Information security is simply essential for any business. Incalculable data flows through our endpoints, networks, and the cloud every day, all of which require protection and guarantees. Organizations rely on DLP software to protect sensitive data on endpoints, networks, and cloud environments, making DLP a critical security solution for modern enterprises.
When looking for the best Data Loss Prevention solutions, the list is extensive. So, let’s put some order into it to help us make the right decision. In today’s article, we will take a look at integrated Microsoft Purview DLP solutions and specialized suites like Forcepoint DLP, Symantec DLP, or Proofpoint DLP (among others). For each, we will evaluate their coverage in terms of Endpoint DLP, Cloud DLP, and Network DLP. We will also discuss pricing, free solutions, and much more. Our goal? Simple: to determine which DLP solution is best for us.
Which option to choose?
Comparative Table: Best DLP Solutions and Cloud Security Tools
|
Name |
Most Notable Feature |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Price |
Best For |
|
Microsoft Purview DLP |
Native integration with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Copilot |
Comprehensive coverage in Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and Office. Advanced classification |
Extensive initial configuration. Limited reach outside the Microsoft ecosystem |
Included in M365/Azure E3/E5. Pay-per-use for advanced features |
Microsoft-focused organizations looking for DLP without adding another vendor |
|
Forcepoint DLP |
Risk-adaptive policies and preconfigured regulatory templates |
Continuous protection, even offline. Templates for GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS. Adaptive risk logic |
Long setup process. May require additional servers |
Price based on quote. Prices vary depending on deployment and modules |
Large enterprises and highly regulated industries needing comprehensive enterprise-level DLP |
|
Symantec DLP (Broadcom) |
Scalable and mature multichannel coverage |
Deep visibility on endpoints and network. Advanced reporting and incident management |
High resource usage. Many false positives. Price increases upon renewals |
Volume-based pricing with renewal discounts |
Distributed environments with skilled security teams seeking a robust solution |
|
Proofpoint DLP |
Human-centered approach for email and SaaS |
Accurate detection in communications. User behavior analysis |
Multiple management consoles. Lacks ready-to-use templates for every scenario |
Price based on quote. Mid-range ~70,000 EUR/year |
Companies prioritizing communication security and strong email DLP |
|
Trellix DLP |
Unified coverage on endpoint, network, email, web, and cloud |
Automatic data discovery. Unified monitoring. Compliance reporting |
Possible performance impact. Complex configuration. Alert fatigue risk |
Price based on quote. Includes multiple modules |
Trellix platform users needing broad DLP coverage |
|
Palo Alto Networks DLP |
Deep integration with NGFW and Prisma SASE |
AI-driven data classification. Unified policies for network, cloud, and endpoint |
Requires investment in Palo Alto ecosystem. High prices |
Price based on quote. Part of Palo Alto security suite |
Palo Alto customers seeking true AI-driven data classification |
|
Endpoint Protector |
Specialized in multiplatform endpoints (Windows, macOS, Linux) |
Granular device control. Offline protection. Multiplatform coverage |
Limited network and cloud capabilities compared to enterprise suites |
Subscription per user/device. From 54 EUR/user/year |
Companies with heterogeneous environments prioritizing insider threat mitigation and device control |
|
Digital Guardian (Fortra) |
Deep visibility into data flow and user activity |
Extensive discovery. Endpoint-focused model. Excellent for forensic investigations |
Complex configuration and deployment. Potential performance issues. Confusing pricing |
Price based on quote |
Large organizations needing detailed audits and insider threat management |
|
Safetica |
User-friendly interface, focus on insider threats |
Anomaly detection. Data-at-rest discovery. Real-time training |
Advanced functions only in higher plans. Limited for very large environments |
Subscription. Basic plans from 54 EUR/user/year |
SMBs seeking an intuitive solution for insider threat management and data-at-rest discovery |
|
Nightfall AI |
Cloud-native DLP with ML/AI for SaaS (Slack, GitHub, etc.) |
Real-time detection. High accuracy. API-first. Rapid deployment |
Less coverage on-premises and network than other suites |
SaaS model based on quote |
Cloud-native organizations needing data protection for SaaS and API |
Our Evaluation Criteria
To ensure we provide a complete picture of each tool, we combine analysis of the official documentation with user reviews from G2, TrustRadius, and PeerSpot. Of course, we also rely on our own tests and experiences, focusing especially on:
- Coverage across key vectors such as endpoint, network, cloud, data at rest, and data in use
- Automatic data discovery and classification using OCR and coverage of sensitive information types
- Policy enforcement and guided or automatic remediation
- Integration with SIEMs, identity providers, and SaaS applications (such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Slack)
- Ease of deployment, ongoing management, and resource burden (both technical and human)
- Pricing models and cost-benefit perception, especially for quote-based models
When evaluating DLP tools, we also consider robust data protection capabilities, effective DLP implementation strategies (including both cloud and on-premises options), and best practices for DLP policy adoption. These factors are essential for organizations seeking comprehensive data loss prevention and risk management solutions that align with their security requirements.

Microsoft Purview DLP
Designed for Microsoft environments, it offers native policies in M365/Azure and protection for Copilot. Its data classification is based on Microsoft's proprietary LLM and sensitive information types for highly accurate detection.
Microsoft Purview DLP helps organizations maintain regulatory compliance by enforcing data protection policies and monitoring data flows to support adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. In this context, DLP operates through a combination of people, processes, and technology to detect and prevent data leaks.
Main Features of Microsoft Purview DLP
- Native integrations with the Microsoft ecosystem: Works seamlessly in Microsoft 365, Azure, SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange, Teams, and Copilot.
- Sensitive information detection: Purview can detect and classify sensitive data such as financial information, health records, and personally identifiable information (PII) like social security numbers or credit card details.
- Access restrictions: Microsoft Purview DLP enables access restrictions to control who can view or share sensitive data, helping safeguard information through encryption, governance, and compliance measures.
- Data leak prevention: Purview enforces policies based on content, context, and user activity to prevent data leaks through emails, files, and chats.
- Unified management console: Simplifies management through its Microsoft Purview portal.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Microsoft Purview
|
Advantages of Microsoft Purview |
Disadvantages of Microsoft Purview |
|
Coverage for SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange, and Teams |
Limited reach outside Microsoft environments |
|
Intelligent classification and automatic labeling |
Initial setup and policy tuning can take time |
|
Pay-as-you-go model for advanced features like Protection in Transit |
Microsoft Purview DLP Pricing and Support
The service is included in Microsoft 365 and Azure E3/E5 licenses, although some features —such as On-Demand Classification for Microsoft 365 Data— are pay-per-use (in this case, 0.50 EUR per 10,000 requests). Support is provided through Microsoft Premier, which offers 24/7 online assistance.
Is Microsoft Purview DLP Easy to Use?
The learning curve is moderate, especially if you are already familiar with Microsoft tools. The Microsoft Purview interface is well designed, but the tool requires a considerable time investment —based on our needs— to fine-tune policies and avoid false positives.
Forcepoint DLP
Its adaptive risk approach and regulatory templates facilitate data protection across web, email, network, and offline environments, adapting to our needs and compliance requirements. This approach also helps organizations protect intellectual property by enforcing policies and monitoring data movement to prevent unauthorized access or leaks.
Forcepoint DLP integrates incident response capabilities to quickly address potential data loss events, complementing its data protection and security measures. It is ideal for large enterprises seeking top-tier protection.
Key Features of Forcepoint DLP
- Adaptive risk protection: Automatically adjusts file protection based on user behavior and risk level, reducing false positives and improving real-time response.
- Predefined regulatory templates: Easy and fast deployment thanks to ready-to-use compliance policies such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others.
- Multichannel data protection: Forcepoint DLP can monitor and control data across multiple channels like endpoints, email, web, networks, and cloud environments.
- Centralized policy management console: This solution provides a unified console to create, manage, and audit DLP policies.
Pros and Cons of Forcepoint DLP
|
Advantages of Forcepoint DLP |
Disadvantages of Forcepoint DLP |
|
Predefined templates for GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS |
Complex deployment and tuning |
|
Continuous protection, even offline |
May require additional infrastructure resources |
|
Unified policy management across multiple channels |
Forcepoint DLP Pricing and Support
Pricing is based on quotation and varies significantly depending on the modules and number of users. Support includes access to service portals and technical guidance for advanced configurations.
Is Forcepoint DLP easy to use?
It requires technical expertise to fine-tune policies and minimize false positives. The platform is comprehensive and powerful, but complex enough to slow down the onboarding process, which requires careful planning.
Symantec DLP (Broadcom)
Its long-standing multichannel coverage and excellent scalability make it a benchmark for distributed environments. Symantec DLP helps organizations identify and close security gaps, ensuring that business-critical data is protected from potential threats. This tool provides us with broad visibility and robust reporting to track the health of the infrastructure at all times.
Main Features of Symantec DLP
- Multichannel data protection: Protects sensitive data at endpoints, networks, email, and storage systems (cloud and on-premises environments)
- Advanced confidential content identification: Uses robust fingerprints, exact data matching (EDM), and vector machine learning to detect confidential data.
- Highly scalable: Symantec DLP offers flexible deployment options and integration capabilities.
- Incident management and reporting: Symantec DLP provides incident tracking, workflow automation, and customizable dashboards.
Pros and Cons of Symantec DLP
|
Advantages of Symantec DLP |
Disadvantages of Symantec DLP |
|
Broad visibility on endpoints, networks, and storage |
High CPU and memory consumption |
|
Detailed reports and strong incident management |
High false positives without proper tuning |
|
Modular design for scalable coverage |
Price increases on renewal under Broadcom |
Symantec DLP Pricing and Support
Symantec DLP follows a volume-based pricing model, with discounts for long-term contracts. Support is provided through the Broadcom Support Portal with enterprise-level SLAs.
Is Symantec DLP Easy to Use?
Implementation requires resources and expertise. The interface is comprehensive but may feel overwhelming for smaller teams.
Proofpoint DLP
Proofpoint DLP stands out for its human-centered approach, combining content and context analysis to provide top-level protection for email and SaaS applications. It is specifically designed to detect and prevent data leakage events and respond to security incidents in real time, ensuring that sensitive information is protected against unauthorized access and exposure.
Main Features of Proofpoint DLP
- Human-centered threat detection: Focuses on user behavior and intent to identify and prevent data leaks. These behavioral analytics help companies adjust policies accordingly, protecting them from human errors or internal threats.
- Advanced protection for email and SaaS: Provides precise data loss prevention in email and
- Integrated threat intelligence: Proofpoint offers enhanced accuracy in detection and contextual decision-making, easily protecting sensitive data.
Pros and Cons of Proofpoint DLP
|
Proofpoint DLP Pros |
Proofpoint DLP Cons |
|
High accuracy in email data detection |
Multiple administrative consoles |
|
Integration with messaging and collaboration platforms |
Lack of predefined templates for some scenarios |
|
User behavior analysis (UBA) to reduce risks |
Proofpoint DLP Pricing and Support
Pricing is quote-based. According to Vendr, the annual median is around 68,000 EUR. Support includes 24/7 assistance and access to a large user community.
Is Proofpoint DLP Easy to Use?
The initial setup requires extensive tuning, but once optimized, the interface is clear and allows for quick adjustments.
Trellix DLP
Trellix DLP provides robust endpoint protection and actively prevents unauthorized data transfers, ensuring that sensitive information is protected on every device and communication channel. It also stands out for its compliance reporting features.
Main Features of Trellix DLP
- Centralized Policy Management – Trellix gives users unified control and monitoring across all data channels through its platform.
- Data Discovery and Classification – Identifies and tags sensitive data using advanced techniques.
- Real-time Protection and Alerts – Blocks risky actions and provides warnings or justifications to the user.
- Comprehensive Channel Coverage – Secures data across endpoint, email, web, USB, and cloud environments.
Pros and Cons of Trellix DLP
|
Pros of Trellix DLP |
Cons of Trellix DLP |
|
Automatic data discovery and classification |
May impact endpoint performance |
|
Unified monitoring on-premises and in the cloud |
Complex initial setup |
|
Exceptionally detailed compliance reports |
Risk of alert fatigue without proper configuration |
Trellix DLP Pricing and Support
Trellix DLP follows a quote-based model and includes several modules that can be contracted according to our needs. Technical support offers access to online portals and expert assistance for enterprise implementations.
Is Trellix DLP Easy to Use?
The platform requires expertise to adjust policies, but once configured, it centralizes control in a single console, making it very efficient to secure all communication channels.
Palo Alto Networks DLP
Palo Alto Networks DLP monitors and protects sensitive data transmitted through web traffic and various network channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage across email, endpoints, SaaS applications, and web communications. Thanks to its AI-based data classification, results are fast and reliable.
Main Features of Palo Alto Networks DLP
- Delivered from the cloud with quick and easy deployment – Deploys as a centralized service across networks, clouds, SaaS, and endpoints within minutes, requiring no additional infrastructure.
- AI/ML and contextual data classification – Uses classifiers powered by LLM, OCR, regex patterns, and custom ML models for high-precision detection of structured and unstructured data.
- Unified policy engine – A single set of consistent policies and real-time incident enforcement across all checkpoints (networks, cloud, email, SaaS, browser, endpoints)
- Comprehensive channel coverage – Protects data in use, in motion, and at rest through PA Series firewalls, VM-Series, Prisma Access, Prisma SaaS, and Prisma Cloud
Pros and Cons of Palo Alto Networks DLP
|
Advantages of Palo Alto Networks DLP |
Disadvantages of Palo Alto Networks DLP |
|
AI-driven data classification |
Requires full investment in the Palo Alto ecosystem |
|
Unified security operations |
High cost for those not using Palo Alto products |
|
Coverage across network, cloud, and endpoint |
Pricing and Support for Palo Alto Networks DLP
The service follows a quote-based model as part of its broader security suite. Support is provided under enterprise SLAs depending on the chosen plan.
Is Palo Alto Networks DLP Easy to Use?
The interface is consistent with other Palo Alto tools, making adoption easier if you are already using NGFW or Prisma. Some prior training is needed to fully leverage its potential.
Netwrix Endpoint Protector (CoSoSys)
Formerly known as CoSoSys, Netwrix Endpoint Protector specializes in multiplatform endpoints. It provides data loss prevention for USB devices and mobile devices, helping to prevent data leaks and data exfiltration across all endpoints. It also offers granular device control and offline coverage.
Main Features of Netwrix Endpoint Protector
- Device Control – Endpoint Protector offers granular management of USB and peripheral ports, with blocking or real-time monitoring by device type, serial number, or user group, enabling organizations to manage and secure data transfers across all connected devices.
- Content-Aware DLP – The platform scans and controls data transfers by analyzing both file content and context across endpoints. All of this is done simply and in real time.
- Forced Encryption – This solution automatically encrypts approved USB storage using AES-256 to secure data at rest or in transit.
- eDiscovery on Operating Systems – Searches for sensitive data at rest on Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing actions such as encrypting or deleting flagged content.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Endpoint Protector
|
Pros of Endpoint Protector |
Cons of Endpoint Protector |
|
Granular control over all devices |
Limited network and cloud capabilities |
|
Guaranteed offline coverage |
May produce false positives without proper adjustments |
|
Compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux |
Endpoint Protector Pricing and Support
The license is subscription-based per user or device. The Essentials package starts at 54 EUR/user/year. Support includes setup guides and regular updates.
Is Endpoint Protector easy to use?
The interface is very intuitive, which speeds up deployment, although careful tuning is needed to reduce unwanted alerts.

Fortra Guardian Digital
Guardian Digital provides us with detailed visibility over data flows and user activity at access points, networks, and the cloud, being especially useful for forensic investigations. This visibility helps protect organizational data against data threats, including sensitive financial data, ensuring secure ways to store data across all environments. Its endpoint-centric model allows for high-resolution audits.
Main Features of Fortra Guardian Digital
- Comprehensive data visibility: Fortra captures and analyzes system, user, and data events at access points, networks, and cloud environments. This enables Guardian Digital to provide deep insights into movements of sensitive data.
- Automated data classification: Automatically classifies sensitive data, including intellectual property and regulated information such as PII, PCI, and PHI.
- Flexible data protection controls: Offers customizable policies that can log, block, or require user justification for actions involving sensitive data. Guardian Digital is specifically designed to protect sensitive information against unauthorized access or exfiltration, ensuring compliance without disrupting workflows.
- Native cloud deployment: Establishes a multi-tenant architecture delivered from the cloud and powered by AWS. This enables rapid deployment, high scalability, and drastically reduces infrastructure costs.
Pros and Cons of Fortra Guardian Digital
|
Advantages of Digital Guardian |
Disadvantages of Digital Guardian |
|
Deep data discovery |
Complex deployment and configuration |
|
Powerful endpoint-centric model |
Possible performance impact due to deep inspection |
|
High-resolution audit logs |
Confusing pricing and licensing structure |
Digital Guardian Pricing and Support
Digital Guardian DLP follows a quote-based pricing model. Support includes access to the Fortra portal and assistance with advanced configuration.
Is Digital Guardian Easy to Use?
It requires a dedicated team to manage policies and infrastructure, but offers precise control over data flows.
Safetica
Safetica combines data loss prevention with real-time user training to collaboratively reduce risks. To avoid accidental exposure of sensitive data, it alerts users about risky actions and promotes strong security practices among employees. Although some features are only available in higher-tier plans, its anomaly detection capabilities are remarkable.
Main Features of Safetica
- Comprehensive data visibility: Safetica provides real-time monitoring and auditing of data access and usage on endpoints, cloud services, and network environments.
- Dynamic Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Safetica employs context-aware policies that adapt to user behavior, allowing precise control over data transfers and preventing unauthorized sharing.
- Insider risk management: Safetica integrates user behavior analytics to detect and mitigate human errors and potential internal threats.
- Integration with Microsoft 365: Allows monitoring and securing data activities in applications such as OneDrive, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Safetica
|
Pros of Safetica |
Cons of Safetica |
|
Anomalous behavior detection |
Advanced features only in higher-tier plans |
|
Real-time coaching and alerts |
Less comprehensive in large-scale environments |
|
Data discovery at rest |
Safetica Pricing and Support
The Essentials plan starts at 54 EUR/user/year, with customized Pro and Premium plans available. Support includes access to help portals and online training resources.
Is Safetica Easy to Use?
The learning curve is gentle thanks to its user interface and built-in guides, which facilitate onboarding and daily management.
Nocturna AI
Nocturna AI is a cloud-native DLP software designed to protect data on SaaS platforms and mobile phones, ensuring that sensitive information is secure across multiple endpoints. With high accuracy and rapid deployment, it is a very attractive option.
Main Features of Nocturna AI
- Real-time Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Nocturna AI offers immediate alerts and actions to prevent unauthorized data sharing or leakage of sensitive information, helping organizations prevent data breaches. This ensures compliance and data security.
- AI-driven Sensitive Data Detection: Nocturna uses machine learning to identify and classify sensitive information such as PII, PHI, PCI, and secrets across various platforms.
- Highly Scalable: Due to its cloud services nature, Nocturna AI is a highly scalable platform, making it suitable for modern and dynamic IT environments.
Pros and Cons of Nocturna AI
|
Pros of Nightfall AI |
Cons of Nightfall AI |
|
High accuracy in detecting PII and secrets |
Limited coverage on premises and network |
|
Fast deployment through API, without heavy agents |
Fewer mature modules compared to other suites |
|
Automatic cloud scalability |
Nightfall AI Pricing and Support
Pricing is based on quotes following a SaaS model. The cost depends on the volume of data and the covered applications. Support includes SLA and detailed documentation.
Is Nightfall AI Easy to Use?
Implementation is very fast, with just API configuration and SaaS connectors. It is ideal for teams that prioritize the cloud, as it requires no local infrastructure.
Other Perspectives: AI and DLP
Talking about DLP means talking about how AI has revolutionized data loss prevention, even against AI itself. We have already seen how some tools like Palo Alto Networks DLP and Nightfall AI are leading the way with what we now call AI-driven detection to identify sensitive data. Antivirus software often integrates with AI and DLP tools to enhance threat detection and data protection, forming a comprehensive cybersecurity framework.
Whether we are dealing with ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot, detecting data within interactions with AI tools and dynamically adapting to new patterns is critical. This way, we can prevent employees from inadvertently revealing confidential information in their conversations with different AIs — something not all DLPs are equipped for, but certainly something we want in ours.
What about other complementary tools?
There are several specialized solutions that can complement a traditional DLP suite but were not directly covered above. For example, Varonis DLP focuses on file system monitoring and anomaly detection, while CrowdStrike DLP extends visibility on endpoints with a lightweight but powerful agent.
It’s also worth mentioning McAfee DLP, Sophos DLP, Check Point DLP, Cyera DLP, and Mozilla’s OpenDLP. These solutions help prevent unauthorized user access to data through advanced monitoring and policy enforcement.
While these tools offer interesting features, they are not always complete solutions and generally require their own integrations to fully complement more comprehensive DLP suites.
Which option to choose?
What are the best data loss prevention solutions in 2025?
Choosing the best DLP solution means selecting the one that best fits our needs. Although they all share a common goal, each takes a different approach. With Microsoft Purview DLP, we get seamless integration with M365, while Forcepoint DLP and Symantec DLP offer the best coverage for highly regulated environments. Proofpoint DLP, in contrast, is ideal when human error is the main concern within the company.
Ultimately, data loss prevention is simply essential for any modern business. With the right tool, we will be laying the foundation for strong protection policies, regulatory compliance, and peace of mind — both for our teams and our customers — knowing that our data is well protected.




