10 Best Data Protection Tools In 2024

Data protection is safeguarding important information from corruption, compromise, or loss. It is important because data is often valuable and sensitive, and its protection ensures that it is only accessed and used by those authorized to do so.

It also helps maintain the integrity and reliability of the information, which is essential for many organizations. Additionally, data protection is vital for personal privacy and the safety of sensitive personal information.

What are the 3 types of data security? 

There are many different ways to categorize types of data security, but one common framework is to divide it into three main categories: physical security, network security, and application security.

Physical security: This refers to the measures that are put in place to protect the physical integrity of data and devices. Example: locking server rooms, security cameras.

Network security: This refers to the measures that are put in place to protect data as it is transmitted over a network. Examples: firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and encryption.

Application security: This refers to the measures that are put in place to protect data and systems from attacks that target specific applications. Example: input validation, access controls, and other security measures that are built into the application itself.

What is data privacy and why is it important? 

Data privacy is the protection of personal information, which can include things like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive information. 

It’s important because it allows individuals to control who has access to their personal information and how it’s used.

It helps to protect individuals’ personal information from misuse and abuse, while allowing them to control how their data is used and shared. 

With the advent of emerging technologies and the increase of data collection and processing, privacy concerns and regulation are becoming more prevalent in many industries and governments.

There are several reasons why it is essential to protect data:

• Data is valuable and sensitive: Many organizations make crucial choices using data, so losing or compromising it could have major consequences. Additionally, personal data is sensitive and must be protected for privacy.
• Data protection restricts access and usage to authorized users: Unauthorized data access or use can cause privacy violations, fraud, and other crimes.
• The integrity and dependability of data are protected: Data can be corrupted or altered if not protected, resulting in faulty decision-making.
• Many countries require companies to protect consumer and employee data, which can result in fines and penalties.
• Data confidentiality, integrity, and availability are crucial to the successful operation of many businesses and the privacy of individuals.

Data protection tools are software or hardware solutions that help secure data from unauthorized access, loss, theft, or damage. They can protect data stored on a computer or network or data transmitted over the Internet.

Many types of data protection tools exist, including encryption, backup and recovery, access control, firewalls, and antivirus software.

They can continuously monitor and identify data that should not be stored or transmitted based on predetermined business rules and can assist in preventing the unauthorized transfer of data.

Many tools can be used to protect data, including:

Data encryption: Without the decryption key, data is illegible. This protects data in transit and at rest well.

Data loss prevention (DLP) software protects sensitive data from unintentional or malicious leaks. It scans outgoing emails, network traffic, and other data for sensitive information and blocks or alerts when it finds it.

Firewalls: Based on security rules, firewalls monitor and control network traffic.

Access control systems: These systems control data and system access. Passwords, two-factor authentication, and other security methods can be used for this purpose.

Backup and recovery: Hardware failure, malware assaults, and other disasters can cause data loss, thus a reliable backup and recovery system is essential.

Virtual private networks (VPNs): VPNs give users a safe, encrypted connection to a network, letting them access internet resources privately.

These are a few data protection tools. Organizations choose technologies based on their needs and the data they protect.

Here are the short features for the specified data protection tools:

1. TrustArc: Comprehensive privacy management platform ensuring compliance with global data protection regulations and privacy laws.
2. Collibra: Data governance tool offering data cataloging, stewardship, and compliance features to manage and protect data.
3. Mine PrivacyOps: Automates privacy operations, enabling efficient data subject request management and compliance with privacy regulations.
4. OneTrust Privacy and Data Governance Cloud: Unified platform for managing privacy, security, and governance across diverse data sources and regulations.
5. Segment: Customer data platform provides privacy-focused organizations with secure data collection, management, and compliance capabilities.
6. Cloud Compliance for Salesforce: Ensures data protection and compliance within Salesforce environments, offering robust security and privacy controls.
7. Securiti: AI-powered platform for data privacy, governance, and protection, ensuring compliance and managing data risks.
8. PrivacyEngine: Provides tools for managing data privacy compliance, risk assessment, and data protection impact assessments (DPIAs).
9. SureCloud: Integrated risk and compliance solution offering data protection, governance, and security management capabilities.
10. DataGuard: Comprehensive data protection service offering compliance management, data privacy consulting, and security audits.

Best Data Protection Tools	Features	Stand alone feature	Pricing	Free Trial / Demo
1. TrustArc	Comprehensive privacy management platform	Automated compliance and risk assessments	Real-time data mapping	GDPR and CCPA compliance	Flexible API integrations	Comprehensive privacy management and compliance solutions.	Custom quote required	Yes
2. Collibra	Data governance and stewardship	Centralized data catalog	Data quality and lineage tracking	Automated policy enforcement	Cross-functional collaboration	Data governance and cataloging with privacy.	Custom quote required	No
Automated data subject requests	Data mapping and visualization	Compliance with privacy regulations	Integration with various data sources	Real-time privacy management	Automates privacy rights and data management.	Contact for pricing	Yes
4. OneTrust Privacy and Data Governance Cloud	Comprehensive data governance	Automated compliance workflows	Risk assessment and mitigation	Data discovery and classification	Flexible integration options	Unified platform for privacy and governance.	Custom quote required	Yes
5. Segment	Customer data infrastructure	Real-time data collection	Privacy compliance tools	Data routing and transformation	Integration with multiple platforms	Customer data infrastructure with privacy controls.	Contact for pricing	Yes
Automated compliance management	Real-time policy enforcement	Data security and privacy	Integration with Salesforce ecosystem	Continuous monitoring	Integrated compliance for Salesforce environments.	Custom quote required	No
7. Securiti	AI-driven data protection	Privacy compliance automation	Data discovery and classification	Risk assessment and management	Integration with cloud services	AI-driven data privacy and security automation.	Contact for pricing	Yes
Data protection and privacy management	Automated compliance reporting	Data subject request handling	Policy management and enforcement	Integration with various systems	Privacy management and compliance automation platform.	Custom quote required	Yes
Integrated risk management	Automated compliance workflows	Data security and privacy	Real-time risk assessment	Flexible reporting	Integrated risk and data protection solutions.	Custom quote required	Yes
10. DataGuard	Comprehensive data protection	Automated compliance management	Data privacy and security	Integration with business processes	Real-time monitoring and alerts	Holistic data protection and compliance services.	Contact for pricing	Yes

1. TrustArc

TrustArc offers comprehensive data protection tools designed to help organizations manage privacy, risk, and compliance effectively.

Their solutions provide automated assessments, data mapping, consent management, and regulatory compliance reporting.

TrustArc’s user-friendly platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems, offering detailed dashboards and real-time monitoring to ensure robust data privacy and protection.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Data inventory and mapping to track and map personal data. 
• Certification programs to help companies demonstrate their commitment to data protection and privacy.
• We have automated data flow mapping. 
• Initial email verification of data requests. 

Pros	Cons
A range of features to streamline data protection processes.	Requires a significant amount of time and resources to set up.
TRUSTe offers privacy assessments.	2FA is not implemented upon login.
Training programs to help companies understand data protection regulations.	Reporting features can be improved.
Global and easy-to-search database for insights.	Not many customization options for users.
Save time and increase efficiency.
Flexible growth and improves privacy risk management.

2. Collibra 

Collibra is a leading data protection tool that offers a comprehensive platform for data governance and privacy management.

It provides advanced features for data cataloging, data lineage, and data stewardship, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Collibra’s intuitive interface and robust automation capabilities enable organizations to efficiently manage and protect their data assets, enhancing overall data security and trust.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Centralized repository for enhanced data sharing. 
• Feature to track the history and lineage of data assets.
• Optimizes data lake productivity and access. 
• Integration with AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Snowflake, etc.

Pros	Cons
Ensures compliance with data regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.	Implementing Collibra can be complex and time-consuming.
Adaptive data and analytics governance.	Expensive for larger organizations with extensive data.
Active metadata graph to operationalize data for privacy efforts.	The mobile interface is not user-friendly.
Collaborate on a single platform across teams.
Easy to use and customize workflows.
Out-of-the-box metrics.
Extensive community for insights.

3. Mine PrivacyOps

Mine PrivacyOps is a leading data protection tool designed to streamline privacy management and compliance.

It offers highly scalable and automated solutions for data mapping, risk assessments, and consent management.

With features like instant verification, detailed dashboards, and single-click deletion requests, it ensures efficient data privacy operations and seamless integration with numerous platforms, making it easy to use and quick to set up for businesses.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• API integrations with more than 500 SaaS platforms 
• Super fast DSR and DSAR facilitation flow. 
• No-code integrations with the company’s data sources.

Pros	Cons
Highly scalable and automated	The data mapping insights page is not stable
Instant verification to ensure any request is from a verified user	The number of false positives is very high
The dashboard is extensively detailed	The reports aren’t very detailed
Easy to use and fast to set up
Streamlined consent management and risk assessments
Single-click deletion requests
Integration with numerous platforms

4. OneTrust Privacy And Data Governance Cloud

OneTrust Privacy and Data Governance Cloud is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help organizations manage and protect personal data.

It offers robust features for privacy management, data governance, and compliance, ensuring adherence to global regulations.

The platform provides automated workflows, risk assessments, and detailed reporting, streamlining data protection efforts across the organization. OneTrust integrates with numerous systems, enhancing its flexibility and ease of use.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Tracking of consent preferences for individuals.
• Data mapping and data subject rights management. 
• Centralized repository for the documentation of vendor risk.
• Actively considers customer feedback, and incorporates requested features.

Here’s the information in a table format:

Pros	Cons
Tools for policy and incident management	Difficult to use for those unfamiliar with data protection regulations
User-friendly and easy to use	Data Discovery speed is slow
Repeatable, defined process for vendor assessments	Reporting capabilities are limited
It integrates with a variety of other systems and tools
It allows teams to work together
Allows you to create custom risk metrics

5. Segment

Segment is a leading provider of data protection tools designed to help businesses manage and secure customer data efficiently. Their solutions focus on streamlining data collection, enhancing privacy compliance, and providing robust data governance capabilities.

Segment’s tools enable companies to unify data from multiple sources, ensuring accurate and secure data handling while offering powerful analytics and insights to drive informed decision-making.

With features like real-time data tracking, automated data routing, and advanced security protocols, Segment helps businesses maintain data integrity and compliance with privacy regulations.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Extensive use of APIs to ease the processes. 
• To build event pipelines across various apps and integrations. 
• It can track every action done by users on the platform.

Pros	Cons
Monitors deletion statuses and requests.	UI is not so user-friendly for non-tech people.
One-click data suppression and blocking.	The tool is unreliable and APIs are slow.
User profiles and traits are automatically updated.	Customer service could be more efficient.
Efficient integration with other software.
Debugging is simple with ease of data seeing.
Data warehouse-based analytics.

6. Cloud Compliance For Salesforce

Cloud compliance for Salesforce ensures that data within the Salesforce environment adheres to industry regulations and standards.

The best data protection tools for Salesforce provide robust security features such as encryption, access controls, and real-time monitoring to safeguard sensitive information.

These tools help organizations maintain compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA while ensuring data integrity and protecting against breaches.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Masking of real data with dummy data for security. 
• Centralized location to store and retrieve evidence of compliance.
• Data minimization and data retention. 
• Keeps track of compliance status. 

Pros	Cons
Reduces data footprint and frees up storage.	Customization options are limited.
Automatic notifications in case of compliance issues.	The platform is less user-friendly and intuitive.
Effectively prevents data breach risks.	It is hard to manage, use, and maintain.
Automation and integration using APIs.
Reduces time, effort, and cost.
Support team is very responsive.
Enterprise-wide repository for all communication preferences.

7. Securiti

Securiti offers comprehensive data protection tools designed to ensure privacy, security, and compliance for enterprises.

Their solutions automate data discovery, classification, and protection across various environments, leveraging AI and machine learning.

Securiti’s platform provides real-time risk assessments and compliance reporting, helping organizations manage and secure sensitive data efficiently. With robust features and user-friendly interfaces, Securiti stands out as a leading choice for data protection.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Automatically discovers native and non-native data systems.
• Track changes and transformation of data throughout its entire existence. 
• All sensitive data are masked dynamically within a data stream environment. 

Pros	Cons
Analyzes impact of data breaches.	It may have a learning curve to fully use all its features.
Third-party vendor risk management.	Might not integrate well with other security tools.
Access controls policy for authorization.	It may add an extra cost to your cloud infrastructure.
1000+ integrations across data systems.
Helps organizations comply with various regulations and standards.
Can automate and centralize data governance processes.

8. PrivacyEngine

PrivacyEngine is a leading data protection tool designed to help organizations manage and safeguard personal data.

It offers features such as data breach analysis, third-party vendor risk management, and access controls for authorization.

PrivacyEngine also supports compliance with various regulations and standards, automates data governance processes, and integrates seamlessly with over 1000 data systems.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Maintains data breach log and risk register. 
• Retention Database Integration with over 100,000 retention periods. 
• Allows to create custom questionnaires and generate the final DPIA Report.

Pros	Cons
High standard training for employees.	Integration is not supported for many platforms.
Very efficient and helpful support staff.	Reporting system is not very detailed.
One stop shop for recording GDPR compliance.	Regulations are complex to understand.
New modules are added and updated frequently.
Highly user-friendly and intuitive interface.
Reduces cost with latest data protection.

9. SureCloud

SureCloud offers robust data protection tools designed to help organizations safeguard their sensitive information.

Combining advanced encryption, real-time monitoring, and compliance management, SureCloud ensures data security and integrity.

Its user-friendly platform and comprehensive reporting capabilities make it a reliable solution for protecting against data breaches and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Internal audit and third-party risk management.
• Extensive tracking and monitoring for specific duration. 
• Customer centric approach to reconfigure products. 

Pros	Requires additional services to utilize the platform fully.
Demonstrate compliance with various standards and regulations.	Total dependence on the platform is risky.
Centralized view of risk posture.	Full dependence on the platform is risky.
Tailored to different industries and organizations.	Not feasible for small and mid-organizations.
Flexible and easy to use.
Customer service is extremely helpful.

10. DataGuard

DataGuard offers comprehensive data protection solutions to safeguard sensitive information across various environments.

Their tools provide advanced encryption, robust access controls, and real-time threat detection to ensure data integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.

With user-friendly interfaces and scalable features, DataGuard’s solutions are tailored to meet the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises.

Why Do We Recommend It?

• Access controls to limit who can access personal data. 
• Match preferences and  customer consent across multiple systems. 
• Easy consent and preference framework editing. 

Pros	Cons
End-to-end privacy management	The platform is a bit complex to understand
Data Loss Prevention	Does not protect against user errors
Comply with GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, and ePrivacy	Documentation is very poor
Flexible API to connect with various software
Real-time updates across all the systems