Symantec Data Loss Prevention Review & Best Alternatives

Data loss prevention (DLP), just as the name implies, is a strategy for detecting and preventing sensitive corporate data from leaving your network. The tool used to enforce a company’s data loss prevention policy is called DLP software

DLP software mitigates the risk of data leakage or data loss by monitoring, detecting, and blocking sensitive data while at rest (data that is not moving such as database, file share, etc.), in use (data that the user is currently interacting with–endpoint actions), and in motion (data traveling across a network through various communication channels–network traffic). It ensures that sensitive information is identified and risk-appropriate controls are deployed, with minimal impact on business processes.

Here is our list of the best Symantec Data Loss Prevention Alternatives:

1. ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus EDITOR’S CHOICE This on-premises system will search through every endpoint on your site for sensitive data, classify it, and protect the files that contain it. The service can also be implemented to protect data on multiple sites from one server. Runs on Windows Server and you can get it on a 30-day free trial.
2. Endpoint Protector A cloud-based insider threat protection system that provides a data loss prevention service and has a sensitive data management service.
3. Digital Guardian DLP This SaaS package imposes controls over data transfers, USB ports, printer queues, and email systems to block intentional or accidental data leaks.
4. Trellix DLP Discover This DLP solution can run on multiple servers in a distributed format to coordinate extensive data theft detection across large enterprises. Runs on Windows Server.
5. Fidelis DLP This network appliance scans all traffic to identify data movement and implement security policies.
6. SpinOne A SaaS package that protects data held on cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft 365, Google Drive, and Salesforce.
7. GTB Technologies DLP This reverse firewall scans all transmissions that are leaving the network for data movements. Offered as an appliance, a virtual appliance, or a SaaS package.
8. SolarWinds DLP with ARM This solution is provided by a blend of two SolarWinds monitoring packages and also includes access rights management. Runs on Windows Server.
9. Trend Micro DLP Part of the cloud-based Apex One package, this DLP service is integrated with other endpoint protection services, such as an antimalware system.
10. Proofpoint DLP This cloud-based system is integrated into a platform of enterprise security tools that includes an intrusion detection system and email protection.
11. Clearswift Adaptive DLP This solution for small businesses operates through an email and Web gateway. Runs on VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, and Azure.

You can read more about each of these systems in the following sections.

Choosing the Right Solution: Enterprise DLP vs. Integrated DLP

Organizations looking to implement a DLP solution for their budget and functional requirements have to consider several strategies. Enterprise and integrated DLP solutions have emerged as two strategies organizations need to implement sustainable DLP strategies.

Enterprise DLP solutions are standalone products that offer comprehensive tools and policies for both data at rest and in motion, content and contextual scanning capabilities, device control, and centralized policy management and reporting, including policies to support regulatory compliance. Given the comprehensive nature of enterprise DLP products and their extensive data protection tools, many companies believe they are the only option worth considering. And, in the case of big organizations, that is undoubtedly true. But for SMBs that do not need the full capabilities of enterprise DLP tools, this can be problematic. As a result, most organizations, especially SMBs that purchase enterprise DLP, often use only a small part of their capabilities. This is where integrated DLP comes into play.

Integrated DLP solutions are primarily extensions of existing security tools that offer a cut-down version of enterprise DLP solutions while eliminating the complexities needed for large-scale networks. As a result, they cost considerably less than an enterprise DLP solution and take little time to implement. However, the risk of integrated DLP is their limited customization options and capabilities.

Organizations looking to deploy a DLP solution should first assess their needs, including areas where their data is at risk, the scope of the controls, and scalability requirements. Then, the focus should be on those actual needs when deciding which DLP option to go for.

Symantec DLP Solution

The Symantec DLP solution by Broadcom stands out as one of the leading enterprise DLP solutions out there. It comprises a single unified management platform, lightweight endpoint agent, and powerful content-aware detection products that all together provide comprehensive discovery, monitoring, and protection capabilities that give you visibility and control over your confidential data. The various product components comprise Network Discover/Cloud Storage Discover, Network Protect, Network Monitor, Network Prevent, Endpoint Discover, Endpoint Prevent, and Enforce Server.

The Enforce Server is the central management platform that enables you to define, deploy, and enforce data loss prevention and security policies. All other components—the Discover, Protect, Monitor, and Prevent modules can be deployed as stand-alone products or in combination. However, the Enforce Server is always used for central management irrespective of the stand-alone products you deploy.

The Symantec DLP solution is highly scalable and supports deployments on Windows, Mac, and Linux servers across physical, on-premises, cloud, and virtual environments, including managed services delivered by Symantec Partners. In addition, it supports cloud deployments with Symantec DLP for Cloud Storage and Cloud Prevent for Microsoft Office 365. Finally, it includes DLP monitoring for mobile devices and emails through Symantec DLP for Mobile with Mobile Email Monitor and Mobile Prevent. The various Symantec DLP components are grouped under the following solution categories:

Symantec DLP for Storage Helps organizations discover and protect data at rest across storage repositories––data stored on file servers, endpoints, cloud storage, network file shares, databases, SharePoint, and other data repositories. It does this using the following components:

• Symantec DLP Network Discover: This helps to find confidential data by scanning network file shares, web content servers, databases, cloud, and other enterprise data repositories.
• Symantec DLP Network Protect This automatically cleans up and secures all exposed files. In addition, network Discover detects and provides remediation options, including quarantining, moving files, or applying policy identity-based encryption and digital rights to specific files.

Symantec DLP for Endpoint As the name implies, protects data in use on endpoints. It provides complete discovery, monitoring, and protection capabilities for data in use across various channels: email, cloud apps, network protocols, external storage, and virtual desktops and servers. In addition, the lightweight endpoint agent enables two key components:

• DLP Endpoint Discover Scans local hard drives and gives you deep visibility into sensitive files that users are storing on their systems.
• DLP Endpoint Prevent Monitors users’ activities and gives you control over applications, devices, and platforms, including the ability to quarantine, encrypt or enforce digital right management.

Symantec DLP for Network Protects data in motion over the network. It monitors and prevents sensitive data traveling across a network through various communication channels from being leaked. It does this using the following modules:

• DLP Network Monitor Captures and analyzes outbound traffic on your corporate network and detects sensitive content and metadata over network communication protocols.
• DLP Network Prevent for Email Monitors and analyzes all corporate email traffic and protects them from being leaked or stolen by employees, contractors, and partners.
• DLP Network Prevent for Web Monitors and analyzes all corporate web traffic and protects them from being leaked to the Web.

Once installed, the Symantec DLP identifies all locations that hold sensitive data and gives you the option to enforce appropriate security controls. Some of the key features and capabilities of the solution are as follows:

• Discovers and locates confidential information in network and cloud storage repositories, on file and web servers, databases, and endpoint devices.
• Protects brand reputation, intellectual property, and other critical data with targeted controls and policies based on user risk and data sensitivity
• Simplifies incident triage, streamlines remediation, and detects risky behaviors and insider threats
• Monitors network traffic, endpoints, and storage devices in real-time for transmission, use, and safekeeping of confidential data and takes immediate action toward preventing accidental exposure or sharing.
• Delivers deep visibility of user activity across endpoints, storage repositories, networks, cloud apps, email, and the web, including Shadow IT.
• Reduces complexity with a single unified platform for on-premises and hybrid cloud environments
• Continuously monitors and protects sensitive data from a potential breach and automatically enforces appropriate security controls.
• Provides templates and workflows for compliance with security and privacy standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, and others.
• Combines DLP with user activity tracking, giving it an additional security boost.

The Symantec DLP is a highly scalable solution best suited for enterprise-oriented customers, and it integrates well with other Symantec security products and tools. However, it has no trial version and flat-rate pricing fees advertised, so there is no way to try it out before buying a subscription license. Instead, you need to contact Broadcom or its reseller partners directly for trials and pricing details.

The Best Symantec DLP Alternatives

Symantec DLP is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every organization. The fact that it fits perfectly from a feature and functionality standpoint for one organization does not mean it will be suitable for another. If you figure out that it is not best suited for your environment and you’re considering a suitable alternative, you’ll find lots of them out there. To help you decide between the countless options out there, we’ve put together a list of the ten best Symantec DLP alternatives. Hopefully, this will guide you in the process of selecting the right one for your environment.

1. ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus (FREE TRIAL)

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus offers a full data protection service that includes security policy formation, sensitive data discovery and classification, data movement controls, and user activity tracking. You can tailor the security policies of your system by selecting a template from a library. The templates include pre-written settings for specific data security standards.

Key Features:

• Protection for sensitive data
• Discovery and classification
• User behavior tracking
• Data containerization
• Storage device control

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus is a large data protection package that discovers and classifies data for protection and then manages who can access each data store and how. The tool also scans data movement channels and allows some data to be moved by some people while blocking other movements.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a sophisticated package because it doesn’t just block access to sensitive data outright because companies that hold sensitive data have it for a reason and still need access in order to function. Companies that need to comply with specific data protection standards would be drawn to this package.

The ManageEngine system runs on Windows Server and it is available in free and paid versions. You only need to install the package on one server to monitor all of the endpoints on your network. You can assess the full edition with a 30-day free trial.

2. Endpoint Protector

Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys is a highly rated enterprise DLP solution that employs e-discovery, device control, and enforced encryption to provide content-aware protection for intellectual property, personally identifiable information (PII), insider threat, and support for regulatory compliance. It was rated a Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for 2020.

Key Features:

• Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Allowlisting
• Zero Trust Access

Why do we recommend it?

Endpoint Protector control data access through its access rights manager. Typically, an ARM controls who can access a device or an application. This tool defines who can access what type of data through which applications. The package also implements allowlisting, which blocks all executables except for those that are listed, and a USB control service.

Who is it recommended for?

Endpoint Protector is a good choice for any business. Small companies that don’t have cybersecurity experts on the payroll will find this system very easy to manage. Its straightforward implementation of access controls over data can be implemented quickly with little planning. It has an effective and understandable strategy.

Endpoint Protector supports integration with SIEM products while providing real-time alerting & reporting capabilities. It can be deployed in the cloud (AWS, Azure, GPC), as a virtual appliance, or a SaaS application. A free demo is available on request.

3. Digital Guardian DLP

Digital Guardian DLP is a matured, well-known cloud-delivered enterprise DLP solution—available either as SaaS or managed service deployment. This unique approach allows for quick deployment and on-demand scalability while providing complete data visibility and protection. In addition, the solution incorporates endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities and data loss prevention to protect against the same agent’s internal and external threats.

Key Features:

• Hosted on AWS
• Windows, macOS, Linux
• Cloud data protection

Why do we recommend it?

The Digital Guardian DLP system is hosted on the AWS platform and reaches out to your site to scan endpoints running Windows, macOS, and Linux. The service discovers data instances and classifies them according to specific data protection standards. The system also scans through emails and Web assets for possible data leaks.

Who is it recommended for?

This package focuses on data protection on your site. The tool is available as a SaaS platform and it is also offered as a managed service. The managed option includes the services of technicians tri run the software and identify data theft attempts. This is a suitable system for mid-sized and large businesses.

You can access a free demo before making a buying decision.

4. Trellix DLP Discover

Trellix DLP Discover is a matured and highly scalable enterprise DLP solution targeted at mid to large-scale businesses. Trellix DLP supports centralized incident management and reporting with a solid emphasis on forensic analysis.

Key Features:

• Data discovery and classification
• Windows, macOS, and Windows
• Muti-site monitoring

Why do we recommend it?

The Trellix company was formed through a merger of McAfee Enterprise and FireEye, two renowned cybersecurity brands. So this DLP package has a good history and a strong pedigree. It came from the McAfee stable and was originally called McAfee DLP. This tool has extensive data discovery strategies, including OCR.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a comprehensive system that is suitable for use by large companies. It is a very close competitor to Symantec Data Loss Prevention and companies that are interested in one of these should also consider the other. This package can consolidate the security monitoring of multiple sites in one account.

If you are looking to try out Trellix DLP Discover, a free demo is available on request.

5. Fidelis DLP

Fidelis DLP is a recognized enterprise DLP solution that helps mitigate the risk of data loss, misuse, or unauthorized access and ensures regulatory compliance. Its patented Deep Session Inspection technology provides real-time content and context awareness to detect threats and prevent data loss across all ports and protocols.

Key Features:

• Data tracking
• Reputation protection
• Endpoint and network scanning

Why do we recommend it?

Fidelis DLP uses a proprietary system, called Deep Session Inspection to discover and classify data. This builds metadata profiles for each data source and that classifies the data contents for protection according to one of the current data protection standards. This system operates on network traffic.

Who is it recommended for?

The Fidelis DLP service scans the network, so it is able to trap any attempt to move protected sensitive data. That strategy relies on all data being centrally stored and not on local devices. Thus, this system is suitable for businesses that keep all data on networked storage devices or cloud platforms.

If you are looking to try it out, start with a free product demo.

2. SpinOne

SpinOne from Spin.ai is a SaaS platform that offers a range of protection services for SaaS-based systems. The service tracks access to sensitive data through the connection of third-party apps for data access or through native productivity tools built into the protected platform. The service integrates into Microsoft 365, Google Workspace (G Suite), and Salesforce. It records normal behavior for each user account and then looks for deviations from that pattern. The system also provides backup and recovery services.

Key Features:

• Protection for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
• Protects Slack and Salesforce
• GDPR, PCI DSS, and HIPAA compliance
• Insider threat prevention

Why do we recommend it?

SpinOne is a cloud platform of security systems, including a DLP service. You can subscribe to SpinDLP individually or opt for the SpinOne superpack of everything on the platform. The pack also includes SpinRDR to block ransomware and SpinSPM for SaaS access management and application risk assessment.

Who is it recommended for?

The SpinOne service only protects cloud data, specifically, data managed through SaaS platforms. So, if you also need to manage data protection on your own servers, you wouldn’t get full protection from this package. The package is a thorough protection system and you can enhance it with a backup add-on.

You can get access to the SpinOne platform with a 15-day free trial.

7. GTB Technologies DLP

GTB Technologies DLP solution offers organizations to network and cloud enterprise DLP to prevent data loss, manage threats, and enforce compliance. GTB’s proprietary “Content-Aware Reverse Firewall” technology classifies and analyzes all outbound and inbound data transmissions from your network in real-time, and implements the appropriate action such as log, block, encrypt, quarantine, among others.

Key Features:

• Data fingerprinting
• Data classification
• Incident management

Why do we recommend it?

The GTP Technologies DLP approach uses the same strategy as Fidelis because it scans the network for data in motion and identifies sensitive data. This is a type of firewall and its success relies on sensitive data being removed from local devices. Thus, your first task in installing this data protection system would be to move all data to one location.

Who is it recommended for?

This service competes very closely with the Fidelis DLP. It relies on data being centrally stored so that every data access event can be tracked through network traffic. This system is also able to protect data held on cloud platforms, including Azure, AWS, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace.

The solution can be deployed on-premise, in the cloud, and as a SaaS application that’s self-managed, managed, or hybrid service. A complete solution demo is available on schedule.

8. SolarWinds DLP with ARM

SolarWinds DLP is a lightweight, easy-to-use integrated DLP solution part of its Access Rights Manager and Security Event Manager. The DLP software analyzes user credentials, how they’re configured and used by end-users to access data. This information is then leveraged to help you see when user activity puts sensitive data at risk.

Key Features:

• User activity tracking
• SIEM
• Compliance reporting

Why do we recommend it?

The SolarWinds DLP solution is implemented through the Access Rights Manager. This is a tool that manages Active Directory domain and it also implements user behavior analysis. The SolarWinds angle on DLP is to tighten user account security and thus rule out account takeover threats. Users that make moves on data stores that they don’t normally use would be flagged for investigation.

Who is it recommended for?

The SolarWinds strategy is an account takeover and insider threat detection service rather than a direct data protection system. This package helps with compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. This is a large package of user account protection that is suitable for use by businesses that have a Microsoft-only policy because it tracks Microsoft 365 and Exchange Server as well as server access.

Both software is available for Windows Server, and you can get it on a 30-day free trial.

9. Trend Micro DLP

Trend Micro DLP is an integrated lightweight DLP solution that can be deployed through its existing products such as Endpoint Security, Mail Server Security, Security for Microsoft SharePoint, Web Gateway Security, among others.

Key Features:

• Storage encryption
• Granular data protection
• GDPR Compliance

Why do we recommend it?

The Trend Micro DLP service is provided by a package called Apex One. This is an endpoint security system that blocks malware and detects intruders. It also identifies insider threats and data theft through user behavior tracking and outbound email scanning. The package includes a data encryption service that makes unauthorized access to files impossible.

Who is it recommended for?

This is an interesting package for small and mid-sized businesses. It encrypts all data and only allows authorized access, so then your main task is to ensure that system access credentials are not stolen. The package keeps an eye on user behavior to identify account takeover events.

It can mitigate the risk of data loss for data at rest, data in transit, and data in use for a fraction of the cost and time of traditional enterprise DLP solutions.

10. Proofpoint DLP

Proofpoint has a solution that caters to both enterprise and integrated DLP needs.

Key Features:

• Scans emails
• Endpoint and cloud platform protection
• User behavior analysis

Why do we recommend it?

Proofpoint DLP comes from a highly-rated cybersecurity brand. The DLP is implemented by the Sigma Information Protection Platform. This is a cloud-based system that uses three angles: content awareness, behavior analysis, and threat intelligence. In other words, the system identifies sensitive data, looks for insider threats, and blocks intruders and malware.

Who is it recommended for?

This solution is aimed at large organizations that have many employee accounts to track. The package is delivered as a SaaS system but it examines activity on your network and endpoints through the installation of agents.

The Proofpoint enterprise DLP solution is a comprehensive DLP solution for email, cloud, and endpoint. At the same time, Proofpoint Email DLP is an integrated DLP solution that mitigates the risk of a data breach via email explicitly.

11. Clearswift Adaptive DLP

Clearswift Adaptive DLP is an integrated DLP solution that can be deployed through its existing products such as Secure Email and Web Gateway and Endpoint products to mitigate the risk of data loss for structured and unstructured data.

Key Features:

• Insider threat protection
• Watches the network
• GDPR, CCPA, SOX, and HIPAA compliance

Why do we recommend it?

Clearswift Adaptive DLP is a product of Fortra, which, until recently was called HelpSystems. The Clearswift system is hosted on AWS servers. However, it isn’t limited to protected data held in AWS accounts. Rather, this tool can reach out to your endpoints through the installation of agents to classify and protect sensitive data.

Who is it recommended for?

This package is suitable for mid-sized businesses. As it is based in the cloud, multi-site businesses can also easily be protected by this package. If you have remote workers, you can include their computers in the DLP plan.

Conclusion

Big organizations and networks with large and growing volumes of data that need to be protected may require the full capabilities of enterprise DLP solutions. DLP products such as ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus, Symantec DLP, Endpoint Protector, McAfee DLP, and others contain many of the desired features large organizations look for in DLP controls.

For SMBs and other organizations that want a DLP that addresses specific use cases, look for ones that address the controls you need to employ and leverage existing security products that possess integrated DLP features. For example, a lightweight DLP product such as SolarWinds and Trend Micro DLP would be a good fit. This will save your organization from costly and time-consuming setup and integration associated with enterprise DLP tools.