10 Best DSPM Tools Compared: Comprehensive Guide for CISOs

Data sprawl across multi cloud, SaaS and AI systems makes it hard to answer basic questions like where sensitive data lives and who can access it. Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) tools close that gap by finding sensitive data everywhere, scoring its risk and guiding teams to fix exposures before attackers or auditors find them.

This guide compares 10 of the best DSPM tools in market, with a focus on cloud security DSPM tools and cloud data security across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and the SaaS stack. You will see how vendors differ on automated discovery, AI driven classification, data access governance, SaaS remediation and DSPM for AI, along with core DSPM capabilities and common use cases.

10 Best Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) Tools

How this list was built

The tools in this list focus on data security posture across cloud, SaaS and hybrid environments. They bring together continuous data discovery, contextual classification, permissions analysis, risk scoring and remediation workflows.

We looked at how each DSPM vendor supports multi-cloud coverage, SaaS applications, unstructured data, integration with the broader security stack and roadmap for AI. The goal is to help CISOs compare great cloud security DSPM tools side by side and match them with real cloud data security needs, not just feature lists.

🟢 Supported     🟡 Partially supported     🔴 Unsupported 

1. Forcepoint DSPM: Best overall DSPM tool for hybrid cloud data security

Forcepoint DSPM is a data security posture management platform built for complex hybrid environments where cloud and on-prem need to work together. It pairs continuous visibility into sensitive data with guided workflows that reduce exposure without slowing the business. Because it is part of the Forcepoint Data Security Cloud platform, it connects DSPM insights directly to DLP, CASB and Data Detection and Response.

Best for: CISOs who want a single DSPM tool that covers multi cloud, SaaS and on-prem while integrating tightly with existing Forcepoint data security controls.

Key features:

• Starts with automated data discovery across cloud services, SaaS apps and file stores
• Uses AI Mesh classification technology to understand content and context for regulated and business critical data
• Uses permissions analysis to help teams identify risky data such as public links or overshared folders
• Provides SaaS remediation workflows that fix overexposed SaaS data at scale
• Delivers reports that automate compliance reporting for audits and oversight
• Extends the same controls to DSPM for AI so sensitive data does not leak into training sets or prompts

Pros

• Strong hybrid coverage across cloud, SaaS and on-prem
• Deep integration with Forcepoint DLP, CASB and DDR
• Mature AI classification and guided remediation workflows

Cons

• Best fit for teams that want DSPM as part of a unified data security platform
• May feel broad for organizations that only want a narrow DSPM point tool

Consider Forcepoint DSPM if you want a single view of data risk across your entire environment with clear paths to reduce that risk, making it a top choice for CISOs who own cloud data security.

2. Varonis: Best DSPM tool for Microsoft centric unstructured data

Varonis is a data security and governance platform with deep roots in file level analysis and Microsoft focused environments. It specializes in unstructured data hygiene across SharePoint, OneDrive and other collaboration platforms, giving security teams a detailed view of who can access which files and how that access is used. As Varonis has shifted to a cloud delivered control plane, its strengths show up most clearly in organizations that want SaaS based data security for modern collaboration stacks.

Best for: Enterprises that prioritize Microsoft 365 and file-based collaboration security and want strong analytics on unstructured data access patterns.

Key features:

• Granular file level permissions analysis across Microsoft 365 and other file systems
• High fidelity unstructured data hygiene with rich insights into stale, orphaned and overshared data
• Strong privacy and compliance automation to support regulated data in collaboration tools
• DLP grade labeling and fingerprinting to track and protect sensitive content over time
• Customizable AI and ML classification features that augment rule-based policies

Pros

• Very strong at mapping who has access to which files and why
• Well suited to Microsoft centric environments with heavy collaboration usage
• Mature reporting and dashboards for privacy, audit and governance teams

Cons

• Cloud first architecture can be a challenge for organizations that need flexible on prem and hybrid DSPM options
• Focus on file and collaboration data may require other tools for broader DSPM coverage across all cloud data stores

3. Microsoft Purview: Best DSPM option for Microsoft centric environments

Microsoft Purview provides data security, governance and compliance capabilities across Microsoft 365, Azure and related services. DSPM style visibility is part of a broader set of tools designed for organizations that have standardized on the Microsoft stack.

Best for: Enterprises that rely heavily on M365, SharePoint, OneDrive and Azure data services and want DSPM that fits their existing ecosystem.

Key features:

• Deep integration with M365, SharePoint, OneDrive and Azure services
• Label-driven classification and policy enforcement
• Governance and compliance features that leverage Microsoft identity and access controls

Pros

• Strong native coverage in Microsoft environments
• Integrated compliance tooling and reporting

Cons

• Limited reach beyond Microsoft services without added complexity
• May be less attractive for multi-vendor cloud strategies

4. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud: Best for integrated cloud and workload security

Prisma Cloud is Palo Alto Networks' platform for securing cloud workloads, containers and cloud infrastructure. Its DSPM features extend that view to sensitive data stored in cloud services and managed data stores.

Best for: Security teams that want one platform for cloud workload, configuration and data security posture.

Key features:

• Multi cloud coverage for workloads, infrastructure and data
• Correlates risks across data, identities and workloads
• Uses policy driven controls and guardrails for cloud native teams

Pros

• Broad platform that goes beyond DSPM
• Strong multi cloud support and ecosystem

Cons

• Can be complex for teams that only need DSPM
• May require significant rollout effort to unlock full value

5. Netskope: Best for inline cloud security and SaaS posture

Netskope is a Security Service Edge (SSE) platform that combines web, SaaS and private application security. Its DSPM capabilities focus on data stored in SaaS applications and cloud storage with emphasis on inline visibility and control.

Best for: Organizations that want DSPM aligned with their existing SSE deployment and inline traffic controls.

Key features:

• Integrates DSPM with CASB and SSE capabilities
• Provides visibility into data in popular SaaS and collaboration tools
• Enforces policies for sharing, download and access from a single platform

Pros

• Strong for SaaS centric environments
• Tight link between DSPM findings and inline policy enforcement

Cons

• Less emphasis on deep discovery in non-SaaS data stores
• On-prem and legacy coverage may require other tools

6. Zscaler: Best DSPM tool for SSE focused deployments

Zscaler delivers cloud security through its SSE platform, protecting users and workloads as they access cloud resources. DSPM features extend that view to data at rest in cloud services and SaaS.

Best for: Organizations that use Zscaler as their main cloud security and access layer and want data posture insights from the same provider.

Key features:

• Integrates DSPM with secure web gateway and zero trust access
• Links data discovery and classification to user and app context
• Applies policy controls that account for both content and access posture

Pros

• Well aligned with zero trust and SSE strategies
• Unified policy approach across data in motion and at rest

Cons

• May be less comprehensive for deep scanning across non-integrated data stores
• Some DSPM features depend on broader Zscaler ecosystem adoption

7. Rubrik: Best for backup centric data security posture

Rubrik is known for data backup and recovery. Its DSPM capabilities build on backup snapshots to provide visibility into sensitive data and ransomware risk.

Best for: Organizations that already use Rubrik for backup and want to reuse that footprint for DSPM.

Key features:

• Discovers and classifies sensitive data in backup copies
• Surfaces ransomware and data risk insights from backup telemetry
• Supports hybrid and on-prem environments that still depend on file servers

Pros

• Strong fit where Rubrik is already deployed
• Good alignment with backup and recovery strategies

Cons

• Visibility model is tied to backups rather than live systems
• May not match real time DSPM needs for every use case

8. BigID: Best for data catalogs and privacy governance

BigID is a data intelligence platform focused on discovery, cataloging and privacy. DSPM is part of its broader data security and governance capabilities.

Best for: Organizations driven by privacy, data governance and catalog programs that need posture insight across large data estates.

Key features:

• Broad data discovery and cataloging across many sources
• Strong privacy and governance workflows
• Flexible integrations for data driven programs and analytics

Pros

• Good fit for data governance and privacy led initiatives
• Rich metadata and catalog features

Cons

• May require configuration to focus on narrow DSPM scenarios
• Can feel heavyweight for small security teams

9. Cyera: Best DSPM tool for fast cloud scale discovery

Cyera is a cloud native DSPM platform known for fast discovery and classification across cloud accounts and SaaS apps. It focuses on rapid time to value for teams that need to understand their data attack surface quickly.

Best for: Cloud first organizations that want quick, broad visibility into sensitive data across cloud platforms.

Key features:

• Fast cloud scale discovery and classification
• Focus on sensitive data mapping and access analysis
• Dashboards built for security teams that need quick answers

Pros

• Quick to deploy and useful for fast visibility
• Strong cloud centric design

Cons

• Less emphasis on on-prem and legacy environments
• May require other tools to cover niche data sources

10. Securiti: Best for privacy first DSPM and data security posture

Securiti focuses on data security, privacy and governance with DSPM capabilities that help organizations understand data posture through a privacy lens.

Best for: Teams that need DSPM closely aligned with privacy, consent and regulatory obligations.

Key features:

• Privacy centric DSPM and data security features
• Discovery and classification aligned with privacy programs
• Workflows that support privacy, governance and security teams

Pros

• Strong privacy and compliance alignment
• Good fit for regulated industries

Cons

• May be more than needed for teams that only want DSPM
• Broad feature set can add complexity for small deployments

Top 6 Capabilities of DSPM Tools

Choosing among DSPM tools is easier when you focus on the capabilities that matter most. The best data security posture management tools share features that turn raw data scans into action and directly strengthen cloud data security.

1. Automated data discovery across cloud and SaaS

DSPM starts with the ability to find data wherever it lives. Automated data discovery across cloud storage, databases, SaaS apps and file systems replaces ad hoc inventories and one time audits.

2. Accurate AI driven classification and labeling

Finding data is not enough. DSPM tools need to understand what that data means. AI driven classification separates routine content from high value assets such as financial records, health data and intellectual property.

3. Data access governance and permissions analysis

Many breaches stem from simple access issues. Strong DSPM tools analyze who can access each dataset, how that access is granted and where it violates least privilege.

4. Risk scoring and prioritized remediation workflows

Good DSPM platforms translate posture data into clear risk signals. They score issues based on sensitivity, exposure and business impact then group related problems into workflows.

5. SaaS and cloud remediation to fix overexposed data

Visibility is only useful if teams can act on it. Top DSPM tools connect directly to SaaS and cloud platforms so they can remove public links, adjust group memberships or change permissions in a controlled way.

6. DSPM for AI and GenAI safety

AI adoption introduces new data flows and risks. DSPM for AI extends posture management to training data, prompts and AI outputs so sensitive information does not leak into public or shared models.

How to Choose a Great DSPM Tool for Your Organization

Every organization’s data landscape is different so there is no single best DSPM tool or one size fits all cloud data security product. The right choice depends on your cloud strategy, regulatory obligations and existing security stack.

Start by mapping where your most important data lives today and where it is going. Consider cloud platforms, SaaS applications, on-prem systems and AI initiatives. Then look for a DSPM solution for cloud security that aligns with that architecture instead of forcing you into a narrow model.

When you evaluate vendors, focus on three questions. Can the tool discover and classify your data accurately. Can it surface real risk instead of noise. Can your teams use its workflows and reports without adding friction to the business.

4 Most Common Use Cases for DSPM Tools

DSPM delivers the most value when it is mapped to clear, repeatable business outcomes. Leading programs anchor their strategy around well-defined DSPM use cases that tie data posture improvements to risk reduction and compliance goals.

1. Finding and fixing risky data exposure in multi cloud and SaaS

Organizations often discover sensitive data scattered across cloud storage buckets, databases and SaaS file shares with inconsistent controls. DSPM tools help teams locate that data, understand its sensitivity and highlight where it is exposed to users or networks that do not need access.

2. Cleaning up overshared collaboration data in tools like M365 and Salesforce

Collaboration tools make it easy to share files with entire departments, external partners and the public internet. DSPM tools analyze sharing patterns, links and group memberships to show where sensitive data has been left open so teams can safely reduce exposure.

3. Strengthening compliance and audit readiness

Regulations expect organizations to know where regulated data resides and how it is protected. DSPM platforms map sensitive data to systems, owners and controls then provide reports that support audits and internal reviews.

4. Governing AI and GenAI data flows

AI and GenAI introduce new ways for sensitive data to move. DSPM for AI helps teams see which datasets feed AI models and how prompts and outputs handle sensitive information.

See Forcepoint DSPM in Action

Forcepoint DSPM brings these capabilities together in a platform designed for hybrid and multi cloud enterprises that need consistent cloud data security. It delivers fast discovery across cloud, SaaS and on-prem, powered by AI Mesh classification that understands content and context.

Because Forcepoint DSPM integrates with DLP, CASB and DDR, teams can move from visibility to enforcement using a common set of policies and signals. DSPM for AI extends that protection to modern AI use cases so security leaders can support innovation with confidence.

If you want to see how your data posture looks today and where you can reduce risk, connect with Forcepoint to see Forcepoint DSPM in action and explore your own environment.