18 Best DSPM Solutions in 2024: An Ultimate Guide

In today's data-driven world, protecting sensitive information has never been more critical. Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) solutions have emerged as essential tools for organizations looking to secure their data across cloud, SaaS, and on-premises environments. With a plethora of options available, choosing the right DSPM solution can be daunting. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top 10 DSPM solutions in 2024, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

1. Strac - The Ultimate DSPM Solution

Overview:

Strac stands out as the leader in the DSPM space, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to automatically discover, scan, classify, and remediate sensitive data across cloud, SaaS, and endpoint environments. Strac’s capabilities go beyond standard DSPM solutions by integrating Data Loss Prevention (DLP) functionalities, making it a one-stop solution for data security. When evaluating DSPM vendors, it's crucial to consider the range of features and integrations they offer.

Key Features:

• Automated Data Discovery: Strac streamlines the identification of sensitive data throughout cloud environments, simplifying the process of locating data and understanding its usage.
• Real-Time Security Posture Monitoring: The Strac platform delivers real-time visibility into data security posture, enabling organizations to proactively manage and mitigate potential risks.
• DSPM + DLP: Strac is the only solution on the market that does discovery, classification and remediation (redaction, masking blocking, alerting, deletion) of sensitive data.
• Machine Learning Based Detectors: Strac supports an extensive catalog of sensitive data detectors for PCI, HIPAA, GDPR, and other compliance standards. It also allows for custom configuration, enabling organizations to tailor detection to their unique needs.
• Compliance Support: Strac helps organizations achieve compliance with PCI, SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO-27001, CCPA, GDPR, and NIST frameworks, making it an invaluable tool for regulated industries.
• Image and Document Inspection: Strac is the only DSPM solution that performs deep content inspection on images (JPEG, PNG) and document formats (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, ZIP files), ensuring comprehensive protection.N
• Gen AI Integration: Strac integrates with AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Copilot, providing protection for data used in AI models.
• Ease of Integration: Strac's integration process is streamlined, allowing customers to get started in under 10 minutes.

Pros:

• Exceptional accuracy in detection and redaction with low false positives.
• Extensive SaaS and cloud integrations. Checkout all SaaS, Cloud and Gen AI DSPM and DLP integrations.
• Unique support for image and document content inspection.
• Customizable configurations for specific business needs.

Cons:

• Limited support for on-premises environments.

Final Verdict: Strac’s unparalleled feature set and comprehensive approach to DSPM make it the top choice for organizations serious about data security. Strac is one of the top dspm vendors ideal for organizations heavily invested in cloud environments.

2. Symmetry Systems - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

‍ Symmetry Systems offers a robust DSPM solution focusing on data-centric security. It emphasizes real-time monitoring and protection of data across cloud and hybrid environments, providing visibility into data flows and access patterns.

Key Features:

• Data Flow Visualization: Symmetry provides detailed insights into how data moves within and outside the organization, helping to identify potential risks.
• Granular Access Controls: The platform allows for fine-tuned access controls, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Symmetry’s real-time monitoring capabilities are essential for detecting and responding to security incidents promptly.

Pros:

• Strong focus on data flow and access patterns.
• Real-time monitoring helps in quick detection of threats.
• User-friendly interface with intuitive controls.

Cons:

• Limited support for custom detectors.
• Lacks comprehensive document and image inspection features.

Final Verdict: Symmetry Systems is an excellent choice for organizations looking for a data-centric approach to DSPM, particularly those focused on monitoring data flows.

3. Zscaler - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

Zscaler is a well-known player in the cybersecurity space, and its DSPM solution integrates seamlessly with its broader security platform. Zscaler’s strength lies in its ability to protect data across cloud and SaaS environments with a focus on secure access and threat prevention.

Key Features:

• Cloud Security Integration: Zscaler’s DSPM solution integrates with its cloud security offerings, providing comprehensive protection across the entire security stack.
• Threat Prevention: The platform includes advanced threat prevention features, helping to stop data breaches before they occur.
• Access Control: Zscaler offers robust access control mechanisms, ensuring that data is only accessible to authorized users.

Pros:

• Strong integration with Zscaler’s cloud security platform.
• Advanced threat prevention capabilities.
• Scalable solution suitable for large enterprises.

Cons:

• Requires a subscription to Zscaler’s broader security platform.
• Complex setup process may require dedicated resources.

Final Verdict: Zscaler’s DSPM solution is ideal for large enterprises already using its security platform, offering a comprehensive and integrated approach to data protection.

4. BigID - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

BigID is a data intelligence platform that combines DSPM with data privacy and governance features. It excels in discovering and classifying sensitive data across structured and unstructured environments, making it a popular choice for organizations with diverse data sets.

Key Features:

• Data Discovery: BigID’s discovery engine can identify sensitive data across multiple environments, including cloud, SaaS, and on-premises.
• Privacy Compliance: The platform includes features to help organizations comply with data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
• Data Governance: BigID provides tools for managing data governance, ensuring that data policies are enforced across the organization.

Pros:

• Comprehensive data discovery across diverse environments.
• Strong focus on privacy compliance.
• Integrated data governance features.

Cons:

• The platform can be resource-intensive, requiring significant infrastructure.
• Higher cost compared to other DSPM solutions.

Final Verdict: BigID is a solid choice for organizations needing a comprehensive data intelligence platform that combines DSPM with privacy and governance capabilities.

5. Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) offers a DSPM solution that is highly regarded for its focus on cloud security best practices. It provides a framework for securing data in cloud environments, with a strong emphasis on compliance and risk management.

Key Features:

• Cloud Security Framework: CSA’s solution is built on best practices for cloud security, offering a structured approach to securing data in cloud environments.
• Compliance Focus: The platform includes tools for ensuring compliance with cloud-specific regulations and standards.
• Risk Management: CSA provides risk management features that help organizations identify and mitigate data security risks.

Pros:

• Strong foundation in cloud security best practices.
• Focused on compliance and risk management.
• Widely recognized and respected in the industry.

Cons:

• Limited support for non-cloud environments.
• May require additional tools for comprehensive data discovery and classification.

Final Verdict: CSA’s DSPM solution is a great fit for organizations looking to secure data in cloud environments, especially those with a strong focus on compliance and risk management.

6. Vanta - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

‍ Vanta is a newer entrant in the DSPM space but has quickly gained traction for its simplicity and focus on compliance automation. Vanta’s solution is designed to help small to mid-sized businesses achieve and maintain compliance with minimal effort.

Key Features:

• Compliance Automation: Vanta automates many of the tasks associated with achieving and maintaining compliance, reducing the burden on security teams.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy to use even for organizations with limited security expertise.
• Continuous Monitoring: Vanta continuously monitors your environment to ensure ongoing compliance and security.

Pros:

• Easy to use, with a focus on compliance automation.
• Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses.
• Affordable pricing model.

Cons:

• Limited feature set compared to more established DSPM solutions.
• Not as customizable as other platforms.

Final Verdict: Vanta is an excellent choice for smaller organizations looking for an easy-to-use DSPM solution with a strong focus on compliance automation.

7. Cyberhaven - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

Cyberhaven offers a unique approach to DSPM by focusing on tracking and analyzing data flows in real time. The platform provides deep insights into how data moves within an organization, helping to identify and mitigate risks.

Key Features:

• Data Flow Analysis: Cyberhaven tracks data flows across the organization, providing real-time insights into how data is being used and shared.
• Risk Identification: The platform identifies potential risks based on data flows, helping organizations proactively address security concerns.
• Customizable Policies: Cyberhaven allows organizations to create custom policies for data protection, ensuring that security measures align with business needs.

Pros:

• Real-time data flow analysis provides deep insights into data usage.
• Customizable policies allow for tailored data protection.
• Strong focus on risk identification and mitigation.

Cons:

• May require significant resources for implementation.
• Limited support for non-flow-based data discovery.

Final Verdict: Cyberhaven is a great choice for organizations that need real-time insights into data flows and are looking to proactively manage data security risks.

8. Ermetic - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

Ermetic is a cloud security platform that integrates DSPM features with identity and access management (IAM) capabilities. It excels in managing and securing data access in cloud environments, making it a popular choice for organizations with complex cloud architectures.

Key Features:

• IAM Integration: Ermetic’s DSPM solution integrates with its IAM features, providing a comprehensive approach to securing data access.
• Cloud Security Focus: The platform is designed specifically for cloud environments, with tools to secure data across multiple cloud providers.
• Risk-Based Policies: Ermetic allows organizations to create risk-based policies for data access, ensuring that security measures are aligned with business risks.

Pros:

• Strong integration with IAM features.
• Focused on securing data in cloud environments.
• Risk-based policies for tailored data protection.

Cons:

• Limited support for on-premises environments.
• May require additional tools for comprehensive data discovery and classification.

Final Verdict: Ermetic is ideal for organizations with complex cloud architectures looking for a DSPM solution that integrates with IAM and provides comprehensive data access security.

9. Securiti - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

Securiti is a DSPM solution that combines data privacy, security, and governance features. It provides a comprehensive approach to managing sensitive data, with a strong focus on compliance and risk management.

Key Features:

• Data Privacy and Governance: Securiti offers tools for managing data privacy and governance, helping organizations comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
• Automated Data Discovery: The platform automatically discovers and classifies sensitive data across cloud, SaaS, and on-premises environments.
• Risk Management: Securiti includes features for identifying and mitigating data security risks.

Pros:

• Comprehensive approach to data privacy, security, and governance.
• Automated discovery and classification of sensitive data.
• Strong focus on compliance and risk management.

Cons:

• Can be complex to implement and manage.
• Higher cost compared to other DSPM solutions.

Final Verdict: Securiti is a great fit for organizations looking for a comprehensive DSPM solution that combines data privacy, security, and governance.

10. Normalyze - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

‍Normalyze is a data-centric security platform that integrates DSPM with data discovery and classification across cloud environments. It is designed to provide deep visibility into where sensitive data resides and who has access to it, making it a valuable tool for organizations seeking to secure their cloud infrastructure.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Data Discovery: Normalyze offers robust data discovery capabilities, allowing organizations to map out sensitive data across their cloud environments.
• Risk Assessment: The platform includes tools for assessing the risk associated with data exposure and access, helping to prioritize security efforts.
• Data Security Posture Management: Normalyze provides continuous monitoring of data security posture, ensuring that sensitive data is always protected.

Pros:

• Strong focus on cloud environments with comprehensive data discovery.
• Risk assessment features help prioritize security measures.
• Continuous monitoring ensures data security is maintained.

Cons:

• May require customization to align with specific business needs.
• Limited support for on-premises environments.

Final Verdict: Normalyze is a powerful tool for organizations that need deep visibility into their cloud data and want to continuously monitor their data security posture.

11. Cyera - DSPM Vendor

Overview:

Cyera is a cloud-native DSPM solution that focuses on automating data discovery, classification, and security across cloud environments. It is designed to help organizations understand their data landscape and enforce security policies effectively.

Key Features:

• Automated Data Discovery: Cyera automates the discovery of sensitive data across cloud environments, making it easier to identify where data resides and how it’s being used.
• Real-Time Security Posture Management: The platform provides real-time insights into data security posture, helping organizations stay ahead of potential threats.
• Policy Enforcement: Cyera allows organizations to define and enforce security policies based on data classification, ensuring that sensitive data is handled appropriately.

Pros:

• Cloud-native solution with strong automation capabilities.
• Real-time insights help in proactive threat management.
• Flexible policy enforcement for tailored data protection.

Cons:

• Focuses primarily on cloud environments, with limited support for hybrid or on-premises environments.
• May require significant configuration to achieve desired outcomes.

Final Verdict: Cyera is ideal for organizations that are heavily invested in cloud environments and need a cloud-native solution to automate data security and enforce policies.

12. Varonis

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Overview:

Varonis is a leading data security platform that specializes in Data Security Posture Management (DSPM). It focuses on discovering, monitoring, and protecting sensitive data across various environments, including cloud and on-premises.

Key Features:

• Automated data discovery and classification
• Real-time threat detection and response
• Comprehensive compliance management
• Detailed access intelligence

Pros:

• Strong automation capabilities reduce manual effort
• Excellent for compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA
• Provides a clear view of data access risks

Cons:

• Can be complex to implement in large environments
• Pricing may be high for smaller organizations

Final Verdict:

Varonis is an excellent choice for organizations needing robust data security and compliance features, making it ideal for enterprises with complex data environments.

13. Dig Security

Overview:

Dig Security offers a multi-cloud DSPM solution designed to discover, classify, protect, and govern sensitive data across various cloud services. Its agentless architecture simplifies deployment.

Key Features:

• Automated discovery of data assets
• Real-time data detection and response (DDR)
• Comprehensive data classification capabilities

Pros:

• Agentless approach simplifies implementation
• Strong focus on real-time threat detection
• Supports various compliance frameworks

Cons:

• Limited features compared to some competitors
• May require integration with other security tools

Final Verdict:

Dig Security is a solid option for organizations looking for an efficient, agentless DSPM solution that emphasizes real-time monitoring and compliance.

14. Tufin

Overview:

Tufin specializes in network security management and offers DSPM capabilities focused on role-based access control (RBAC) to secure sensitive data within cloud environments.

Key Features:

• Role-based access control (RBAC)
• Policy management for cloud security
• Automated visibility into network traffic

Pros:

• Strong focus on network security integration
• Effective RBAC capabilities enhance data protection
• Good for organizations with complex network architectures

Cons:

• May not offer as comprehensive a feature set as dedicated DSPM solutions
• Primarily focused on network rather than data-centric security

Final Verdict:

Tufin is best suited for organizations that require strong network security alongside DSPM capabilities, particularly those with complex access needs.

15. Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks

Overview:

Prisma Cloud is a comprehensive cloud-native security platform that includes DSPM features aimed at securing applications and data across multi-cloud environments.

Key Features:

• Continuous monitoring of cloud resources
• Compliance checks against industry standards
• Integration with CI/CD pipelines for DevSecOps

Pros:

• Strong integration capabilities with existing workflows
• Comprehensive feature set covering multiple aspects of cloud security
• Excellent visibility into cloud environments

Cons:

• Complexity may overwhelm smaller teams or organizations
• Higher cost associated with full feature utilization

Final Verdict:

Prisma Cloud is ideal for organizations heavily invested in cloud infrastructure that need a comprehensive security solution encompassing DSPM.

16. Laminar

Overview:

Laminar provides a unique approach to DSPM by focusing on securing sensitive data in the cloud through continuous monitoring and risk assessment.

Key Features:

• Automated discovery of sensitive data in the cloud
• Risk assessment based on data context
• Integration with existing security tools

Pros:

• Focused on real-time risk management
• Easy integration into existing workflows
• Strong emphasis on protecting sensitive data in the cloud

Cons:

• Limited features outside of cloud environments
• Still developing brand recognition compared to larger competitors

Final Verdict:

Laminar is a great choice for organizations looking to enhance their cloud data security posture through continuous monitoring and risk assessment.

17. OneTrust Privacy & Data Governance Cloud

Overview:

OneTrust combines privacy management with DSPM capabilities, focusing on helping organizations manage sensitive data while ensuring compliance with various regulations.

Key Features:

• Data mapping and classification tools
• Automated compliance assessments
• Risk management frameworks

Pros:

• Strong emphasis on privacy alongside DSPM features
• Comprehensive compliance support across multiple regulations
• User-friendly interface for managing sensitive data

Cons:

• May not have as deep technical features as dedicated DSPM solutions
• Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller businesses

Final Verdict:

OneTrust is ideal for organizations prioritizing privacy alongside their DSPM needs, particularly those needing robust compliance support.

18. Fortanix

Overview:

Fortanix provides a unique approach to DSPM through its Runtime Encryption technology, which secures sensitive data while it is being processed in the cloud.

Key Features:

• Runtime encryption for sensitive workloads
• Automated discovery of sensitive workloads
• Compliance reporting features

Pros:

• Innovative approach to securing data in use
• Strong focus on protecting sensitive information during processing
• Good integration capabilities with existing infrastructure

Cons:

• Niche focus may not suit all organizations
• Limited awareness compared to larger players

Final Verdict:

Fortanix is an excellent option for organizations looking to secure sensitive workloads in the cloud through innovative runtime encryption technology.

Conclusion

Choosing the right DSPM solution is critical for ensuring the security and compliance of your organization's sensitive data. Each of the solutions listed here offers unique strengths, making them suitable for different types of organizations and security needs. However, Strac stands out as the most comprehensive and advanced DSPM solution in 2024, offering unparalleled features and capabilities that make it the top choice for organizations serious about data security.

By evaluating your organization’s specific needs and the features offered by these top DSPM solutions, you can make an informed decision that best aligns with your data security strategy.