# Best Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software ## How Many Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 150 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating:** 4.48/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product:** Lepide Data Security Platform (+0.97%) - Among all products in this category, Lepide Data Security Platform recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month _Last updated: July 27, 2026_ ## How Does G2 Rank Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 6,200+ Authentic Reviews - 150+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## G2 Grid® for Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software ![G2 Grid® for Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=1059&focus%5B%5D=112257&focus%5B%5D=30532&focus%5B%5D=99330&focus%5B%5D=1233703&focus%5B%5D=108767&focus%5B%5D=14430&focus%5B%5D=7374) Highlighted products: Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), Check Point Email Security, Zscaler Internet Access, Safetica, Proofpoint Enterprise Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Varonis Data Security Platform, Netskope One Platform, and Veeam Data Platform. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws&focus%5B%5D=check-point-email-security&focus%5B%5D=zscaler-internet-access&focus%5B%5D=safetica&focus%5B%5D=proofpoint-enterprise-data-loss-prevention-dlp&focus%5B%5D=varonis-data-security-platform&focus%5B%5D=netskope-one-platform&focus%5B%5D=veeam-data-platform) **Sponsored** ### Prisma Browser for Business Prisma Browser for Business is a secure web browser tailored for small businesses, integrating advanced security features directly into the browsing experience. Built on the Chromium platform, it offers a familiar interface while providing enterprise-grade protection against online threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. This solution enables teams to work seamlessly across various applications and AI tools, ensuring data security without the need for a dedicated IT team. Key Features and Functionality: - Proactive Threat Protection: Utilizes AI-powered threat scanning to detect and block phishing attempts, malware, and other cyber threats in real-time. - Data Loss Prevention: Implements controls to prevent accidental sharing of sensitive information, such as disabling copy/paste and file uploads to unauthorized platforms. - AI Interaction Management: Monitors and regulates AI tool usage to prevent unintended actions and data leaks, ensuring that business information remains secure. - User-Friendly Deployment: Offers a straightforward setup process with pre-configured security settings, allowing businesses to protect their teams without technical expertise. Primary Value and Problem Solved: Prisma Browser for Business addresses the critical need for robust cybersecurity in small businesses, which are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks. By embedding security directly into the browser, it safeguards the primary workspace where employees spend the majority of their time. This solution not only protects against external threats but also mitigates risks associated with accidental data exposure through AI tools and other online platforms. By providing an easy-to-use, comprehensive security solution, Prisma Browser for Business empowers small businesses to focus on growth and productivity without compromising on security. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1588&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-28T15%3A03%3A28Z&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1588&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1588&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=1806417&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1588&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%3Fopen_modal_url%3D%252Fproducts%252Fspirion%252Fwishlists%253Fhost_path%253D%25252Fcategories%25252Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%2526source%253Dcategory&secure%5Btoken%5D=ead64c3116a2d02a72ec946c39fde72b2775460311d7cd863dc6ab83c2756407&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fprisma-browser-for-business%3Futm_source%3Dg2-panw_inhouse-amer-sase-smco-sfow%26utm_medium%3Ddisplay%26utm_campaign%3Dg2-sase-prisma_browser_smb-amer-us-awareness-en-native-cat_com%26utm_content%3D701Ki000000p2UKIAY&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url) [ Check Point Next Generation... ](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) By [Check Point Software Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/check-point-software-technologies) [ 4.5/5(591) ](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the strong threat prevention and centralized management capabilities of Check Point Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), highlighting their effectiveness in blocking advanced c Pros and Cons [ Cybersecurity (101) ](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Expensive (71) ](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-next-generation-firewalls-ngfws/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Check Point Email Security ](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-email-security/reviews) By [Check Point Software Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/check-point-software-technologies) [ 4.6/5(534) ](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-email-security/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the product for its ease of use and seamless integration with existing email platforms, making it a reliable choice for enhancing email security. The intuitive dashboard and Pros and Cons [ Email Security (94) ](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-email-security/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ False Positives (29) ](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-email-security/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Zscaler Internet Access ](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews) By [Zscaler](https://www.g2.com/sellers/zscaler) [ 4.4/5(227) ](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the product for its strong security and cloud-native architecture, which provide seamless protection against threats while simplifying management. The centralized policy cont Pros and Cons [ Security (47) ](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Slow Performance (27) ](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Safetica ](https://www.g2.com/products/safetica/reviews) By [Safetica](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safetica) [ 4.6/5(202) ](https://www.g2.com/products/safetica/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the software for its intuitive interface and ease of implementation, which allows for quick deployment and effective management of data protection policies. The ability to mo Pros and Cons [ Ease of Use (23) ](https://www.g2.com/products/safetica/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Slow Performance (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/safetica/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Proofpoint Enterprise Data... ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-enterprise-data-loss-prevention-dlp/reviews) By [Proofpoint](https://www.g2.com/sellers/proofpoint) [ 4.3/5(56) ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-enterprise-data-loss-prevention-dlp/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the product for its ease of use and powerful analytics, which simplify policy creation and enhance data protection across various channels. The intuitive interface and strong Pros and Cons [ Data Protection (4) ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-enterprise-data-loss-prevention-dlp/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Complex Configuration (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-enterprise-data-loss-prevention-dlp/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Varonis Data Security Platform ](https://www.g2.com/products/varonis-data-security-platform/reviews) By [Varonis](https://www.g2.com/sellers/varonis) [ 4.6/5(88) ](https://www.g2.com/products/varonis-data-security-platform/reviews) What do users say? Users most consistently praise the platform's visibility into sensitive data, making it easy to see who has access and spot risky permissions or unusual activity. Reviewers also value its automated re Pros and Cons [ Security (22) ](https://www.g2.com/products/varonis-data-security-platform/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Complexity (18) ](https://www.g2.com/products/varonis-data-security-platform/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Netskope One Platform ](https://www.g2.com/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews) By [Netskope](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netskope) [ 4.4/5(87) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the ease of use and comprehensive visibility provided by Netskope One Platform, which simplifies cloud security management across various applications. The platform's ability Pros and Cons [ Ease of Use (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Complex Configuration (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Veeam Data Platform ](https://www.g2.com/products/veeam-data-platform/reviews) By [Veeam](https://www.g2.com/sellers/veeam) [ 4.6/5(725) ](https://www.g2.com/products/veeam-data-platform/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the reliability and ease of use of Veeam Data Platform, highlighting its fast backup and recovery capabilities that provide peace of mind. The intuitive interface and strong Pros and Cons [ Ease of Use (114) ](https://www.g2.com/products/veeam-data-platform/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Backup Issues (37) ](https://www.g2.com/products/veeam-data-platform/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Netwrix Endpoint Protector ](https://www.g2.com/products/netwrix-endpoint-protector/reviews) By [Netwrix](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netwrix) [ 4.5/5(160) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netwrix-endpoint-protector/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the product for its ease of use and excellent customer support, highlighting how quickly it can be deployed across multiple operating systems. Many appreciate its robust data Pros and Cons [ Customer Support (19) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netwrix-endpoint-protector/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Slow Performance (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/netwrix-endpoint-protector/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ SpinOne ](https://www.g2.com/products/spinone/reviews) By [SpinAI](https://www.g2.com/sellers/spinai) [ 4.8/5(127) ](https://www.g2.com/products/spinone/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the product for its ease of use and reliable backups, which provide peace of mind for data protection. The intuitive interface and responsive customer support enhance the ove Pros and Cons [ Customer Support (31) ](https://www.g2.com/products/spinone/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Backup Issues (7) ](https://www.g2.com/products/spinone/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Teramind ](https://www.g2.com/products/teramind/reviews) By [Teramind](https://www.g2.com/sellers/teramind) [ 4.6/5(180) ](https://www.g2.com/products/teramind/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise Teramind for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive monitoring capabilities, which provide valuable insights into employee productivity and security. The platform's ab Pros and Cons [ Monitoring (8) ](https://www.g2.com/products/teramind/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Complexity (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/teramind/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Coro Cybersecurity ](https://www.g2.com/products/coro-cybersecurity/reviews) By [Coronet](https://www.g2.com/sellers/coronet) [ 4.7/5(232) ](https://www.g2.com/products/coro-cybersecurity/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the product for its ease of use and responsive support, highlighting how quickly it can be set up and integrated into existing systems. Many appreciate the comprehensive prot Pros and Cons [ Ease of Use (99) ](https://www.g2.com/products/coro-cybersecurity/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Performance Issues (32) ](https://www.g2.com/products/coro-cybersecurity/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Kitecyber ](https://www.g2.com/products/kitecyber/reviews) By [Kitecyber](https://www.g2.com/sellers/kitecyber) [ 4.8/5(48) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kitecyber/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the product for its ease of use and responsive customer support, highlighting how quickly they can onboard and manage devices without complications. The platform's ability to Pros and Cons [ Customer Support (10) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kitecyber/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Limited Features (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kitecyber/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ AvePoint Confidence Platform ](https://www.g2.com/products/avepoint-confidence-platform/reviews) By [AvePoint](https://www.g2.com/sellers/avepoint) [ 4.5/5(127) ](https://www.g2.com/products/avepoint-confidence-platform/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the ease of use and reliable backups provided by the AvePoint Confidence Platform, highlighting its intuitive interface and straightforward setup process. Many appreciate the Pros and Cons [ Ease of Use (63) ](https://www.g2.com/products/avepoint-confidence-platform/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Expensive (12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/avepoint-confidence-platform/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [ Menlo Security ](https://www.g2.com/products/menlo-security/reviews) By [Menlo Security](https://www.g2.com/sellers/menlo-security) [ 4.6/5(52) ](https://www.g2.com/products/menlo-security/reviews) What do users say? Users consistently praise the product for its seamless integration and strong protection against web threats, allowing for a smooth user experience without interruptions. The intuitive management inte Pros and Cons [ Security (26) ](https://www.g2.com/products/menlo-security/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons)[ Slow Performance (6) ](https://www.g2.com/products/menlo-security/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) - ‹ Prev‹ Prev - 1 - [2](/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp?open_modal_url=%2Fproducts%2Fspirion%2Fwishlists%3Fhost_path%3D%252Fcategories%252Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%26source%3Dcategory&order=g2_score&page=2#product-list) - [3](/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp?open_modal_url=%2Fproducts%2Fspirion%2Fwishlists%3Fhost_path%3D%252Fcategories%252Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%26source%3Dcategory&order=g2_score&page=3#product-list) - [4](/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp?open_modal_url=%2Fproducts%2Fspirion%2Fwishlists%3Fhost_path%3D%252Fcategories%252Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%26source%3Dcategory&order=g2_score&page=4#product-list) - [5](/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp?open_modal_url=%2Fproducts%2Fspirion%2Fwishlists%3Fhost_path%3D%252Fcategories%252Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%26source%3Dcategory&order=g2_score&page=5#product-list) - … - [9](/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp?open_modal_url=%2Fproducts%2Fspirion%2Fwishlists%3Fhost_path%3D%252Fcategories%252Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%26source%3Dcategory&order=g2_score&page=9#product-list) - [10](/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp?open_modal_url=%2Fproducts%2Fspirion%2Fwishlists%3Fhost_path%3D%252Fcategories%252Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%26source%3Dcategory&order=g2_score&page=10#product-list) - [Next ›Next ›](/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp?open_modal_url=%2Fproducts%2Fspirion%2Fwishlists%3Fhost_path%3D%252Fcategories%252Fdata-loss-prevention-dlp%26source%3Dcategory&order=g2_score&page=2#product-list) Spotlight Categories [Online Backup Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-backup) [Application Performance Monitoring (APM) Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/application-performance-monitoring-apm) [Accounts Receivable Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounts-receivable) [Network Monitoring Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-monitoring) [Corporate Performance Management (CPM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/corporate-performance-management-cpm) Similar Categories - [Database Security](/categories/database-security) - [Data Center Security Solutions](/categories/data-center-security-solutions) - [Data-Centric Security](/categories/data-centric-security) - [Data Masking](/categories/data-masking) - [Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)](/categories/data-security-posture-management-dspm) - [Encryption Key Management](/categories/encryption-key-management) - [Mobile Data Security](/categories/mobile-data-security) - [Secrets Management Tools](/categories/secrets-management-tools) [Browse Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Themes](/categories/data-loss-prevention-dlp/themes) ![Lauren Worth](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Lauren Worth") LW Researched and written by [Lauren Worth](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/lauren-worth) Updated October 3, 2024 Data loss prevention (DLP) software, also known as data leak prevention software, is used to secure control and ensure compliance of sensitive business information. A key component of DLP solutions is distribution control, which ensures users do not send private information outside of corporate business networks. Security staff and network administrators set business rules that determine who can view, change, and share confidential data. DLP tools often control data on both the network and endpoint level to ensure policies remain consistent across the company. These tools are used to ensure the protection of data and prevent leaks by internal sources. There are overlaps between DLP tools and some [governance, risk & compliance (GRC) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/governance-risk-compliance), but these tools are specifically geared toward data control. DLP solutions are also used alongside [backup software](https://www.g2.com/categories/backup), but as a complement to the software rather than a replacement. To qualify for inclusion in the Data Loss Prevention (DLP) category, a product must: - Monitor data storage and sharing for compliance - Allow administrative control over data governance - Detect data leaks or misuse - Facilitate data identification and discovery Top Tools at a Glance | | Network-layer DLP with unified threat inspection | User Review "Extensive Network Traffic Visibility That Simplifies Log Analysis and Policy Updates" | | | API-native DLP across email and collaboration suites | User Review "Accuracy Redefined, Perfect for Email Security" | | | Cloud-native DLP with inline SSL inspection | User Review "ZIA Ends Trombone Routing with Cloud-Native Secure Web Inspection" | | | Endpoint data exfiltration control with insider-risk visibility | User Review "Opinion on Safetica: the good, the bad, and what really matters" | | | AI-driven data exfiltration prevention across channels | User Review "DLP from proofpoint review" | | | Sensitive data discovery with automated access remediation | User Review "The best experience with Varonis Data Security Platform" | | | Cross-cloud DLP with unified policy enforcement | User Review "Simplified Access to Our Infrastructure with Consistent Security Policies for Remote and Office User" | | | Immutable backup with ransomware-resilient recovery | User Review "Easy-to-Manage Backups with Fast, Reliable Recovery" | | | Cross-platform endpoint DLP with content-aware control | User Review "Powerful Cross-Platform Control with Detailed Reports and Granular Policies" | | | SaaS-native OAuth abuse and ransomware DLP | User Review "SpinOne’s Dashboard Makes Risk Scans, Storage, and Backups Easy to Monitor" | * * * Show More * * * ## How Do You Choose the Right Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software? ### What You Should Know About Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software ### What is Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software? Data loss prevention (DLP) software helps companies ensure their sensitive data is not leaked, lost, or stolen. Data loss prevention (DLP) software provides data security by enforcing company policies that determine who can view, change, or share sensitive data. DLP tools secure data by identifying sensitive data, classifying it, monitoring its usage, and then taking actions to stop data misuse by preventing user access and actions, alerting administrators, quarantining suspicious files, encrypting data, or taking other actions to remediate when necessary. Data loss prevention (DLP) software protects data in three states—data in use, data in motion, and data at rest. - Data in use refers to data that is used on an endpoint such as a laptop, mobile device, or tablet. An example would be an employee attempting to copy and paste sensitive data using their laptop. - Data in motion refers to data moving over an internal or external network to a user’s endpoint. DLP software monitors when data is transmitted across networks and via email or other communication methods. - Data at rest refers to data stored in databases, cloud repositories, computers, mobile phones, or other similar devices. DLP software protects data at rest by restricting it’s access to approved users, encrypts it, or deletes it based on the organization’s retention policies. Data loss prevention (DLP) software protects data using predefined policies to identify, classify, monitor, and protect data to meet business and regulatory compliance. For example, if an employee sends an email to a customer and attaches proprietary company information, the data loss prevention (DLP) software will prevent the email with protected data from being sent. In this example, the DLP software prevented **data leakage**. Another example would be preventing someone—whether an internal employee or a hacker who breached the company’s traditional perimeter security—from inflicting damage to the company by deleting data. Data protected by DLP software as defined by company policies would be blocked from deletion. In this example, the DLP software prevented **data loss**. Key Benefits of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software - Identify, classify, monitor, and protect sensitive data including personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), payment card information (PCI), intellectual property (IP), confidential corporate information, sensitive research, and other important data as defined by the company - Prevent data from being leaked, stolen, or lost by both internal and external actors - Alert administrators or remediate incidents - Help companies meet compliance requirements such as privacy, payments, health, or other global data protection regulations ### Why Use Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software? Companies use DLP software to protect their sensitive data. Today’s workforce is increasingly mobile. Employees use devices, such as mobile phones and laptops, to access both on-premises and cloud-based company applications. Because of this ability to access company data while not physically in the office, organizations’ data security strategies must evolve. Companies use DLP software to help them employ a data-centric security strategy which secures the data itself, in addition to traditional network-centric security strategies which secure the perimeter, such as a network. This is particularly helpful for companies that allow employees to bring their own device to use for work. In the event of a data breach, companies that have employed DLP software can reduce the expense of recovery, especially if the breached data was not sensitive data or was encrypted, rendering it useless to other parties without the encryption keys. Companies may also be able to reduce their cyber liability insurance premiums by using data security software such as DLP software. To use an analogy on protecting the data itself, imagine a burglar robs a jewelry store by smashing in the front door and then the jewelry cases. What did the burglar take? They likely took gold, silver, and diamond jewelry, among other precious gems. Did they take the jewelry stands or any empty jewelry gift boxes laying around? No, because those have low value. Similarly, not all data is valuable; hackers are typically after sensitive data (gems). Hackers will break through network security (the doors and jewelry cases) to get to sensitive data (jewelry). But what if the data itself was protected and thus hard to steal? In the jewelry robbery example, imagine if the jewelry was bolted down in the cases, had explosive ink tags attached to it, or was locked in an overnight safe instead of left out. What then? The concept of protecting data using DLP software is similar. The main reasons companies use data loss prevention (DLP) software include: **Protect sensitive data —** Sensitive data is valuable to companies and therefore it is also valuable to bad actors and hackers. Companies protect their sensitive data, such as personally identifiable information (PII) like social security numbers, intellectual property (IP) such as source codes or product development maps, and other sensitive data like financial data or customer data. **Enable secure data use on mobile devices —** Today’s workforce increasingly brings their down devices to work or works remotely with a variety of endpoints. Companies can take more steps to secure their data by using DLP software. **Prevent data leaks —** DLP software prevents accidental or willful data leaks caused by employees or insider threats. **Prevent data loss —** DLP software prevents data loss by preventing users from deleting files they do not have permission to. **Detect data breaches —** DLP software can alert administrators to suspicious activity and stop data exfiltration attempts or data breaches currently in progress. **Understand data usage —** Sensitive data is stored in multiple databases, both on-premises and in the cloud, applications, other systems, networks, and on endpoints. DLP software discovers sensitive data, classifies it, and monitors it; this reporting gives organizations visibility into how their data is used. This information can provide key insights on a business’s data strategy. **Maintain customer trust —** Due to major data breaches becoming so commonplace, end users have become wary about how their data is used and want to know their data is protected by companies who store it. Using DLP tools helps companies protect customer data and ultimately protect their brands while gaining their customers’ trust. **Meet business partner compliance —** Not only are end users demanding better data protection from providers, but increasingly so are business partners. Many business partners contractually obligate companies to protect sensitive data or pay financial penalties. Many business partners audit the companies they do business with to ensure they have adequate data security to protect sensitive data. **Comply with governmental regulations —** In some jurisdictions, data protection policies are codified into law. Regulatory bodies enforcing data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) require reports from companies proving compliance with the law. If a company is found non-compliant, they can face steep fines. ### Who Uses Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software? All organizations can benefit from using DLP software, however, enterprise-level companies in highly-regulated industries such as health care, finance, manufacturing, energy, and government are the most likely to use DLP software. With the adoption of more privacy regulations codifying data security into law, such as GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA),more mid-level and small companies can benefit from DLP software. Employees within a company that may use DLP software, include: **CISOs and InfoSec teams —** InfoSecurity teams use DLP software to secure the business and its data. **IT teams —** Some IT teams may be responsible for administering DLP software. **C-suite —** C-level executives like CEOs and CMOs use DLP software to protect intellectual property (IP) and protect the value of the brand by securing customers’ personally identifiable information or other sensitive data. **Everyday employees —** Everyday employees may encounter DLP software if they try to take an action, such as sharing sensitive data, which is not allowed by their company’s policy. ### Kinds of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software There are generally four kinds of DLP software companies use. **On-premise storage DLP —** On-premise storage DLP identifies and protects sensitive data in databases, servers, and file shares. **Cloud DLP —** Cloud DLP is similar to on-premise storage DLP, but focuses on finding sensitive data in cloud storage. The connection to cloud storage is achieved through application programming interfaces (APIs). **Network DLP —** Network DLP monitors sensitive data across a company’s network. This includes scanning email, web, social media, and other communication methods to ensure compliance with the company’s sensitive data policy. This monitoring function is achieved by using a physical appliance or by passing network traffic through a dedicated virtual machine. **Endpoint DLP —** Endpoint DLP protects sensitive data on laptops, mobile phones, and other endpoints through software installed on the device. Endpoint DLP also allows companies to block certain activities, such as preventing specific file types from being loaded onto mobile devices. ### Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software Features **Central policy management —** DLP software uses a specific company’s policies to protect sensitive data and meet specific compliance regulations. DLP software is a central place to create, enforce, and manage policies on a user-friendly dashboard. **Incident detection and management —** DLP software informs administrators of policy violations in real time, and offers incident management functions that allow administrators to manage these events. **Data identification —** For DLP software to protect data, it needs to know where the data is. DLP solutions offer both content analysis and context analysis. **Data classification —** DLP tools categorize data based on their sensitivity and apply policies such as who should have access to it and or what actions they can take with the data. **Integrations —** DLP software should include pre-built integrations with major platforms, directories, email providers, applications, and other areas where company data is stored. **Reporting —** DLP software includes reporting tools, such as pre-built templates and customizable reports, which are useful for showing compliance to regulators, auditors, forensic teams, incident response teams, and other parties. ### Software and Services Related to Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Software DLP software, which focuses on protecting data, is one part of a robust security program. Depending on a company’s unique needs, the following software may compliment a DLP software deployment, such as security tools used for [network security](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-security). [**Endpoint detection & response (EDR) software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-detection-response-edr) **—** Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools combine elements of both endpoint antivirus and endpoint management solutions to detect, investigate, and remove any malicious software that penetrates a network’s devices. [**User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/user-and-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba) **—** User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) software is a family of tools used to develop and model baseline behaviors for people and hardware within a network, with the ultimate goal of identifying abnormalities and alerting security staff. [**Encryption software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/encryption) **—** Encryption software uses cryptography to mask files, text, and data, protecting information from undesired parties. Companies utilize encryption tools to ensure their sensitive data is secured even in the event of a breach. [**Email encryption software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/email-encryption) **—** Email encryption technology is used to transform and secure information travelling through an email server. These tools ensure data in transit remains secure until the authorized party is identified. [**Cloud access security brokers**](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-access-security-broker-casb) **—** Cloud access security broker (CASB) software is used to provide a layer of protection and policy enforcement for employees accessing cloud-based software. CASB serves as a gateway through which companies can enforce their security requirements beyond on-premise and secure connections between employees and cloud service providers. [**Security information and event management (SIEM) software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/security-information-and-event-management-siem) **—** Security information and event management (SIEM) software combines a variety of security software components into one platform. Companies use SIEM products to centralize security operations into a single location. [**IoT security software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-security) **—** Internet of Things security, or IoT security, involves solutions for safeguarding smart devices and centralized user hubs from unwanted access or manipulation. [**GRC platforms**](https://www.g2.com/categories/grc-platforms) **—** GRC platforms help businesses monitor performance and relationships to minimize financial, legal, and all other liabilities and show compliance with industry standards or government regulations.