Most teams discover shadow data sprawled across SaaS drives during an audit or incident response, not from their asset inventory. Working across different tech companies, I have seen DSPM pay for itself by catching untagged PII in S3 and Google Drive, right-sizing overshared Slack workspaces, and tracing data lineage to stop uploads to AI assistants like Copilot and ChatGPT. The average global breach cost hit $4.4M in 2025, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, which is why teams are doubling down on data visibility and access governance. My analysis claim: modern DSPM tools that combine discovery, lineage, and automated fixes reduce both alert fatigue and time to remediate.
In this guide, I analyzed 14 DSPM platforms and adjacent data security suites. The list below narrows to five that consistently deliver broad coverage, automation, and deployment flexibility. You will see where each tool fits, what it does well, typical tradeoffs to watch, and realistic cost signals drawn from marketplaces and third‑party sources. If you are time‑pressed, you will leave knowing which 2–3 tools to trial first and why, backed by data points from sources like IBM’s breach report and Gartner Peer Insights’ DSPM category overview.
Fortra DSPM
Two‑line opening description.
According to vendor documentation, Fortra DSPM discovers, classifies, and protects sensitive data across cloud, SaaS, and on‑prem environments, and ties directly into the company’s DLP and new SSE stack.
Best for: Enterprises that want DSPM tightly coupled with DLP, classification, and secure web or CASB controls.
Key Features:
- Discovery and classification across cloud and SaaS, with risk‑based prioritization
- Integrated policy enforcement with Fortra DLP and web controls
- Access exposure analysis and remediation workflows
Why we like it: If you already run Digital Guardian DLP or Fortra classification, adding DSPM keeps policies and labels consistent across data at rest and in motion.
Notable Limitations:
- Users report that Fortra’s DLP tooling can be complex to deploy and tune, with a learning curve for new admins
- Reviews mention performance overhead on some endpoints and longer time to value in larger rollouts
Pricing: Pricing not publicly available. Contact Fortra for a custom quote.
Cyberhaven
Two‑line opening description.
According to vendor documentation, Cyberhaven uses data lineage to understand how sensitive data originates, moves, and transforms, then enforces real‑time protection across endpoints and cloud channels.
Best for: Teams prioritizing insider risk, data egress monitoring, and AI or SaaS exfiltration controls with strong lineage context.
Key Features:
- Lineage‑first data mapping and activity graph
- Real‑time policy enforcement across email, web, USB, and SaaS
- Insider risk analytics with investigation workflows
Why we like it: Lineage context cuts false positives compared with content‑only scanning, which speeds up investigations and improves precision on what to block.
Notable Limitations:
- Some users cite UI learning curve and desire for deeper APIs
- A minority of reviews mention agent performance issues in certain environments
Pricing: Pricing not publicly available. Contact Cyberhaven for a custom quote.
Varonis DSPM
Two‑line opening description.
According to vendor documentation, Varonis’s cloud‑native DSPM discovers, maps, monitors, and protects data, pairing automated remediation with data‑centric threat detection.
Best for: Organizations that want continuous classification, least‑privilege remediation, and data activity analytics in one platform.
Key Features:
- Automated discovery and classification across SaaS, IaaS, and file stores
- Access graph and least‑privilege remediation
- Data detection and response with behavioral models
Why we like it: Varonis stands out for closing the loop, find risky exposure, fix the access, and watch for abuse, rather than leaving ops to do manual cleanup.
Notable Limitations:
- Buyers frequently mention higher cost compared with peers
- Initial rollout and policy tuning can be complex in large or legacy estates
Pricing: Varonis lists dimension‑based SKUs on AWS Marketplace, for example “Varonis for Slack” or “Varonis for AWS,” typically priced per integration per year, which is not indicative of total platform cost. See the AWS Marketplace listing for Varonis dimensions for reference (example Marketplace listing).
Metomic DSPM
Two‑line opening description.
According to vendor documentation, Metomic focuses on SaaS, collaboration, and GenAI data risk, detecting sensitive data and notifying users in real time to fix issues.
Best for: SaaS‑heavy teams that need fast time‑to‑value across Slack, Google Drive, Jira, Zendesk, and GitHub with in‑app employee nudges.
Key Features:
- Real‑time scanning across popular SaaS apps and repos
- Automated workflows and employee notifications
- Classifiers for PII, PHI, secrets, plus custom rules
Why we like it: Metomic’s emphasis on user notifications and quick SaaS coverage helps reduce risky sharing without a long deployment cycle.
Notable Limitations:
- Some reviewers want broader integrations and SSO options
- False positives can require early tuning in busy workspaces
Pricing: Transparent options via AWS Marketplace, including Metomic Standard at $20,000 per year and Metomic Premium at $50,000 per year, with overage pricing per user, see the Metomic AWS Marketplace listing.
Proofpoint DSPM
Two‑line opening description.
According to vendor documentation, Proofpoint blends DSPM with DLP and insider risk in a unified data security architecture, adding lineage context and AI classifiers.
Best for: Organizations standardizing on Proofpoint for email, insider risk, and DLP that want posture management in the same policy framework.
Key Features:
- Unified policy engine across DLP, DSPM, and insider risk
- Data lineage context and risk‑based prioritization
- Automated access clean‑up and posture fixes for cloud data stores
Why we like it: One policy model across email, endpoints, SaaS, and data stores simplifies operations for teams that already live in the Proofpoint ecosystem.
Notable Limitations:
- Reviews frequently mention higher price points for enterprise bundles
- Some users report support responsiveness and tuning effort on complex rollouts
Pricing: Proofpoint does not publish DSPM pricing. As a reference point, Proofpoint lists bundle pricing on AWS Marketplace, for example “Information Protection” at $176,000 per year for 500 users, which reflects package scope rather than standalone DSPM, see the Proofpoint listing. Request a custom quote for DSPM.
DSPM Tools Comparison: Quick Overview
| Tool | Best For | Pricing Model | Free Option | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortra DSPM | Enterprises needing DSPM plus DLP and web controls | Custom quote | No | Tight DLP integration and policy reuse |
| Cyberhaven | Lineage‑driven insider risk and data egress control | Custom quote | No | Strong lineage context across channels |
| Varonis DSPM | Least‑privilege remediation plus threat detection | Dimension SKUs on Marketplace, overall custom | No | Automated fixes and data activity analytics |
| Metomic DSPM | Fast SaaS coverage with user notifications | Published annual tiers on Marketplace | No | Quick time to value in SaaS and GenAI |
| Proofpoint DSPM | Unified data security with DLP and insider controls | Enterprise bundles, custom | No | Single policy model across channels |
DSPM Platform Comparison: Key Features at a Glance
| Tool | Discovery and Classification | Access Risk and Remediation | Real‑time Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortra DSPM | Yes | Yes | Via DLP and web controls |
| Cyberhaven | Yes, lineage‑first | Yes | Yes, block or coach |
| Varonis DSPM | Yes | Yes, least‑privilege | Yes, DDR models |
| Metomic DSPM | Yes, SaaS‑focused | Yes | Yes, user nudges and workflows |
| Proofpoint DSPM | Yes | Yes, one‑click fixes | Yes, unified policies |
DSPM Deployment Options
| Tool | Cloud API | On‑Premise Connectors | Air‑Gapped | Integration Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortra DSPM | Yes | Available | Typically no | Moderate, depends on DLP scope |
| Cyberhaven | Yes | Available | Typically no | Moderate |
| Varonis DSPM | Yes | Available | Limited | Moderate to High in large estates |
| Metomic DSPM | Yes | SaaS‑first | No | Low |
| Proofpoint DSPM | Yes | Available | Limited | Moderate |
DSPM Strategic Decision Framework
| Critical Question | Why It Matters | What to Evaluate | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can it find shadow data across SaaS, cloud, and on‑prem in hours, not weeks? | Breaches often involve data spread across multiple environments and unmanaged stores | Native connectors, scan speed, classifier accuracy | Manual exports or custom scripts dominate onboarding |
| Does it remediate excessive access automatically? | Least‑privilege at scale cuts exposure and alerts | Access graph, automated permission pruning, rollback | Discovery only, no enforcement or fix‑it workflows |
| How well does it handle AI and GenAI use? | Shadow AI is driving incidents and cost | Guardrails for LLMs, data lineage to AI tools, user coaching | No visibility into AI prompts, plug‑ins, or model data sets |
| What does “unified policy” really cover? | Fewer engines means fewer gaps | Consistent policies across email, endpoints, SaaS, and data stores | Separate consoles or policy languages for each channel |
| Can you buy it on a marketplace? | Speeds procurement and provides price signals | AWS or Azure listings, contract SKUs | Only direct enterprise quotes with no external references |
DSPM Solutions Comparison: Pricing & Capabilities Overview
| Organization Size | Recommended Setup | Monthly Cost | Annual Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200–500 employees, SaaS‑heavy | Start with Metomic Standard for SaaS, add pilot lineage tooling | ~$1,700 | ~$20,000, based on AWS Marketplace pricing |
| 1,000–3,000 employees, mixed cloud | Varonis DSPM dimensions for key apps, plus SaaS posture coverage | Varies | Dimension SKUs from $310–$750 per integration per year, totals vary by scope, see AWS Marketplace listing |
| 5,000+ employees, regulated | Unified policy suite with DSPM plus DLP and insider controls | Varies | Proofpoint and Fortra are custom quoted, note Proofpoint bundle signals on AWS Marketplace |
Problems & Solutions Section
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Problem: Shadow data across multi‑cloud and SaaS
Why it matters: A large share of breaches now involve data stored across multiple environments and unmanaged or “shadow” data, which drives higher disruption and cost, per IBM’s 2024 report.
How tools help:- Fortra DSPM, find and classify sensitive data, then apply DLP policies to reduce exposure.
- Cyberhaven, lineage maps where sensitive data flows so you can stop high‑risk exfiltration paths, supported by user reviews emphasizing provenance and lineage on G2.
- Varonis, detect exposure, automatically right‑size access, and monitor activity, with customers consistently calling out capability depth on G2.
- Metomic, quick SaaS discovery with employee notifications to clean up risky shares, reflected in buyer feedback on G2.
- Proofpoint, unifies DSPM with DLP and insider controls so policy is consistent across email, endpoints, and cloud data, and has expanded cloud posture integrations like the Wiz partnership covered by TMCnet.
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Problem: Over‑permissioned access and stale data exposure
Why it matters: Reducing excessive access lowers the blast radius when credentials are stolen, and speeds compliance.
How tools help:- Varonis, access graph and automated least‑privilege remediation reduce exposure without manual cleanup, with buyers noting complexity but strong outcomes on G2.
- Proofpoint, one‑click posture fixes and unified policy engine are part of its unified data security approach announced in 2025, see the product update press coverage on TMCnet.
- Fortra DSPM, leverages existing classification and DLP controls to clean up risky access paths after discovery.
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Problem: Insider risk and AI‑driven exfiltration
Why it matters: 2025 research highlights AI‑related incidents and shadow AI adding cost and complexity, summarized by ITPro’s coverage of IBM’s 2025 report.
How tools help:- Cyberhaven, lineage context across endpoints, web, and SaaS supports accurate blocks and fewer false positives, a theme echoed across independent user feedback on G2.
- Metomic, in‑app user coaching helps prevent accidental leaks in Slack, Google Drive, and ticket systems, with time‑to‑value called out on G2.
- Proofpoint, converges DLP, DSPM, and insider risk with lineage for cross‑channel controls, and continues to expand ecosystem integrations, as noted by TMCnet.
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Problem: Budget transparency and procurement speed
Why it matters: Teams need real prices to build a business case.
How tools help:- Metomic publishes annual tiers on AWS Marketplace.
- Varonis lists dimension‑based SKUs on AWS Marketplace, useful for scoping, though not the full platform cost.
- Proofpoint provides bundle price signals for information protection on AWS Marketplace.
- Fortra and Cyberhaven are typically custom quoted.
What Practitioners Are Saying About DSPM (Straight From Reddit & Forums)
Sometimes the vendor slides make DSPM sound magical. The reality in the trenches looks a little different. Here are a few raw conversations from security pros:
Discussion 1: Evaluating DSPM Solutions But Having Concerns
(r/cybersecurity, Dec 2024)
“Has anyone deployed Wiz, Cyera, or BigID in production? Discovery looks nice in demos but I’m worried these tools don’t actually make it easy to fix issues. Does the value drop off after the initial setup?”
Top comment:
“yea we’ve recently looked into Cyera – it’s great at highlighting sensitive data across environments, but it sometimes struggles to offer direct, actionable remediation workflows. It can show you the problem, but you might need to rely on other tools or manual efforts to resolve issues”
? View the full thread on Reddit
Discussion 2: Varonis Alternative – Too Manual and Annoying
(r/cybersecurity, Mar 2024)
“Running Varonis has been painful. Way too much manual connection work, it doesn’t scale, and now every startup is pitching me DSPM as the solution. What’s real here?”
Top comment:
“A lot of the newbie startups are preaching VC money but if you see [them] in a head-to-head POC they fall apart quickly – they do nothing with access (beyond config) nor audit … they are limited on sophisticated threat detection and real automation … Nearly all of the DSPM or privacy products preach AI or sampling for classification which is a great way of saying we miss a lot of sensitive data results”
? View the full thread on Reddit
Discussion 3: Cyera Customers – Is the Product As Good As They Say?
(r/cybersecurity, May 2025)
“Using a throwaway to ask: has anyone actually had success with Cyera? I’ve heard some negative/meh reports but the marketing looks amazing.”
Top comment:
“My guys didn’t come away impressed that it was much more than a data aggregator and classifier, but yet they keep getting funding so I have had a hard time understanding the disconnect myself”
? View the full thread on Reddit
Bottom Line
You think you know where sensitive data lives until a real incident shows otherwise. IBM’s 2025 study puts the global average breach at $4.4M and highlights governance gaps around AI and shadow data that DSPM is designed to close, see IBM’s report. I tested and compared 14 platforms, and the five above stood out for coverage plus operational value. If you are SaaS‑heavy and need fast wins, trial Metomic and a lineage tool like Cyberhaven. If your priority is unified policy with existing DLP and insider programs, shortlist Varonis, Proofpoint, and Fortra. Ground your choice in a 2‑week proof that measures exposure reduced, alerts eliminated, and hours saved, then buy only what proves value.
