The best data loss prevention software depends on where your data leaks from: endpoint DLP suits laptops and USB drives, cloud DLP suits SaaS apps, and newer AI-focused tools suit data moving into AI assistants. Eleven options follow in no particular order.
Data loss prevention, or DLP, watches for sensitive information leaving where it should be: a customer list emailed to a personal address, a contract uploaded to the wrong cloud folder, source code pasted into a chatbot. When it spots one, it'll warn, block or alert, depending on the rule you've set.
The eleven tools below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from platforms built for mid-sized firms to suites from the largest security vendors. Every description comes from the vendor's own site, read this week. If you're still getting the basics in place, my guide to staying safe from cyber threats covers the first steps.
DLP software at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site names a free plan, a free version, a free tool or an open source edition. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to try it.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberhaven | AI-native data security platform | Following data wherever it moves | Not stated |
| Endpoint Protector | Endpoint DLP across operating systems | Mixed Mac, Windows and Linux fleets | Trial only |
| Forcepoint | Enterprise DLP platform | Broad policy coverage and forensics | Not stated |
| Fortra Digital Guardian | Enterprise DLP with expert support | Working with existing data classification | Not stated |
| GTB Technologies | DLP and intellectual property protection | Protecting intellectual property | Trial only |
| Microsoft Purview | Data security inside Microsoft 365 | Organisations already on Microsoft 365 | Trial only |
| Netskope | Cloud DLP within a SASE platform | Protecting data in cloud apps | Not stated |
| Nightfall | AI security platform for data movement | Data flowing through AI agents and SaaS | Not stated |
| Proofpoint | Enterprise DLP from an email security brand | People-centric data protection | Not stated |
| Safetica | Data protection and insider risk platform | Insider risk for mid-sized firms | Not stated |
| Teramind | DLP with insider risk monitoring | Pairing DLP with activity monitoring | Trial only |
Eleven data loss prevention tools to consider
Cyberhaven
Best for: Security teams that want protection based on the full history of a piece of data, for people and AI agents alike.
Endpoint Protector
Best for: IT teams that want data loss prevention on Mac, Windows and Linux devices, with a free trial before rollout.
Forcepoint
Best for: Large organisations that want DLP on premises, in the cloud or hybrid, with strong policy management and reporting.
Fortra Digital Guardian
Best for: Enterprises that want DLP that works with their existing data classification tools, backed by a supported service.
GTB Technologies
Best for: Companies whose biggest worry is leaked designs, code or other intellectual property, with a free cloud trial.
Microsoft Purview
Best for: Businesses on Microsoft 365 that want sensitive data discovered and protected across the tools staff already use.
Netskope
Best for: Organisations moving to cloud apps that want DLP built into the same platform as their web and cloud security.
Nightfall
Best for: Teams that want to control sensitive data moving through AI agents, MCP servers, endpoints and SaaS apps.
Proofpoint
Best for: Organisations that already use Proofpoint for email and want data loss prevention from the same security vendor.
Safetica
Best for: Mid-sized businesses that want data protection, insider risk and compliance in one AI-powered platform without slowing staff down.
Teramind
Best for: Businesses that want data loss prevention alongside insider risk management and user activity insight, with a free trial.
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Endpoint, cloud or AI data flows?
Endpoint DLP runs on laptops and desktops. It's good at USB drives, printing and files copied off the device, and it's where most DLP projects began. Cloud DLP sits in your SaaS apps and web traffic, which is where a lot of work now happens. A newer group of tools focuses on data moving into AI assistants and agents, because pasting sensitive text into a chatbot is the leak many teams worry about most.
Many suites now cover two or three of these. The question is which one matches your biggest real risk, not which has the longest feature list.
The 72 hour clock
The ICO says organisations must report certain personal data breaches within 72 hours of becoming aware of them, where feasible. It also says you must keep a record of any personal data breaches, whether or not you have to notify.
DLP alerts are often how you become aware. If nobody reads them, the clock may already be running before anyone knows. Decide who owns the alerts, how fast they'll look at them and how a real incident gets escalated before the tool goes live.
Questions to ask before you choose
- What data would hurt us most if it leaked, and where does it live?
- Do staff use personal devices or USB drives for work?
- Which cloud apps and AI tools does our team use every day?
- Can it classify data automatically, or do we label everything?
- How noisy are the alerts in the first month?
- Does it support Mac and Linux as well as Windows?
Leaks DLP is good at catching
- Files copied to USB drives. Endpoint agents see this directly.
- Customer data emailed outside the company. Content rules can flag it.
- Sensitive text pasted into AI tools. Newer tools focus on this.
- Public sharing links on cloud files. Cloud DLP can spot them.
Do you make data loss prevention software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on rolling out DLP
Start in monitor-only mode for a few weeks. You'll see where data really goes, which is rarely where the policy document says, and you'll avoid blocking a sales team the day before a big pitch. Then switch on blocking for the one or two flows that matter most.
Tell staff what the tool watches and why. People are far more careful when they understand the risk, and far more likely to find workarounds when a tool appears without explanation. My guide to which AI tools suit GDPR-conscious UK businesses helps with the AI side of the policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is data loss prevention software?
It's software that spots sensitive data leaving approved places, such as email, cloud apps, USB drives or AI tools, and warns, blocks or alerts when it does.
Is DLP only for large companies?
No. Several tools in this list describe themselves as suiting mid-sized businesses, and cloud DLP is far easier to roll out than it used to be.
Can DLP stop data going into AI chatbots?
Some tools in the table describe controls for data moving into AI agents and SaaS apps. Check each vendor's own description.
Is there free DLP software?
None of the tools in this list named a free plan on the pages I read, though several offer a free trial.
What's the difference between DLP and insider risk management?
DLP focuses on the data itself. Insider risk tools look at user behaviour patterns too. Several products now combine both.
How long does DLP take to set up?
Cloud tools can start monitoring quickly. Tuning policies so alerts are useful usually takes longer, which is why a monitor-only phase helps.
