Nowadays, there are numerous data loss prevention (DLP) tools available on the market, and it’s rather easy to get confused by the abundance of different options. In this post we’ve decided to take a look at eight DLP solutions, highlight their most significant features and help you choose the most suitable one for your company.
In the age we live in, technology has made it much easier to analyze and gather data not only on your customers, but on your personnel as well. Hence, ensuring data security has become even more crucial part of business processes. No matter whether your company is small and family-owned or it’s a big corporation with hundreds of employees, you need to formulate a risk mitigation plan and have a data loss prevention policy in place.
Data collection helps companies supervise their employees and make better-informed decisions. And protection of such data from cyberthreats is a direct responsibility of every executive. That’s where cybersecurity comes into play. If you want to go the extra mile and add an additional layer of protection, DLP is the perfect solution for you.
DLP software - what it is and how it works
If you have direct dealings with customers or if you simply monitor your employees’ activity at their computers during working hours, chances are you’re responsible for handling sensitive personal data. Therefore, in order to comply with regulations, especially in Europe and the United States, Data Loss Prevention tools come in handy. Such tools monitor multiple aspects of digital communication, such as emails, network sharing, cloud data, USB storage, Internet sharing, instant messaging, etc.
To put it simply, DLP software enables supervisors to detect and prevent any potential data leaks. DLP analyzes your company data, helps you identify sensitive information and take appropriate actions to ensure its protection.
There are a great many DLP solutions to choose from, and some of these services can even be customized to meet specific business needs. If you feel a bit lost and need assistance with picking the right DLP software for your company, look no further, we’ve got you covered!
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software: How to Choose
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) software is a critical tool for protecting sensitive information in modern businesses. It helps prevent data breaches by monitoring, identifying, and blocking the unauthorized sharing of confidential data across networks, devices, and cloud platforms. Choosing the right DLP solution requires a clear understanding of your organization’s needs.
First, assess the type of data you need to protect, such as customer information, intellectual property, or financial records. Ensure the software offers robust classification and encryption features tailored to these data types. Next, consider deployment options—whether on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid—based on your infrastructure.
Scalability and integration with existing systems are also vital. Look for solutions that support compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA and provide detailed reporting for audits. Finally, evaluate user-friendliness, support services, and cost to ensure a smooth implementation. A well-chosen DLP solution safeguards your data and strengthens your organization’s overall security posture.
1) Kickidler
This solution helps businesses to overcome almost all the challenges that modern data loss prevention software is faced with. DLP software is one of Kickidler's offerings. The company's unique DLP development helps not only to prevent data leaks, but also to investigate incidents and evaluate employee efficiency.
Helpful features Kickidler
- Intercepting files, text and voice communication in messengers, emails or on social networks.
- Preventing screenshots of sensitive data.
- Identifying employees who are stressed, drunk or under the influence of drugs with the option of digital fingerprinting.
- The ability to look through locked archives to determine what information is stored on employees' computers.
- Notifications on incidents and suspicious employee activity.
- Prohibiting the use of all USB devices in order to avoid copying corporate data.
- Locating employees even if they have a VPN enabled.
- Face detection for identifying unauthorized access to a computer.
- Monitoring of employee activity and analysis of employee behavior.
- Runs on Windows, Linux, MacOS, supports multiple servers and has minimal system requirements.
Pros and cons Kickidler
Pros: The software has minimal technical requirements: it requires a basic server and is suitable for weak PCs.
Cons: When the software is installed manually in a public mode, the employees will get notified of the deployment of the monitoring solution.
User experience Kickidler
A wholesale company’s executive, following the loss of several loyal customers, suspected a data breach and decided to install some type of security solution.
In a year of using Kickidler, their IT security team detected over a dozen attempts of unauthorized data transfers. They were able to do it thanks to reports such as:
Risk Analysis, which identifies suspicious employee correspondence in messengers and email by word-markers.
File Operations, which captures all activity with corporate documents and blocks file transfers over the Internet.
Screenshots, which captures employees’ screens at specified intervals, helping to clarify the details of the incident whenever there is a potential conflict.
As a result, the company was able to protect its supplier and customer base and identify malicious insiders as well.
Reasons why Kickidler is at the top of the list
The software package is powered not only by its extensive DLP functionality, which ensures advanced data protection, but also by a powerful analytical engine designed to monitor work activity and carry out workforce analysis. Such a wide set of options allows businesses to address a variety of issues, satisfying the needs of IT security teams, HR departments, and senior executives.
2) Microsoft DLP
Microsoft DLP helps organizations safeguard sensitive data across various environments, including Microsoft 365 apps, on-premises systems, and cloud platforms. It leverages built-in AI-driven policies to identify and protect critical information, ensuring compliance with data security regulations while enabling seamless business operations.
Helpful features of Microsoft DLP
- Data classification and labeling based on sensitivity.
- Integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem and third-party apps.
- Predefined and customizable policy templates.
- Real-time alerts for policy violations.
Pros and cons of Microsoft DLP
Pros: Comprehensive integration with Microsoft products. Easy-to-use templates for quick setup.
Cons: Limited functionality outside Microsoft’s ecosystem. High licensing costs for smaller businesses.
User experience with Microsoft DLP
Microsoft DLP seamlessly integrates with our existing tools, providing excellent visibility into data use. The predefined templates make compliance easier to manage, though expanding capabilities to other platforms would make it even better.
Reasons why Microsoft DLP is highly regarded
Microsoft DLP is praised for its intuitive integration within the Microsoft ecosystem, making it an ideal solution for businesses already using Office 365. It’s particularly effective for organizations focused on compliance and efficient policy enforcement.
3) Endpoint Protector DLP
Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys offers a range of system protection and monitoring services designed to identify policy violations and protect both customer and employee information. Since the software is based in the cloud, it can be useful in monitoring remote employees as well. And seeing how the service includes an endpoint agent module, the monitoring continues even when the device is offline.
Helpful features Endpoint Protector
- Content-aware protection (real-time contextual scanning of data for removable media devices, screen captures, Outlook content, Skype conversations, and Dropbox files).
- USB and peripheral management (recording file movements onto memory sticks, blocking device attachments, limiting the files that can be transferred).
Pros and cons Endpoint Protector
Pros: Available as both a cloud service and a virtual appliance. Has low resource usage (using very little memory, reducing end-user impact).
Cons: No free version (though there’s a demo version). Vague pricing policies.
User experience Endpoint Protector
“Endpoint Protector is a successful and stable product that helps manage businesses successfully. While it can be improved to offer better navigation and reporting and become more user-friendly, since we mostly use it to restrict unauthorized external USB storage device access, we are satisfied with the product, because it gets the job done.”
Reasons why Endpoint Protector is ranked 3
Endpoint Protector is an overall well-rounded solution. The software is great at discovering, monitoring and protective any sensitive data. We especially like the Content-Aware Data Loss Prevention feature that conducts content inspections and contextual scanning of data for removable devices and apps. With some tweaking and fine-tuning it very well may become a contender for the top spot on our list.
4) Safetica DLP
Safetica protects companies against data loss or possible insider threats. The software helps supervise employees’ personal devices, which means that transferring data from these devices in a secure corporate environment is impossible. Employees cannot share sensitive company information with competitors – either deliberately or because of simple human errors.
Helpful features Safetica DLP
- Content analysis through specific keywords.
- Security audit.
- Cloud data protection.
- A set of informative modes and employee alerts that provide full control of company environment and raise awareness on user side.
Pros and cons Safetica DLP
Pros: User-friendly interface. Versatility of reports that help with simplifying data analysis. Nice customer support.
Cons: Interface can be improved, since it may be challenging at first to use the console with its many modules. A bit pricey. Only provides online support.
User experience Safetica DLP
“Safetica is a quite intuitive, easy-to-use DLP solution that has helped us prevent sensitive data from leaving the company many times. Since we’ve implemented this software, we’ve also noticed more visibility on our data transfers.”
Reasons why Safetica is ranked 4
With its flexible DLP modes, Safetica is a cost-effective solution that both protects sensitive data and analyzes user behavior. While the software is better suited for small to medium-sized businesses, it does help with identifying possible problems in internal processes and implementing appropriate solutions.
5) McAfee Total Protection for DLP
McAfee’s DLP suite provides data protection in the cloud, on the network, and at the endpoints. Its flexible deployment options help supervisors manage common policies and streamline incident workflows.
Helpful features McAfee Total Protection for DLP
- Strong data classification feature that helps identify and classify data.
- Encryption, redirection, quarantine, or blocking of data transmissions that violate company policies.
- Flexible end-user classification.
- Centralized console for policy and incident management.
Pros and cons McAfee Total Protection for DLP
Pros: Real-time data tracking. Nice detection capabilities. Easy and streamlined policy setup.
Cons: Can be a bit complex and too intuitive for some users. Pop-blockers can be annoying.
User experience McAfee Total Protection for DLP
“I’ve had McAfee Total Protection for many years now, and I’ve never actually had any serious issues with it. Its real-time employee monitoring protects all the company data pretty well. The software provides all kinds of security, whether you are downloading a file, browsing the web or using any kind of app. Overall, it does strengthen our company cybersecurity, but it would be nice if it were a bit more cost-effective.”
Reasons why McAfee Total Protection is ranked 5
McAfee DLP suite is an extensive data loss prevention solution that can protect any company data on the network, in the cloud, and at the endpoints. It gives supervisors visibility over how the data is being used inside the company and how it may potentially get leaked. At the same time, the software with all its features and reports may be a bit overwhelming for quite a number of users.
6) Code42 Incydr
Code42 offers a cloud-native data security solution that helps detect, investigate, and respond to data exfiltration. There’s no complex policy management or lengthy deployment. The software provides data protection across both endpoints and the cloud, with a strong focus on forensic investigation capabilities.
Helpful features Code42 Incydr
- Continuous monitoring that tracks data creation and movement (both across local systems and from on-premises into the cloud).
- Strong threat hunting capability, with extensive file details and up to 90 days of user history.
- Ability to identify deleted files and recover the data that’s been lost or stolen.
Pros and cons Code42 Incydr
Pros: Pinpoints questionable and risky activity. Fast and fluid interface. Easy setup process. Nice tech support.
Cons: Only English version. Initial backup takes quite a bit of time.
User experience Code42 Incydr
“Code42 helps protect all our company data by providing an easy-to-use solution that’s really simple to implement. We use it for backing up data. It’s been quite helpful with not just restoring the customer’s data to their laptop, but restoring a document to the company’s own laptop and forwarding it to the customer who was unable to access their laptop. It’s hard now to imagine the security of our office without this software.”
Reasons why Code42 is ranked 6
Code42 is a versatile solution that detects, investigates and responds to various cybersecurity threats that your business may encounter. It’s quite simple in use, and the issues in functionality aren’t that substantial.
7) Check Point DLP
Check Point DLP combines various cybersecurity processes to help companies protect sensitive data from being leaked or sent to the wrong person due to human error. Its aim is to educate users on data handling processes and the risks of potential data loss as well as to help them remediate incidents as quickly as possible.
Helpful features Check Point DLP
- Default policy settings that cover various regulations and fit different enterprises.
- Automated alerts to users that help ensure proper data handling and prevent possible data loss.
- Data analysis covers multiple languages.
- Reporting and logging features that ensure visibility and compliance.
Pros and cons Check Point DLP
Pros: Initial activation is straightforward. Centralized management console and uncomplicated software as a whole.
Cons: Could be a bit simplistic for some users. Not a full DLP solution, covers only the network layer. No pricing information is available online (however, there’s a free online demo to test out the features).
User experience Check Point DLP
“Check Point DLP fits our needs quite well. We analyze mostly txt and pdf files to prevent sensitive customer data from leaking. The solution is rather unique in terms of its approach. It actually attempts to not only protect the company, but educate the users as well. And user awareness is the first thing we advise you to keep in mind before implementing any DLP software.”
Reasons why Check Point is ranked 7
Check Point DLP’s functionality includes data movement tracking and pre-emptive data loss prevention. While it’s quite easy to deploy and manage, seeing how supervisors can centrally manage their IT infrastructure from a single console, it isn’t exactly the most all-encompassing DLP solution.
8) MyDLP
MyDLP by Comodo is a free-to-use solution that protects office apps from internal or external data loss, detects private data, and alerts about possible leakage. It offers centralized management where you can block or quarantine confidential data and monitors removable storage device usage within company premises.
Helpful featuresMyDLP
- Collection and display of all activity logs in a single dashboard.
- Integration with Microsoft Exchange.
- Blacklisting emails that contain BCC addresses outside the company.
- Cloud-native.
Pros and consMyDLP
Pros: Has a Google-like search engine that makes searching for information more convenient. Easy to use. Also has a pay-per-use pricing tier that unlocks more substantial features.
Cons: Limited documentation available. Scarce support.
User experience MyDLP
“If you’re new to the whole concept of Data Loss Prevention, MyDLP is a pretty good place to start. Overall, the solution is very intuitive and user-friendly. It has a few shortcomings regarding in-depth suspicious behavior analysis, but it’s probably understandable, seeing how it’s not a proper cyber forensics tool.”
Reasons why MyDLP is ranked 8
MyDLP is quite user-friendly solution that’s easy to get a hang of. Plus, it’s free, which is also a nice bonus. However, that may come at the cost of more in-depth supervision. The software is a nice choice if you’re just starting to get accustomed to DLP tools, but enhancing its capacities by adding a few extra features would be nice to get a comprehensive DLP tool.
9) Teramind DLP
Teramind helps monitor employees’ digital behavior by providing a user-centric approach to cybersecurity. The software enables executives to identify suspicious employee activity, monitor the efficiency of everybody on their team, detect possible threats, and improve productivity. Alerts, warnings, redirects and user lockouts provide real-time access to user activities and help keep businesses running securely.
Helpful features Teramind DLP
- Tracking computer activity history.
- Customizable access to specific resources based on user, folder, or group.
- On-premise or cloud deployment.
- Advanced optical character recognition and natural language processing capabilities.
Pros and cons Teramind DLP
Pros: Multifaceted display of employees’ overall productivity. In-depth reporting that helps understand employees' work habits better.
Cons: Video export takes too long. The platform is severely limited on macOS.
User experience Teramind DLP
“Our team is mainly comprised of remote employees who work in different time zones. Using Teramind has helped us track their activity during working hours, make sure they are sticking to job-related tasks and give them feedback on their job performance.”
Reasons why Teramind is ranked 9
The fact that Teramind is ranked last doesn’t necessarily mean that no one should even contemplate implementing it to help with their internal business processes. In fact, the software is quite universal and has a number of advanced monitoring features. We want to remind you that it’s simply a matter of opinion.
10) Google Cloud DLP
Google Cloud DLP offers powerful tools to discover, classify, and protect sensitive data across cloud and on-premises environments. Using advanced machine learning, the platform automatically detects personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive content, ensuring data security and regulatory compliance.
Helpful features of Google Cloud DLP
- Detection of over 150 data types, including PII and financial information.
- Granular redaction and tokenization capabilities.
- Seamless integration with Google Cloud services.
- Scalable for large data environments.
Pros and cons of Google Cloud DLP
Pros: Advanced ML capabilities for accurate data detection. Scalable and flexible for enterprises.
Cons: Requires technical expertise for optimal use. Limited support for non-Google environments.
User experience with Google Cloud DLP
“Google Cloud DLP helps us detect sensitive data in our cloud environment efficiently. The machine learning models are accurate and fast, though the setup requires technical know-how.”
Reasons why Google Cloud DLP is highly regarded
Google Cloud DLP excels in identifying and securing sensitive data using machine learning. It’s a top choice for organizations heavily invested in Google Cloud, offering robust data protection and compliance capabilities.
Comparison table of the ranked DLP solutions
7 Steps to Implementing a Successful Data Loss Prevention Strategy
A robust Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategy is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring compliance with regulations. Here are seven key steps to successfully implement a DLP strategy:
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Identify Critical Data
Start by determining what data needs protection. This could include customer information, intellectual property, financial records, or any other sensitive assets. Classify data based on its sensitivity and prioritize its protection.
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Understand Data Flow
Map how data moves within your organization. Identify where it is stored, how it is accessed, and where it might be at risk. This understanding will help pinpoint vulnerabilities and guide your DLP efforts.
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Define Clear Policies
Develop comprehensive data protection policies aligned with your organization's goals and regulatory requirements. Include guidelines on data usage, sharing, and storage, and ensure employees understand these rules.
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Choose the Right DLP Tools
Select DLP solutions that align with your needs, whether on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid. Look for features like data classification, encryption, real-time alerts, and compliance support.
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Implement Gradually
Roll out your DLP strategy in stages. Start with critical areas, test the effectiveness of the tools, and refine your approach before full implementation.
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Train Employees
Educate staff about the importance of data protection and how to adhere to DLP policies. Awareness reduces human errors, a leading cause of data breaches.
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Monitor and Update Regularly
Continuously monitor data activities and update policies and tools to adapt to evolving threats and business needs. Regular audits ensure your strategy remains effective.
Implementing a DLP strategy requires planning, collaboration, and commitment, but it’s essential for protecting your organization’s most valuable asset—its data.