Digital Guardian DLP Review and Best Alternatives

Verdasys started operations in 2003. The company specialized in data protection and fraud detection software. The most successful product of the business was a data loss prevention (DLP) system called Digital Guardian, and in 2010, Verdasys converted this star system into a SaaS platform. However, Digital Guardian continued to grow, dominating its activity, so in August 2014, the company changed its name to Digital Guardian.

What does Digital Guardian DLP do?

The critical service that the Digital Guardian platform offers is its protection services for sensitive data. Companies that hold personally identifiable information (PII) on individuals now must be cautious about managing that data. Legislation around the world imposes fines on businesses that fail to protect this information from misuse or disclosure.

Digital Guardian

Industry standards for data privacy, such as PCI DSS for the payment card industry and HIPAA for the healthcare sector, are now embedded into business agreements. Part of the legal requirements over PII management includes ensuring that all suppliers and associated businesses comply with the relevant standard. So if your company operates in a sector covered by a data privacy requirement, you just won’t get any business unless it complies with that requirement.

GDPR in the EU and the CCPA in California are two examples of regional standards for PII management that can result in heavy fines for businesses operating in those locations without full compliance.

The Digital Guardian platform provides all of the tools that a business needs to comply with all data protection standards regarding PII. It also helps block the theft of other data held on your systems.

Digital Guardian features

The Digital Guardian platform is composed of modules. Many of these are interlinked and work together to provide complete protection for PII.

The key features of Guardian DLP are:

  • Data Discovery – tracks down all instances of sensitive data.
  • Data Classification – grades the sensitivity of all discovered data.
  • Endpoint DLP – implemented by agents for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This tool uploads activity records and receives instructions from the central server. It can block the movement of files and also implements file access rights.
  • Network DLP – watches the movement of data around the network and onto the internet. It can force encryption and also block transfers.
  • Cloud Data Protection – implements all of the systems services to protect data held on cloud servers.
  • Analytics and Reporting – works as a SIEM to spot intruder events missed by other modules.

How much does Digital Guardian cost?

Digital Guardian DLP is offered as a self-drive package that is delivered from the cloud. The central server for the system is hosted, and subscribers access their account dashboard through any standard browser.

Businesses that don’t have their in-house cybersecurity teams can opt for the Managed Detection and Response package. This includes all staff to monitor the service, so there is no need to allocate any staff to watch the dashboard.

Digital Guardian doesn’t publish the price of its DLP platform. Instead, you need to contact the Sales Department to get a quote. You can also access a demo system for assessment.

Pros and Cons of Digital Guardian

Digital Guardian is a very effective data loss prevention system. Here are its benefits and detections.

Pros:

  • Reorganizes access rights
  • Discovers and categorizes sensitive data
  • Manages file access
  • Control data exfiltration channels
  • Monitors endpoint activity and network traffic
  • Applies control to data access on cloud platforms

Cons:

  • The price is kept secret

Alternatives to Digital Guardian

Digital Guardian is a very comprehensive system for the protection of sensitive data. However, it is not the only system on the market, and many of its rivals present powerful alternatives.

Our methodology for selecting a Digital Guardian alternative

We reviewed the market for data loss prevention systems and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:

  • A system that discovers sensitive data and ranks it
  • An auditor for access rights management systems that recommends better controls
  • Graded permissions management that takes into account the user’s role and department
  • A file integrity monitor
  • A system to detect unusual behavior
  • A demo system or a free trial for a no-cost assessment
  • Value for money that offers complete protection at a competitive price

As well as looking for the key attributes listed in our selection criteria, we made sure to include systems for different operating systems and cloud-based services.

Here is our list of the best alternatives to Digital Guardian:

  1. SolarWinds Security Event Manager (FREE TRIAL) A SIEM service and a log manager that includes a file integrity monitor and compliance auditing. It runs on Windows Server.
  2. ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus (FREE TRIAL) Use this package to identify sensitive data and then control access to it, how it is transferred, and how the system responds to unauthorized access attempts. Runs on Windows Server.
  3. ManageEngine DataSecurity Plus (FREE TRIAL) This system provides data loss prevention, risk assessments, and file auditing for on-premises and cloud-stored data. Runs on Windows Server.
  4. Endpoint Protector This data loss prevention system discovers and classifies PII, audits access rights, watches file activity, and controls all utilities that can be used for moving data. Offered as a hosted service, as an app on cloud platforms, or for installation as a virtual appliance.
  5. Spirion Sensitive Data Manager This cloud-based service tracks and manages sensitive data on-site, remote locations, and in the cloud by working through agent systems. Agents install on Windows, macOS, Linux, and cloud platforms.
  6. Azure Information Protection A sensitive data management service from this cloud platform can manage data anywhere, not just on Azure.
  7. Mage iDiscover A cloud-based data management platform that uses AI techniques to identify and protect sensitive data following GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA requirements.

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

1. SolarWinds Security Event Manager (FREE TRIAL)

SolarWinds Security Event Manager

SolarWinds Security Event Manager is a SIEM system and log manager that also includes a file integrity monitor. In addition, this package consists of a range of security services, including a vulnerability scanner. So, you get system hardening tips and then constant security monitoring with this bundle. This package’s services provide compliance with PCI DSS, GLBA, SOX, NERC CIP, and HIPAA.

Key Features:

  • Gathers logs
  • On-premises system
  • PCI DSS, GLBA, SOX, NERC CIP, and HIPAA
  • Log file protection
  • Risk assessments

Why do we recommend it?

SolarWinds Security Event Manager is a SIEM system. This tool includes a log manager and the two main elements of the system create effective compliance auditing and reporting functions. By default, this system doesn’t look specifically for actions on data types, but it can be adapted by custom log searches.

The vulnerability manager includes a risk assessment service. This will identify where weaknesses in your system lie, and you can then home in on specific locations of sensitive data. This system links all actions to your access rights manager and helps block inappropriate actions by authorized users and access attempts by intruders. Sensitive data mismanagement detection is implemented through the SIEM service. Automated file integrity monitoring operates on the log files managed by Security Event Manager.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a solution for large companies that don’t want to use external, cloud-based SIEM systems. The service is implemented as a software package for Windows Server. You can perform all of your security scanning with this tool, not just data loss prevention. This SIEM is particularly good at spotting intrusion.

Pros:

  • A file integrity monitor for log files
  • A vulnerability scanner
  • A SIEM to detect suspicious activity on sensitive data stores

Cons:

  • It doesn’t include a data discovery service or a sensitivity categorizer

SolarWinds Security Event Manager runs on Windows Server, and it is available for a 30-day free trial.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

The Security Event Manager logs all activities performed on monitored files, and those records get sent into a poll and all other system logs. This collection forms the input to the SIEM system. With this service, you will be alerted to unexpected activity. This detects insider threats as well as intruder activity. The SIEM coordinates with firewalls and access rights management systems to block malicious activity. The log manager attached to the SIEM stores logs for compliance auditing.

Official Site: solarwinds.com/security-event-manager/registration

OS: Windows Server

2. ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus (FREE TRIAL)

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus is a package of protection methods for sensitive data. It implements data loss prevention by identifying and classifying sensitive data. This exercise is carried out in the context of data protection standards. So, you first set up the package for your specific protection needs and then set it off on its discovery path.

Key Features:

  • Data discovery
  • Data classification
  • User behavior tracking
  • Also applies to cloud platforms

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus is a strong competitor for Digital Guardinal DLP because it performs many similar routines. For example, this package implements data discovery and classification that can be tailored to specific data protection standards. This package covers cloud resources as well as on-premises assets.

The definition of the types of data that you need to protect is all part of security policies. These are available as templates but you can also create your own. Once your sensitive data is located, access rights and data usage permissions are enforced in email systems, cloud platforms, file transfer utilities, and on USB devices.

The service logs all file access events and tracks user activity in relation to sensitive data usage. This enables you to block inappropriate use by authorized users. Access to data is controlled by preventing direct access to the actual data store, such as files and databases. Instead, those data stores can only be mined by authorized applications, which you define. This link puts greater emphasis on the need for tight access rights management.

Who is it recommended for?

Clearly, the main audience for this package will be companies that manage personally identifiable information and other sensitive data. This is an on-premises software package that runs on Windows Server. Ordinarily, large companies are going to be more likely to buy such as system. However, ManageEngine offers a Free edition for SM that covers 25 endpoints.

Pros:

  • Data identification and classification
  • Data access locked into secure applications
  • User activity tracking and data access logging
  • Control of USBs, file transfer utilities, and email systems

Cons:

  • Not available as a SaaS package

The software for ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus runs on Windows Server and it is available in free and paid versions. The Free edition is limited to monitoring 25 endpoints. You can access the full, professional system, which can monitor devices on multiple sites, on a 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus Download 30-day FREE Trial

3. ManageEngine DataSecurity Plus (FREE TRIAL)

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus

ManageEngine DataSecurity Plus is a bundle of ManageEngine security and analysis tools, which includes the Endpoint DLP package. The core DLP function provides standards compliance adaptations, which enable it to target specific types of data for protection. Examples of these data types are credit card numbers and email addresses.

Key Features:

  • File integrity monitoring
  • Sensitive data discovery
  • Compliance management

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine DataSecurity Plus is the second ManageEngine tool on this list. While Endpoint DLP is classified as an endpoint protection service, ManageEngine categorizes DataSecurity Plus as a security auditing package. As both systems protect data, there is a lot of overlap between them.

The DLP system then scours all of your endpoints for instances of the specified data types and logs their locations. The files that are identified for this process get special access and movement controls applied to them.

DataSecurity Plus provides file server analysis, which identifies temporary and junk files for deletion and provides analysis of file permissions to help tighten data security. The File Auditing function logs all data access events and can be set up to raise an alert if those protected files are touched. The Data Risk Assessment service refines the data discovery process, enabling it to spot adjacent fields or scattered data, which, in combination can identify an individual and therefore qualify a document or data file for special protection.

The Cloud Protection module extends the functions of the DLP to cloud stores and also prevents banned content from loading in the browsers of your users.

Who is it recommended for?

A business looking for a DLP system that decides on ManageEngine as a provider has two systems to choose from. Both of these services are software bundles for Windows Server. The big difference between them is the charging structure with DataSecurity Plus divided into four modules, which are charged for individually.

Pros:

  • Provides data risk assessment according to a given standard
  • Identifies weak file permission controls
  • Controls the usage and movement of sensitive data
  • Creates an audit trail for compliance

Cons:

  • No SaaS option

The pricing structure of DataSecurity Plus is a little complicated because each of the four components in the system has its individual price. The software bundle for DataSecurity Plus runs on Windows Server and you can get it on a 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine DataSecurity Plus Start 30-day FREE Trial

4. Endpoint Protector

Endpoint Protector

Endpoint Protector is a very close match for Data Guardian. This is a data loss prevention system that requires agents to be installed on endpoints. The endpoint modules ensure continuity should those devices get disconnected from the network and cannot communicate with the central module.

Key Features:

  • Sensitive data discovery
  • Controls access to files
  • Controls detachable storage

Why do we recommend it?

Endpoint Protector provides a sensitive data scanner that will categorize discovered data instances according to a given data security standard. This platform containerizes each file and then only allows access according to a built-in access rights manager. This ARM links together rights for a file, for an application, and for a user.

The on-device systems are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The profile activities on the device and send reports up to the central server for analysis. These agents also perform sensitive data discovery and classification services. That discovery service works continuously, so new instances of PII are instantly spotted and enrolled in protection. In addition, the agents monitor activity on USB devices, printers, and email clients to enforce the system-wide data security policy.

The central module allows system administrators to set up security policies and then communicates them to endpoint agents. It also audits the access rights management system and gathers information for compliance auditing. The system spots data in motion and optionally blocks it or enforces encryption. It also controls access to files of sensitive data by encrypting them.

Endpoint Protector can protect data on your site, in remote locations, and on the cloud. It is a hosted SaaS platform and accessible as a service on AWS, GCP, and Azure. Additionally, it is possible to install the software on-site over a VM.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a very good system for companies that need to implement data security but can’t afford or find suitable cybersecurity experts for their staff. This is because the Endpoint Protector system, which can also block malware, is incredibly easy to implement. Protected endpoints can be running Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Pros:

  • Includes a constantly operating discovery and classification service for sensitive data
  • Monitors endpoints, USB ports, email clients, and printers to enforce security policies
  • Uses encryption to enforce file and transmission protection
  • Audits and adjusts user permissions in access rights management systems
  • Includes auditing and reporting services for standards compliance

Cons:

  • This system just stops short of being a SIEM

Endpoint Protector a great choice for a Digital Guardian replacement because its functions match its main rival while being available on a broader range of platforms.  The services of Endpoint Protector cover all possible methods that intruders and malicious insiders could use to steal data. In addition, this system includes a high degree of automation, which removes the need to employ security experts.

Get access to a demo: endpointprotector.com/get-demo

5. Spirion Sensitive Data Manager

Spirion Sensitive Data Manager

Spirion Sensitive Data Manager is a cloud-hosted SaaS platform that interacts with the agent modules installed on your sites and cloud data stores. Agents perform continuous data discovery and sensitivity classification. In addition, the central server supplies you with a choice of off-the-shelf security policies tuned to different data privacy standards. You can accept one of these, adapt one, or write your own. This service covers intellectual property as well as PII.

Key Features:

  • Data discovery and classifications
  • On-premises solution
  • Also protects data on cloud

Why do we recommend it?

Spirion Sensitive Data Manager competes in a crowded market because it is an on-premises data loss prevention system. The on-prem delivery model still seems to be the winner for DLP systems. The eDiscovery module in this package is called AnyFind and it operates continuously to register new data instances for protection.

The data classification module is called Watcher. While it assesses data instances, it also scans for system weaknesses, so it is also a vulnerability manager. It examines your access rights system and sets all of your user accounts’ permission levels. Then, it recommends new account permissions and new user groups.

The ongoing file integrity monitoring service in the Sensitive Data Manager is called Spyglass. This implements your security policies. You can apply different approaches to different user groups and business departments; access rights are segmented. So naturally, intruders don’t get a look in.

Who is it recommended for?

This system can scan on-premises files, cloud platforms, including storage services, and cloud SaaS systems, such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. This system works a little like a SIEM because all of the processing is implemented centrally with agents on each endpoint and platform. Businesses with hybrid systems will benefit the most.

Pros:

  • A file integrity monitor that is based on data discovery and classification service
  • An assessor for access rights managers
  • Risk assessment and standards compliance features

Cons:

  • No explicit system security monitoring

The Spirion system includes protection services that comply with data privacy standards such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. In addition, you can get a demo of the Spirion Sensitive Data Manager.

6. Azure Information Protection

Azure Information Protection

Azure Information Protector is a service on the Azure platform that can manage sensitive data wherever it is held. Although you need to set up an Azure account to access this service, you don’t have to use Azure storage space for this system to operate. This system can scan any of your sites and also the cloud resources provided by other platforms.

Key Features:

  • Based on Azure
  • Protects data on-premises
  • Compliance management

Why do we recommend it?

Azure Information Protection is based in the cloud but it can protect data on your on-site endpoints. Ostensibly, this package can interface with any platform anywhere, which would include AWS and GCP. However, the package provides agents for your on-premises endpoints, but an SDK to help you connect to other cloud platforms, which could prove difficult.

To start the data protection service, you have to set up security policies in the Information Protector console based on the Azure servers. Then, you access it through any standard Web browser. This policy can be set by applying a template from a library that matches the data privacy standard that you are following. You then need to enroll each of your servers and cloud services into the program. The service then scans for data and classifies it. From this point, the continuous monitoring of access to those data stores is active.

Other services in this package include the electronic watermarking of documents and an identifier that can be embedded in metadata to track copies of distributed files. File controls allow access to viewing and movement; copying or printing can be blocked. It is also possible to encrypt files to control access.

Who is it recommended for?

If you have Azure accounts, you can easily protect the data held in them with this package. So, the types of businesses that will opt for the Azure Information Protection package are those that keep their data on-premises or on Azure.

Pros:

  • Sensitive data discovery and classification
  • Document watermarking and copy-tracking
  • Blocks on printing or file movements

Cons:

  • No system-wide security monitoring

7. Mage iDiscover

Mage iDiscover

Mage iDiscover supports GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA compliance and includes data discovery and classification. The package also assesses security weaknesses on the servers where detected sensitive data is held. The data discovery system uses AI processes to evaluate the meaning and purpose of data. Its reach extends to databases and unstructured data storage systems. It can examine and protect data on any site and also on cloud platforms.

Key Features:

  • Data discovery and categorization
  • Risk assessment
  • AI processes

Why do we recommend it?

Mage iDiscover is a data discovery and classification system. It is able to identify adjacent or nearby data fields that individually don’t disclose an identity but do collectively. This system uses AI to achieve this task. The package also tracks user activity and data movements.

This security package will examine the access permissions on each datastore and recommend necessary changes. It will also assess your access rights manager, identify new user account controls, and fine-tune your user groups. It will also evaluate the security settings of the applications that give access to sensitive data.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a solution for a large business that already has a SIEM that they like and want to enhance it to implement data loss prevention. For example, businesses that have the SolarWinbds Security Event Manager could implement DLP by feeding Mage iDiscover into it.

Pros:

  • A hosted sensitive data protector for compliance with CCPA, GDPR, and HIPAA
  • Data discovery and classification plus file integrity monitoring
  • AI-based activity monitoring to protect data

Cons:

  • Specifically focused on data protection and not system security

Mage iDiscover is a cloud platform, and you can assess by can accessing a demo.