10 DLP platforms on the accuracy of sensitive data classification, the breadth of channels monitored, and how well each enforces policies at the endpoint without generating the false positive volume that causes security teams to tune protections down.
Written by
Mirren McDade
Technical Review by
Laura Iannini
Quick Summary
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software identifies and blocks sensitive data as it moves across endpoints, email, web, and cloud services — preventing unauthorized transmission of personal data, intellectual property, and regulated information. DLP is only effective when it covers all the channels through which data leaves an organization. We reviewed 10 platforms and found Teramind, Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys, and Check Point DLP to be the strongest on sensitive data classification accuracy and multi-channel enforcement.
Data loss prevention feels straightforward until you deploy it. You realize scanning everything generates noise that drowns out real risk. Network-level tools miss endpoint transfers. Email DLP catches credential patterns but lets other sensitive data through. You end up managing multiple point solutions, tuning policies endlessly, and hoping auditors don’t ask why you’re blocking legitimate business activity.
The real problem isn’t finding DLP. It’s finding a platform that catches what actually matters without false positives that force users toward workarounds.
We evaluated 10 DLP solutions across cloud, network, and endpoint deployments, evaluating each for detection accuracy against both structured and unstructured data, policy flexibility without overwhelming administrators, operational usability, and integration depth with existing infrastructure. We also reviewed customer feedback to identify where vendor claims diverge from actual false positive rates and compliance benefit.
This guide helps you match the right DLP platform to your infrastructure, compliance requirements, and how much administrative overhead you can realistically sustain.
Our Recommendations
We found that DLP strategies fail not because of the technology, but because teams pick tools that don’t match their actual infrastructure and threat model. The strongest implementations start with clarity on where your data actually leaves the network.
- Best For Insider Threat Monitoring: Teramind: Live desktop streaming and session recording give second-by-second visibility into user activity.
- Best For Cross-Platform Device Control: Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys: True cross-platform DLP across Windows, macOS, and Linux from a single console.
- Best For Check Point Infrastructure: Check Point DLP: Two-tier model lets you start with basic content rules and scale to full DLP controls.
- Best For Advanced Classification: Forcepoint DLP: Over 1,500 pre-built classifiers with structured and unstructured data fingerprinting included.
- Best For Budget-Conscious Deep Detection: GTB Technologies DLP: Binary and text level content detection provides deeper inspection than most DLP competitors.
- Best For M365 Environments: Microsoft Purview Information Protection: Native integration across SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange, Teams, and endpoints from a unified admin console.
- Best For People-Centric Email DLP: Proofpoint Enterprise Data Loss Prevention: People-centric approach combines content, behavior, and threat telemetry for intent-based detection.
- Best For Lightweight Compliance DLP: Trend Micro Integrated DLP: Lightweight plugin adds DLP to existing Trend Micro deployments without a separate agent.
- Best For Modular Enterprise DLP: Trellix Data Loss Prevention: Modular suite lets you deploy Discover, Prevent, Monitor, and Endpoint independently as requirements grow.
- Best For Zero Trust Architectures: Zscaler Cloud DLP: Cloud-native DLP follows users on and off the network with full SSL traffic inspection.
Teramind is a user behavior and workforce monitoring platform with comprehensive behavioral DLP capabilities, designed to prevent data loss and mitigate insider threats. The platform provides real-time activity monitoring across endpoint devices with granular policy enforcement.
Teramind Key Features
Teramind tracks all user behaviors in real time, including live desktop streaming and video playbacks of suspicious incidents triggered by custom rules and workflows. Admins can monitor and intervene in real time to prevent unauthorized file uploads, browsing activities, and other risky actions. The platform lets you set specific rules to detect harmful actions such as unauthorized USB device usage or file movements, with automated responses including admin alerts and device lockouts.
The DLP engine inspects email content, attachments, and network data to prevent unauthorized transfers of sensitive information. It automatically identifies financial data, PII, and other sensitive data types based on admin-defined policies. The admin console is well designed and intuitive, providing a clear overview of user activity with detailed reporting on productivity and risky behaviors.
Our Take
We think Teramind is a strong DLP option for organizations that want behavioral monitoring tightly integrated with data loss prevention. The combination of real-time intervention, customizable rule sets, and detailed user activity insights makes it well suited for teams focused on insider threat prevention.
Strengths
- Real-time activity tracking with live desktop streaming and incident video playback
- Automated responses including device lockout when policy rules are triggered
- DLP engine inspects email, attachments, and network data against admin-defined policies
- Well-designed admin console with clear reporting on risky behaviors and productivity
- Customizable rules detect unauthorized USB usage, file movements, and browsing activities
Cautions
- Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting sales for a quote
Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys is a DLP solution designed to work across Windows, macOS, and Linux. The platform safeguards sensitive data including intellectual property and PII from unintentional leaks and malicious data theft by providing detailed control over file transfers and data flows, both in transit and at rest.
Endpoint Protector Key Features
Device control enables the lockdown, monitoring, and management of USB and peripheral ports with granular control based on vendor ID, serial number, and other parameters. Content-aware protection scans data in motion, monitoring, controlling, and blocking file transfers through detailed content and context inspection. The eDiscovery function identifies, encrypts, and deletes sensitive data through manual or automated scans.
The platform monitors and controls all data transfers, tracking IP addresses to prevent data theft. Endpoint Protector ensures compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Multiple deployment options are available including virtual appliance and cloud service. Predefined policies and a central administration dashboard with real-time alerts streamline deployment and ongoing management.
Our Take
We think Endpoint Protector is a strong DLP option for organizations that need cross-platform coverage across Windows, macOS, and Linux. The combination of device control, content-aware protection, and eDiscovery in a single platform is good to see, and the solution is designed to minimize false positives and maintain uninterrupted workflows.
Strengths
- Cross-platform DLP coverage for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Granular device control for USB and peripheral ports by vendor ID and serial number
- Content-aware protection scans data in motion with detailed content inspection
- eDiscovery identifies, encrypts, and deletes sensitive data via manual or automated scans
- Predefined policies and central dashboard with real-time alerts streamline deployment
Cautions
- Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting sales for a quote
Check Point DLP
Check Point DLP is a network-level data loss prevention tool that inspects traffic passing through Check Point firewalls. We think the two-tier approach is a smart design choice. Content Awareness gives you a lightweight starting point, and the full DLP blade adds dictionary-based controls, template matching, and file watermarking.
Check Point DLP Key Features
The full DLP blade offers over 500 predefined data types with dictionary matches, template-based scanning, and file repository inspection. Content Awareness provides a lighter option with 60+ data types and keyword matching. Traffic inspection covers SMTP, FTP, HTTPS webmail, and Exchange, including SSL/TLS encrypted traffic. MultiSpect classification combines user, content, and process information for accurate decisions. UserCheck technology lets end users remediate incidents in real time without involving IT.
What Customers Say
Customer feedback specific to Check Point DLP is limited in recent reviews. The broader Check Point ecosystem gets praise for centralized management and strong encryption capabilities. Customers consistently highlight the central console as a strength for policy and event management. Something to be aware of is that the DLP configuration offers depth but requires upfront investment to tune properly.
Our Take
We think Check Point DLP makes the most sense if you already run Check Point firewalls. The tight integration means you avoid adding another vendor to your stack. The two-tier model lets you start light and scale up. This is network-level only, so it won’t cover endpoint data transfers outside the firewall perimeter.
Strengths
- Two-tier model scales from basic content rules to full DLP controls
- 500+ predefined data types with dictionary and template scanning
- Inspects SSL/TLS encrypted traffic across SMTP, FTP, and HTTPS
- UserCheck lets end users remediate incidents without involving IT
Cautions
- Network-level only; doesn't cover endpoint transfers outside the firewall
- Requires existing Check Point infrastructure to deploy
Forcepoint DLP
Forcepoint DLP is a data loss prevention platform in two tiers: DLP for Compliance and DLP for Intellectual Property Protection. We were impressed by the classification depth. It adapts controls based on how users interact with data across endpoints, cloud apps, and network channels.
Forcepoint DLP Key Features
Over 1,700 pre-built data classifiers give you broad coverage out of the box, backed by structured and unstructured data fingerprinting. The OCR capability catches sensitive data embedded in images, both in motion and at rest, which is a gap most DLP tools miss. Risk-Adaptive Protection dynamically adjusts policies in real time based on user behavior. Cloud app protection works in real time and via API, with support for custom SaaS applications. Forcepoint’s AI Mesh, a distributed network of small language models, continuously discovers data and adapts controls.
What Customers Say
Customers say the platform scales well to large environments, with enterprises running tens of thousands of endpoints. Integration with Forcepoint Proxy gets praise for being fast and lightweight with minimal network impact. The documentation earns positive marks. With that said, interface complexity creates a steep onboarding curve for new administrators. Some users report occasional false positives blocking legitimate applications.
Our Take
We think Forcepoint DLP is a strong option if your organization needs deep data classification tied to compliance and IP protection. The classifier depth suits mid-size to large enterprises with complex data environments. If you need quick deployment with minimal tuning, expect an upfront learning curve.
Strengths
- 1,700+ pre-built classifiers with data fingerprinting included
- OCR detects sensitive data in images, covering a common gap
- Risk-Adaptive Protection adjusts policies based on user behavior
- Two-tier licensing scales from compliance to IP protection
Cautions
- Customers note interface complexity creates a steep onboarding curve
- Users report occasional false positives blocking legitimate apps
GTB Technologies DLP
GTB Technologies DLP is a content-aware data loss prevention platform known for deep detection at both binary and text levels. We think it’s a strong option for organizations with serious data protection needs across healthcare, finance, government, and defense, particularly at a competitive price point.
GTB Technologies DLP Key Features
Policy-based content controls sit at the core. Admins get full contextual visibility into when, where, and how data moves, with enforcement across network, endpoint, and cloud. Combined DLP and data classification run from a single console with a single agent, keeping deployment clean. Native OCR and fingerprinting run on one server, simplifying architecture. GTB has added AI-driven capabilities including Lifeguard AI and TraceVault AI for context analysis and high-speed inference. Hybrid deployment and cloud-based servers give flexibility in how you roll it out.
What Customers Say
Customers say the platform is user-friendly with simple navigation for managing rules, reports, and audits. Low false positive rates get specific praise during proof-of-concept evaluations. Budget-friendly pricing compared to competitors is a recurring positive. Something to be aware of is that default policies need significant tuning to reduce noise. The UI needs polish, and updates aren’t always well tested before release.
Our Take
We think GTB fits well if your organization needs advanced content detection with granular policy control at a competitive price. The single-agent approach keeps operations simple. If UI polish and update quality matter to your team, factor that in.
Strengths
- Binary and text level detection provides deeper inspection than most
- Single agent handles DLP and data classification from one console
- Native OCR and fingerprinting on a single server
- Competitive pricing for advanced DLP capabilities
Cautions
- Reviews note default policies need significant tuning to reduce noise
- Users flag the UI needs modernization and updates lack testing
Microsoft Purview Information Protection
Microsoft Purview Information Protection is a built-in DLP and data classification platform for organizations running Microsoft 365. We think it’s the natural choice if you’re already invested in the M365 ecosystem. It covers SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange, Teams, endpoints, and third-party cloud apps from a unified admin console.
Microsoft Purview Information Protection Key Features
The native M365 integration is the headline. Data discovery and classification work smoothly across the stack, with built-in and trainable classifiers that label sensitive information automatically. Activity explorer shows how users interact with sensitive data, while content explorer surfaces protected documents with context. The AIP Scanner extends classification to on-prem file shares. Encryption key management supports multiple scenarios.
What Customers Say
Customers say the integration makes it easy to protect SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange without adding another vendor. Built-in classifiers and the admin console get praise for low-friction setup. The cost is seen as reasonable given the bundled functionality. With that said, auto-labeling and trainable classifiers require E5 licensing, adding cost. Initial label naming and rollout planning demand significant upfront discovery work.
Our Take
We think Purview fits best if your organization is already invested in M365 and wants DLP without a separate vendor. The built-in classifiers and unified console lower the barrier for teams new to data protection. Budget for E5 licensing if you need the advanced classification features.
Strengths
- Native integration across SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange, and Teams
- Built-in and trainable classifiers automate sensitive data labeling
- Activity and content explorers show how sensitive data is used
- AIP Scanner extends classification to on-prem file shares
Cautions
- Users note auto-labeling and trainable classifiers require E5 licensing
- Reviews flag limited redaction for multi-tier file sharing
Proofpoint Enterprise Data Loss Prevention
Proofpoint Enterprise DLP is a people-centric data loss prevention platform unifying email, cloud, and endpoint protection. We think the approach of combining content analysis with behavior and threat telemetry to determine intent is a meaningful differentiator in this space.
Proofpoint Enterprise Data Loss Prevention Key Features
Instead of just scanning what data moves, Proofpoint factors in user behavior and threat signals to assess whether someone is negligent or compromised. This context layer is valuable for reducing alert noise. Over 240 customizable sensitive data detectors cover common patterns, with classification applied consistently across email, cloud, and endpoint channels. The unified incident and investigations interface brings everything into one place. Cloud-based architecture supports scalability, with over 80 pre-built policy templates for regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
What Customers Say
Customers say the policies are effective at preventing sensitive data from leaving the organization. Email protection is a particular strength. Support gets strong marks for responsiveness. Something to be aware of is that false positive tuning is ongoing, even after years of use. The policy learning curve is steep, and reaching a self-sustaining state takes real effort. Running it effectively requires a skilled security team.
Our Take
We think Proofpoint DLP fits best if your organization needs people-centric data protection with strong email coverage. The behavior and threat telemetry add context that pure content scanning misses. If email is a primary data loss vector for your organization, this deserves evaluation.
Strengths
- People-centric approach combines content, behavior, and threat telemetry
- Unified incident interface for email, cloud, and endpoint DLP
- 240+ customizable data detectors with consistent classification
- Strong email DLP for organizations where email is the primary risk
Cautions
- Customers note false positive tuning is ongoing even after years of use
- Reviews flag a steep policy learning curve requiring skilled teams
Trend Micro Integrated DLP
Trend Micro Integrated DLP is a lightweight DLP plugin that adds data loss prevention to existing Trend Micro endpoint deployments. We think the integrated approach is the right design choice for organizations that want compliance-level DLP without a standalone platform.
Trend Micro Integrated DLP Key Features
Rather than a standalone platform, this runs as an add-on to Trend Micro products like Apex One. Compliance templates enable quick policy setup, with detection based on file attributes, keywords, and regular expressions. DataDNA fingerprinting adds protection for unstructured data and IP. Granular device control restricts USB drives, mobile devices, and removable media. Email scanning monitors for keywords in headers and subjects. Forensic data capture and real-time reporting support audit readiness.
What Customers Say
Customers say setup is straightforward, and the add-on model keeps costs down since it runs on your existing Trend Micro agent. Compliance teams praise the email scanning and keyword monitoring for meeting regulatory requirements. Centralized management gets positive marks. With that said, DLP capabilities are basic compared to dedicated solutions in this space. Email DLP requires an additional component beyond the base plugin.
Our Take
We think Trend Micro Integrated DLP fits best if you already run Trend Micro endpoints and need compliance-level DLP without adding another vendor. The lightweight plugin keeps things operationally simple. For advanced DLP needs, dedicated platforms offer more depth.
Strengths
- Lightweight plugin adds DLP without a separate agent
- Out-of-the-box compliance templates for fast policy setup
- DataDNA fingerprinting protects unstructured data and IP
- Forensic data capture and real-time reporting for audit readiness
Cautions
- Users note DLP capabilities are basic compared to dedicated platforms
- Email DLP requires an additional component beyond the base plugin
Trellix Data Loss Prevention
Trellix DLP is a modular data loss prevention suite covering network, cloud, and endpoint protection. Born from the McAfee Enterprise and FireEye merger, it offers Discover, Prevent, Monitor, and Endpoint components deployable individually or together. We think the modular architecture gives useful flexibility for organizations that want to grow their DLP coverage over time.
Trellix Data Loss Prevention Key Features
Discover scans resources to locate sensitive data and identify content owners. Prevent handles remediation and blocks unauthorized transfers. Unified policy creation works across on-prem and cloud, with centralized deployment through ePolicy Orchestrator. Integrated case management sends notifications on policy violations, with over 20 preconfigured report templates. Recent updates include OCR on endpoint for Windows to protect data in non-text formats, and an AI Data Risk Dashboard that monitors and prevents sensitive data loss to AI tools.
What Customers Say
Customers say the platform effectively identifies and blocks unauthorized data transfers. Integration with existing systems gets praise for being straightforward, and compliance coverage across global security standards is highlighted. Something to be aware of is that the agent is heavy on endpoints, causing noticeable performance degradation on some machines. Initial configuration is complex with a steep learning curve.
Our Take
We think Trellix DLP fits well if your organization needs a modular approach where you add components as requirements grow. The ePolicy Orchestrator integration is a natural fit for existing Trellix environments. Budget for tuning time and plan for the endpoint performance impact.
Strengths
- Modular suite deploys Discover, Prevent, Monitor, and Endpoint independently
- Centralized policy through ePolicy Orchestrator across on-prem and cloud
- AI Data Risk Dashboard monitors data loss to AI tools
- 20+ preconfigured report templates with scheduled delivery
Cautions
- Users report the agent is heavy, causing endpoint performance issues
- Reviews note complex initial configuration with steep learning curve
Zscaler Cloud DLP
Zscaler Cloud DLP is a cloud-native data loss prevention platform built into the Zero Trust Exchange. We think it’s the right fit if your organization is committed to zero trust architecture and wants DLP natively embedded rather than bolted on. Protection follows users on and off the network.
Zscaler Cloud DLP Key Features
The cloud-native architecture defines Zscaler DLP. Full SSL traffic inspection runs without on-prem appliances or capacity limits. Exact Data Match and Indexed Document Matching enable precise classification beyond simple pattern matching, which keeps false positives low. Machine learning powers data classification and behavioral analysis at cloud scale. OCR, UEBA, and workflow automation add customization depth. The unified platform covers internet, email, SaaS, endpoints, and private apps in one place.
What Customers Say
Customers across the Zscaler platform praise the installation experience and infrastructure compatibility. AI-powered discovery and classification get positive marks. Organizations highlight reduced risk after implementation and value unified administration. With that said, feedback specific to the DLP module is limited in detail, which makes independent peer validation difficult. Policy tuning is still required after deployment.
Our Take
We think Zscaler DLP is the right fit for organizations committed to the Zero Trust Exchange. Cloud-scale inspection and user-following protection suit large enterprises with distributed workforces. If you’re not already on the Zscaler platform, the value proposition is harder to justify standalone.
Strengths
- Cloud-native DLP follows users on and off the network
- Full SSL inspection without on-prem appliances or capacity limits
- Exact Data Match and Indexed Document Matching reduce false positives
- Unified platform covers internet, email, SaaS, and endpoints
Cautions
- Limited DLP-specific customer feedback for peer validation
- Reviews note policy tuning still required to reduce false positives
What To Look For: DLP Solutions Checklist
When evaluating DLP platforms, focus on whether the detection accuracy matches your compliance requirements without driving users toward workarounds.
- Data Classification and Detection Methods: Does the platform support dictionary based, fingerprinting, and OCR detection? How many pre built classifiers come with the solution? Can you create custom classifiers without extensive coding? Does it detect data in motion, at rest, and in use?
- Deployment Options and Scope: Can you deploy on network, endpoint, cloud, or all three from one console? Does endpoint deployment support Windows, macOS, and Linux? Are you locked into a specific vendor’s infrastructure or can you choose deployment models?
- False Positive Management and Policy Tuning: How does the platform reduce noise from low risk findings? Can admins create exceptions without complex code? Does it include exception management or require manual workarounds? What’s the honest experience from customers at scale?
- Incident Response and Remediation: Can the platform block, alert, or apply graduated responses? Can users request exceptions or appeal blocks? Does it integrate with ticketing systems for escalation? Can you prove compliance with audit trails?
- Integration With Existing Tools: Does it integrate with your SIEM, email systems, and cloud apps? Can it work with existing firewalls and proxies or requires separate deployment? Does it support SSO and active directory?
- Support and Implementation Reality: How responsive is support during policy tuning? Do they help with initial classification or does that fall to your team? Check third party reviews for consistent patterns. Platforms with thin documentation and reactive support create more work than they prevent.
How We Compared The Best Data Loss Prevention Software
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and IT solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Our Editor’s Scores are based solely on product quality and real world detection accuracy.
We evaluated 10 DLP platforms across cloud, network, and endpoint deployments, assessing detection accuracy against both structured and unstructured data, false positive rates in real world configurations, policy flexibility without administrative burden, operational usability, and integration depth with existing infrastructure including email, SIEM, and cloud platforms.
Beyond product evaluation, we conducted in depth market research across the DLP landscape, reviewed customer feedback from organizations at scale, and spoke with security teams to understand where vendor claims diverge from actual false positive rates and compliance benefit. Our focus was identifying platforms that prevent real data loss rather than creating excessive operational burden.
This guide is updated quarterly. For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test and Review Products page.
The Bottom Line
Your choice depends on your infrastructure, compliance requirements, and whether your priority is prevention, detection, or visibility.
For insider threat detection with activity monitoring, Teramind delivers live visibility and behavioral controls.
For cross platform endpoint DLP, Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys handles Windows, macOS, and Linux with granular device control.
If you’re Microsoft first, Microsoft Purview Information Protection integrates natively with M365 without adding separate vendors.
For deep data classification at enterprise scale, Forcepoint DLP delivers 1,500+ classifiers including OCR.
For people centric DLP with behavior context, Proofpoint Enterprise DLP reduces noise by assessing intent alongside content.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into deployment specifics, pricing, and the operational tradeoffs that matter for your environment.
FAQs
Everything You Need To Know About Data Loss Prevention (FAQs)
Data loss prevention (DLP) is about protecting data and refers to a set of processes and technologies designed to ensure data stored by an organization is not lost, misused, or exposed to unauthorized users by end-users or misconfiguration. This is a practice that aims to boost information security and ensure that businesses are protected from data breaches, which is done by preventing users from moving key information outside of the corporate network.
Data loss prevention refers to tools that allow network administrators to oversee and monitor data that end users can access and share. Data loss prevention tools work also to classify regulated, confidential, and business-critical data. It works to identify violations of policies set out by the organizations or within a predefined policy of defined solution, generally driven by compliance regulations like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, PIPEDA, and GDPR.
If the data loss prevention software identifies those violations, it can enforce remediation through alerts, encryption, and other protective actions in place to stop end users from accidentally — or maliciously — sharing data that could put the organization at risk.
DLP (data loss prevention) systems have proven to be highly effective in protecting companies’ sensitive data. DLP systems monitor and control endpoint activities, filter data streams on corporate networks, and monitor data at rest, in motion, and in use. They also typically provide reporting capabilities, helping to facilitate meeting compliance and auditing needs, and making it easier to identify any weak areas or anomalies for better data security and more efficient incident response.
These solutions have earned their place in the information security ecosystem over the last 20 years through extensive automation, the application of machine learning, and a noticeable reduction of server load. The gap in the security market that these solutions filled emerged when banks and major corporations began accumulating confidential and critical information from their customers, which gradually began leaking into the public domain due to poor access control or a lack of data loss prevention policies.
The resulting government scrutiny gave rise to ad hoc legislation, and further down the line to international standards. The next step in this evolution was the bolstering of anti-fraud protections within corporations, with DLP software fulfilling the role of surveying employees’ communications and blocking any suspicious activities.
Many organizations choose to deploy data loss prevention software for more comprehensive protection, which can support the organization’s data retention policies and data leak detection efforts by allowing them to restrict access permissions to access information assets. Data loss prevention solutions use data classification labels and tags, content inspection techniques, and contextual analysis for data identification, and to recognize actions relating to the use of that content.
The solution monitors all data storage and data activity to evaluate the appropriateness of actions attempted by users against a predefined data loss prevention policy. This policy should set out parameters regarding accepted usage, in appropriate contexts, for specific content types or classifications.
Data loss prevention solutions also help organizations to monitor activity on workstations, servers, and networks (including who is accessing or copying certain files or taking screenshots of the information), audit information flowing in and out of the organizations (including those from remote workers on laptops and over mobile devices), and have control over the number of information transfer channels (like flash drives and instant messaging apps) are in use, which includes the interception and blocking of any outgoing data streams.
DLP solutions are primarily deployed to solve the following issues encountered by organizations:
- Intentional data leaks – These are breaches caused by the deliberate malicious actions of insiders.
- Unintentional data leaks – These breaches are accidental and occur as a result of honest mishaps by employees.
- Compliance regulations – There are certain security standards in place to govern the handling of sensitive or critical information, intellectual property, personally identifiable information, etc., which can differ depending on the industry and which needs must be met.
- External threats – These are the big scary threats that make headlines in the news, such as phishing attacks, viruses, and ransomware. Cybercriminals are getting better all the time at infiltrating organizations and stealing or encrypting sensitive information.
Not all DLP tools and DLP vendors take the same approach in their effort to protect sensitive data. Important points to consider when evaluating data loss prevention software is to 1) define your organization’s DLP strategy so that any data loss prevention products you evaluate can be measured against the organization’s specific needs and 2) identify any pre-existing data loss prevention capabilities provided by the security products already in use.
At a minimum, a DLP solution should include features that enable the discovery and classification of data at rest, data in motion, and be able to remediate based of data activity. Organizations should also consider prioritizing capabilities like real-time monitoring and analytics, automated workflows, and tech stack integration to ensure comprehensive coverage and smooth operations.
For comprehensive DLP coverage, there are three main capabilities that make everything work effectively, which are:
1) Discovering sensitive data on the network. The foundation of DLP coverage is the ability to discover and control all your data at rest. You cannot prevent the loss of data that you don’t know exists, so any solution you implement will need strong data discovery capabilities.
2) Classify data based on its type. Efficiency is important and by classifying your data automated workflows can be implemented based on the data’s characteristics and level of sensitivity. Doing this will also make it more straightforward to oversee your analytics by letting you view data under specific classifications, instead of all at once.
3) Fast-acting remediation. To truly protect your data and prevent data loss, your solution should be capable of doing more than just monitoring. It should also be able to act and remediate, which includes replacing, modifying, cleansing, or deleting data as needed.
A data breach is an incident where sensitive or confidential information is improperly accessed. Data breaches have been around for as long as storing data has existed; data breaches were once physical threats. Now, data breaches look very different. They are digital attacks that are continually evolving to navigate advanced cybersecurity measures.
Security vendors such as Symantec, GTB Technologies, Proofpoint etc., have, as part of their suite of security solutions, a data loss prevention offering that is designed to manage and protect both data in use (endpoints), data in transit, and data at rest.
Organizations today are relying on an ever-growing stack of security vendors to meet their security needs. An increase in vendors inevitably leads to an increase in complexity, which can end up having a negative effect. If a security stack is too diverse or too complex, it may be improperly configured and therefore have loopholes or vulnerabilities. Consolidating data protection in a single, reliable solution delivers a simplified solution to the problem and allows organizations to reach their goal of protecting their sensitive data.
Written By
Mirren McDade is a senior writer and journalist at Expert Insights, spending each day researching, writing, editing and publishing content, covering a variety of topics and solutions, and interviewing industry experts.
She is an experienced copywriter with a background in a range of industries, including cloud business technologies, cloud security, information security and cyber security, and has conducted interviews with several industry experts.
Mirren holds a First Class Honors degree in English from Edinburgh Napier University.
Technical Review
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.