Top 3 Proofpoint Alternatives in 2024: Analysis of 1K+ Reviews
He holds a BA and an MSc from Cardiff University, UK and has over 2 years of experience as a research analyst in B2B tech.
Proofpoint is a popular cybersecurity solution offering DLP software and device control tools. Some shortcomings were identified during AIMultiple’s analysis of over 1,000 user reviews on Proofpoint. Review its alternatives before buying or renewing a Proofpoint product license:
Top alternatives to Proofpoint
Table 1. Proofpoint platform alternatives
| Platform | Offerings | # of employees |
|---|---|---|
| Proofpoint | – Threat protection – Employee monitoring – Compliance management – Cloud security | 1K-5K |
| Teramind | – Insider threat prevention – Compliance management – Employee monitoring – UBA (User behavior analytics) | 51-200 |
| Veriato | – Insider risk management – Employee monitoring – Compliance management | 51-200 |
| DTEX | – Insider risk management – UAM (User activity monitoring) – UBA (User behavior analytics) | 51-200 |
Table 2. Proofpoint DLP alternatives
| Software | # of Reviews* | User Rating* | Free Trial | Supported OS | Deployment Options*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys | 147 | 4.5 | ✅ | Windows Mac Linux Thin client** | On-premise VDI SaaS |
| Symantec DLP by Broadcom | 189 | 4.3 | ✖ | Windows Mac | On-premise VDI SaaS |
| Proofpoint Information Protection | 95 | 4.5 | ✅ | Windows Mac | SaaS |
| Forcepoint DLP | 75 | 4.4 | ✅ 30-day trial | Windows Mac Linux | On-premise SaaS |
Inclusion criteria for Table 2
* Data source: Leading B2B review platforms.
** Thin client: A light software layer designed specifically for managing a network-based computing environment.
*** Cloud deployment is offered by all products. VDI: Virtual desktop infrastructure.
Requirements for inclusion in the table:
- Relevance of their offerings
- Total user reviews: 50+
- 75+ employees
Sorting: Vendors in the tables with links to their websites are sponsors of AIMultiple and are listed at the top. The remaining products are ranked based on their total number of reviews.
Proofpoint overview
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in the United States, Proofpoint claims to specialize in endpoint protection and email security. It serves various sectors, including IT, telecommunications, healthcare, and education, with a focus on protecting organizations’ data and people from advanced threats and compliance risks.
Its key offerings include (as listed on its website):
- Data loss prevention for enterprises
- Email security
- Email encryption
- Web security
- Cloud app security broker (CASB)
- Insider threat management
- Security awareness training
- Intelligent classification and protection
Shortcomings
1. Not suitable for enterprise use
According to a review, the system struggles with large-scale exact data matching (EDM) and index document matching (IDM) fingerprinting. Additionally, the complexity of Smart Identifiers makes it difficult for incident reviewers to identify the reasons behind email blocks, highlighting a focus on patterns rather than data analysis.1
2. Weak overall platform performance
A customer expressed frustration with the platform’s performance, particularly the slow response times within the PoD (Proof of Delivery) interface and the inconsistent and limited search functionality across different interface sections.2
3. Weak post-purchase support
Proofpoint’s implementation was slow, and support has been lacking. Its DLP product’s results are inconsistent, and post-purchase support is difficult with an unresponsive account manager.3
Detailed analysis of DLP alternatives
This section highlights some pros and cons of the Proofpoint competitors and alternatives compared in Table 1. We focused on their data loss prevention solutions by analyzing over 1K user reviews.
1. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys
Headquartered in North Carolina, Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys is a suitable alternative for Proofpoint since it offers automated EPP (endpoint protection platform) or data loss prevention solutions aimed at monitoring and controlling data transfers from endpoints and email threats.
Here is a list of the solutions it offers as listed on its website:
- Data loss prevention (DLP) software
- Device control.
- Content-aware protection.
- Email security
- Enforced encryption.
- ediscovery.
Pros and cons
1. Effective DLP
A user review highlights the product’s ease of use, customizable settings for various devices, and its effectiveness in data loss prevention, expressing overall satisfaction. However, the user sometimes reported issues with SSL certificates on the Microsoft Edge browser.4
2. Effective data security with fine-tuning needed during deployment
The customer review praises EPP’s software for effectively managing data security, highlighting the exceptional support and knowledge of the implementation team, as well as the helpful and patient customer service, while noting the expected need for fine-tuning during deployment.5
3. Strong DLP, but more demos required
A customer praises the DLP solution for its detailed control, efficient team management, quick updates, and exclusive emergency features while recommending the company offer more demos.6
2. Symantec DLP by Broadcom
Headquartered in California, Symantec by Broadcom is also one of the most suitable Proofpoint alternatives on the market. The company claims to offer data loss prevention, endpoint protection, and email security solutions for sensitive data protection across multiple channels and environments.
Here are its solutions as mentioned on its website:
- Network data loss prevention
- Endpoint data loss prevention
- Data loss prevention for storage
- Data loss prevention for Cloud and Office 365
- Email security and encryption
Pros and cons
1. Expensive and complex implementation
A user review criticized the product for its high costs and complex implementation process, especially for endpoints lacking other components, such as the mail gateway. It further points out the missing basic features that would have made the product much easier to use.7
2. Good DLP with configuration challenges
According to a customer, Symantec has a good DLP solution for security and user training, but it has issues with configurations and limitations in its network prevention features.8
3. Safety for PIIs with inaccurate file flagging
According to a review from TrustRadius, Symantec DLP effectively protects personally identifiable data, such as social security numbers, across the enterprise. However, the customer also stated that sometimes the platform flags files that are not part of the scope.9
Here is a comparison of the top Symantec DLP alternatives.
3. Forcepoint DLP
Based in Austin, Texas, Forcepoint is also a suitable alternative to Proofpoint DLP since it claims to offer a DLP product with threat detection capabilities. It also offers other solutions in the cloud security, network security, and insider threat domains.
Pros and cons
1. Good incident viewing, with Buggy NPI detection and weak support
A user review appreciates the product’s incident viewing feature but mentions bugs with NPI detection and unresolved support issues related to rule tuning for over two months.10
2. Weak device control & no LINUX support
A customer appreciated Forcepoint’s incident detection abilities but pointed out its limited device control capabilities and lack of Linux support for CentOS and Ubuntu.11
3. User-friendly, lacking some features and support
A customer found its data loss prevention product’s interface user-friendly but criticized its ineffective machine learning and OCR features, as well as poor customer support.12
For more on Forcepoint DLP alternatives
FAQs for Proofpoint alternatives
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What is DLP
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a security strategy that aims to detect and prevent the unauthorized use and transmission of confidential information within an organization. DLP software and tools are designed to protect and secure data that flows through an organization’s IT infrastructure, ensuring sensitive information does not exit the network without proper authorization.
Core Functions and Capabilities of DLP:
1. Threat Detection and Protection: DLP provides advanced threat detection capabilities that monitor data in use, in motion, and at rest. This includes detecting potential data breaches and leaks by scanning outbound emails and other transmissions for sensitive data that shouldn’t be shared.
2. Email Security: A significant component of DLP is email protection. It employs technologies such as email encryption, anti-spam, and anti-phishing tools to secure email accounts from phishing attempts, email threats, and suspicious or malicious emails. This ensures that both inbound and outbound communications are monitored for security threats and data breaches.
3. Compliance and Reporting: DLP solutions help organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements by providing detailed reporting features. These tools can log and audit data access and handling, which is essential for meeting standards set by GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
4. Integration and Deployment: Effective DLP solutions are integrated seamlessly with existing IT environments, including cloud services and on-premises appliances. Deployment can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the business, providing flexible and affordable options to protect against data loss and unauthorized data access.
5. Encryption and Security Technologies: Encryption is a fundamental feature of DLP, safeguarding sensitive information so that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorized users. Alongside encryption, DLP employs a variety of security technologies to bolster defense against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
6. Administration and Maintenance: DLP tools are designed for ease of administration, allowing IT staff to maintain and manage security policies efficiently. The ability to centrally manage policies, monitor compliance, and handle security incidents enhances organizational productivity and reduces the burden on IT resources.
7. Business Benefits: For businesses, investing in DLP means protecting not just their data but also their reputation and financial health. A robust DLP strategy enhances customer trust, secures intellectual property, and ensures business continuity by preventing data breaches and loss. -
Why use a DLP software?
1. Protecting Sensitive Data: Organizations manage vast amounts of sensitive data, from financial details to personal and health information. DLP solutions, serving as alternatives to competitors like Proofpoint, protect this data by employing advanced encryption and exact match techniques, safeguarding against unauthorized access and inadvertent exposure. With the integration of robust email security technologies, these solutions provide strong protection against phishing emails, suspicious emails, and outbound email threats, ensuring sensitive information remains secure even in a remote work environment.
2. Regulatory Compliance and Auditing: DLP technologies, including alternatives to competitors like Trend Micro and Sophos, assist organizations in adhering to stringent compliance standards and regulations. These tools offer comprehensive reporting and real-time monitoring, crucial for effective auditing and maintaining regulatory compliance. By providing granular control over user activity and data movement, they help navigate the complex legal landscape, essential for avoiding costly fines and enhancing the organization’s commitment to data protection.
3. Preventing Data Loss and Insider Threats: Beyond external threats, organizations must also safeguard against data loss from insider risks. Solutions like Digital Guardian and Endpoint Protector offer sophisticated monitoring of data movement across networks and cloud services, employing advanced algorithms and threat detection capabilities to detect and prevent unauthorized data transfers. This level of oversight, including email encryption and anti-spam capabilities, is crucial for protecting against both inadvertent and deliberate data breaches, securing the organization’s digital assets, and maintaining employee productivity.
Further reading
If you need further help in finding a vendor or have any questions, feel free to contact us:
External resources
- 1. Proofpoint customer review 1. Gartner. Accessed: 21/March/2024.
- 2. Proofpoint customer review 2. G2. Accessed: 22/March/2024.
- 3. Proofpoint customer review 3. Gartner. Accessed: 22/March/2024.
- 4. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys customer review 1. Gartner. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
- 5. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys customer review 2. Gartner. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
- 6. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys customer review 1. G2. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
- 7. Symantec customer review 1. G2. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
- 8. Symantec customer review 2. G2. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
- 9. Symantec customer review 3. TrustRadius. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
- 10. Forcepoint customer review 1. Gartner. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
- 11. Forcepoint customer review 2. G2. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
- 12. Forcepoint customer review 2. Gartner. Accessed: 22/Mar/2024.
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