Data Loss Prevention Products Comparison: The Best of 2024

TL;DR: 

• Choosing the right data loss prevention (DLP) product is crucial for protecting sensitive data in today's cloud-driven, distributed work environments. 
• This article compares top DLP solutions, highlighting their key features, deployment methods, and suitability for various organizational needs. 
• Strac's DLP solution is noted for its advanced AI-powered detection and comprehensive protection across SaaS, cloud, and endpoint environments.

For many organizations, monitoring how sensitive data moves across their environment is critical for security and compliance. Historically, this has been done with on-premises DLP tools. 

But with cloud adoption and distributed workforces, DLP has had to evolve. This transformation has been uneven though. 

So it's tough to sort through the differences among solutions. We’ll highlight key capabilities of top data loss prevention products to help inform your decision-making.

A Primer on Data Loss Prevention Software Products

Data loss prevention (DLP) technologies provide visibility into data usage and enforce security policies based on content and context. DLP helps address data leakage and regulatory risks by discovering, classifying, and protecting sensitive information.

DLP products offer:

• Network DLP - Analyzes and controls data in motion over networks
• Endpoint DLP - Secures data on desktops, laptops, and servers
• Cloud DLP – Scans and controls data stored in SaaS apps
• Email/Web DLP – Filters sensitive data shared via email and web channels

Leading solutions combine these approaches for comprehensive coverage. When evaluating options, focus on deployment method, data discovery accuracy, flexible policies, and workflow automation.

Top Data Loss Prevention Products Comparison

Here are 10 leading DLP products that deliver robust data protection:

Symantec Data Loss Prevention

Symantec DLP provides unified coverage across endpoints, networks, email, web, and cloud apps. It leverages advanced machine learning to precisely identify confidential data while minimizing false positives.

Symantec centralizes monitoring, incident response, and risk analytics. It offers extensive integration capabilities. The full-featured solution suits large, complex organizations aiming to reduce compliance risks.

Forcepoint Data Loss Prevention

Forcepoint DLP delivers consistent data protection across key channels. Unified policies are enforced from its management console. Risk-adaptive security leverages user behavior analytics.

Forcepoint provides DLP for leading SaaS apps and integrates with its CASB. Data masking anonymizes sensitive data for testing. The broad capabilities suit hybrid environments.

Digital Guardian

Digital Guardian emphasizes endpoint DLP combined with network monitoring. Agents continuously analyze and secure sensitive data via encryption and access controls.

Machine learning highlights risky user data access patterns. Digital Guardian excels at insider threat protection for endpoints handling sensitive data.

Code42 Incydr

Incydr is a cloud-native DLP solution focused on insider threats. It tracks file activities on endpoints to detect improper data handling. Dashboards highlight data exfiltration risks across the environment.

Incydr is designed for modern, cloud-centric workplaces. It natively integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

Proofpoint Enterprise Data Loss Prevention

Proofpoint Enterprise DLP provides integrated capabilities across email, web, cloud apps, and endpoints. Flexible policies enforce rules consistently across channels.

It delivers real-time detection of data exfiltration attempts. The unified solution suits highly distributed enterprises.

Microsoft Information Protection

Microsoft bundles DLP into its integrated Information Protection solution. It leverages Microsoft 365, Azure, and Windows security. Native integrations auto-classify and protect sensitive data.

Microsoft Information Protection suits organizations invested in its technology stack. It combines data discovery, loss prevention, and insider risk management.

Trend Micro Cloud App Security

Trend Micro Cloud App Security proxies SaaS app traffic to deliver DLP. It focuses on Microsoft 365, G Suite, Box, Dropbox, and Salesforce.

Integrated machine learning models detect sensitive data across cloud apps. Trend Micro suits cloud-first strategies by securing sanctioned SaaS applications.

McAfee Endpoint Data Loss Prevention

McAfee Endpoint DLP safeguards sensitive data on desktops, laptops, and servers. It discovers, classifies, and encrypts confidential data on endpoints.

Device control limits external media and uploads. It complements broader network and cloud DLP deployments.

Zscaler Data Loss Prevention

Zscaler DLP is embedded within Zscaler Internet Access to inspect cloud traffic inline. It identifies sensitive data in real time and blocks potential leaks.

Zscaler DLP seamlessly integrates with Zscaler’s cloud access and web gateway. It’s ideal for organizations using Zscaler for secure internet access.

Clearswift SECURE Email Gateway

Clearswift SECURE Email Gateway combines email security and DLP. Adaptive redaction removes sensitive data from emails before delivery.

It focuses on email channels, making it well-suited for organizations prioritizing email data loss prevention.

When comparing data loss prevention products, it's crucial to consider innovative solutions that offer comprehensive protection. Strac's DLP solution stands out with its advanced features like AI-powered detection, custom data element configuration, and deep content inspection across various file formats. 

Strac's unique ability to protect data across SaaS, cloud, and endpoint environments makes it a compelling option for organizations seeking a modern, all-encompassing DLP solution.

The Challenges of Data Loss Prevention Products

Implementing DLP poses multiple challenges. Solutions must minimize business disruption and false positives. Policies need to be flexible enough to account for nuances.

Legacy DLP tools also struggle with remote work and cloud environments. Protecting data distributed across devices and clouds requires new approaches.

Key implementation challenges include:

• Excessive policy alerts disrupting productivity
• Inaccurate classification of sensitive content
• Inflexible policies unable to address context
• Lack of cloud app visibility and control
• Inability to secure BYOD and remote devices
• Performance impact from endpoint agents
• Difficulty tracking data on networks

Organizations need intelligent DLP that learns from interactions and adapts access controls based on context. Prioritizing user experience helps drive adoption.

Best Practices for Implementing Data Loss Prevention Products

Following best practices helps maximize DLP success:

Discover first - Discover and classify sensitive data before enforcing controls. This avoids business disruption.

Test policies - Pilot policies with user groups before broad rollout. Fine-tune rules to limit false positives.

Align to workflows - Integrate DLP controls into employee workflows to make them intuitive.

Monitor adoption - Track policy adherence to identify gaps and additional training needs.

Remediate risks - Use DLP alerts to educate users on proper data handling.

Review metrics - Continuously monitor incident metrics to refine policies and processes.

Collaborate - Partner with business teams to balance productivity and security.

Iterate program - Regularly review and enhance DLP program for optimal risk reduction.

Following a phased, collaborative approach to DLP implementation drives better outcomes.

How Strac Can Help

When comparing data loss prevention products, Strac stands out as a comprehensive SaaS/Cloud DLP and Endpoint DLP solution that offers modern features designed to protect your sensitive data across your entire digital ecosystem.

Strac's built-in and custom detectors support all sensitive data elements for PCI, HIPAA, GDPR, and any confidential data. Uniquely among DLP products, Strac offers detection and redaction capabilities for images and deep content inspection for various document formats. Explore Strac's full catalog of sensitive data elements to see how it compares to other DLP products.

For organizations concerned about compliance, Strac DLP helps achieve standards for PCI, SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO-27001, CCPA, GDPR, and NIST frameworks. With easy integration, customers can implement Strac and see live scanning and redaction on their SaaS apps in under 10 minutes, outpacing many competitors in terms of deployment speed.

Strac's machine learning models ensure accurate detection and redaction of sensitive PII, PHI, PCI, and confidential data, minimizing false positives and negatives. The solution offers extensive SaaS integrations, including AI integration with LLM APIs and AI websites like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Copilot, providing broader coverage than many other DLP products.

For comprehensive protection, Strac provides Endpoint DLP that works across SaaS, Cloud, and Endpoint environments. Developers can leverage Strac's API support for custom implementations, while inline redaction capabilities ensure sensitive text is masked or blurred within attachments.

Strac's customizable configurations and out-of-the-box compliance templates allow for flexible, tailored data protection measures that can adapt to your specific needs. When comparing DLP products, don't just take our word for it – check out our satisfied customers' reviews on G2 to see how Strac stacks up against the competition.

Key Criteria for Evaluation

With many options, focus on these criteria when selecting a DLP product:

• Coverage – Required channels like endpoints, networks, clouds apps
• Accuracy – Data discovery and classification capabilities
• Flexibility – Policy engine to enforce rules and actions
• Automation – Incident response workflows and remediation
• Ease of use – Administration experience and insights
• Integration – API and ecosystem interoperability
• Cost – Licensing model and total cost of ownership

Choosing a solution aligned to your use cases and infrastructure is crucial for DLP success. One that offers robust features while integrating smoothly can enable effective data protection.

Ready to explore a data loss prevention product that combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use? Book a demo with Strac to see how our comprehensive DLP solution compares to traditional offerings and can address your specific data protection needs. Join the growing number of satisfied customers who trust Strac for their data security.