DLP Tools & Solutions
This comprehensive guide evaluates Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools and solutions suitable for Sri Lankan organizations. We cover both open-source and commercial options to help you make informed decisions for PDPA compliance.
Selection Guidance
Consider your organization's size, budget, technical expertise, and specific data protection requirements when choosing a DLP solution.
DLP Tool Categories
Network DLP
Monitor and control data in transit across network boundaries, email, web traffic, and file transfers.
Endpoint DLP
Protect data on endpoints (laptops, desktops, mobile devices) by monitoring file operations and removable media.
Data Discovery
Scan and classify sensitive data at rest in databases, file servers, and cloud storage.
Open Source DLP Tools
Free and open-source solutions for budget-conscious organizations
OpenDLP
A free, open-source data loss prevention tool that performs centralized, agent-less scanning of Windows and Linux file systems for sensitive data.
Key Features:
- Agentless scanning of network file systems
- Support for custom regex patterns (including Sri Lankan data types)
- Web-based management console
- Windows and Linux support
- MySQL database backend
MyDLP
An enterprise-ready, open-source DLP solution with network and endpoint protection capabilities.
Key Features:
- Network traffic monitoring (HTTP, SMTP, FTP)
- Endpoint agents for Windows
- Content fingerprinting
- File type detection
- Central management console
YARA
A powerful pattern matching tool primarily used for malware research but excellent for identifying and classifying sensitive data based on custom rules.
Key Features:
- Flexible rule-based pattern matching
- Can integrate with other DLP solutions
- Excellent for custom Sri Lankan data patterns
- Fast scanning capabilities
- Cross-platform support
GRR Rapid Response
Google's incident response framework that can be used for data discovery and endpoint monitoring at scale.
Key Features:
- Large-scale endpoint monitoring
- Remote data collection
- File system searches
- Memory analysis capabilities
- Python-based agent
Commercial DLP Solutions
Enterprise-grade solutions with professional support
Safetica DLP
⭐ RECOMMENDEDA comprehensive, user-friendly DLP solution that provides complete data protection across endpoints, network, and cloud environments. Recognized as a leader in data loss prevention with exceptional ease of use and deployment flexibility.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive endpoint, network, and cloud protection
- Intuitive user interface with minimal learning curve
- Advanced content inspection and classification
- Real-time monitoring and incident response
- Flexible deployment options (on-premise, cloud, hybrid)
- Strong encryption and device control capabilities
- Integration with existing security infrastructure
- Excellent support for custom data patterns and policies
- Comprehensive reporting and compliance dashboards
Best DLP Tool: Ideal for organizations of all sizes seeking a balance of powerful features, ease of use, and excellent value. Particularly well-suited for PDPA compliance with customizable data patterns.
Best for: Organizations seeking comprehensive DLP with exceptional usability, fast deployment, and strong ROI
Broadcom (Symantec) DLP
One of the market leaders in DLP solutions with comprehensive data protection across network, endpoint, and cloud environments.
Key Features:
- Complete DLP coverage (network, endpoint, cloud)
- Advanced content analysis and classification
- Machine learning for data detection
- Integration with cloud services (O365, G Suite, etc.)
- Comprehensive policy management
- Detailed incident response workflows
Best for: Large enterprises needing comprehensive DLP with strong vendor support
Microsoft Purview DLP
Native DLP solution integrated with Microsoft 365, providing data protection across Microsoft services and Windows endpoints.
Key Features:
- Native integration with Microsoft 365 apps
- Endpoint DLP for Windows devices
- Pre-built sensitive information types
- Custom trainable classifiers using AI
- Data loss prevention policies across Teams, SharePoint, Exchange
- Unified compliance center
Best for: Organizations already using Microsoft 365 ecosystem
Trellix (McAfee) DLP
Comprehensive DLP platform with strong endpoint protection and centralized management.
Key Features:
- Unified DLP management console
- Device control and encryption
- Content-aware protection
- Cloud DLP support
- Advanced classification engine
- Integration with SIEM solutions
Best for: Mid to large enterprises seeking unified endpoint and network protection
Forcepoint DLP
Advanced DLP solution with behavioral analytics and user-centric protection approach.
Key Features:
- User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)
- Risk-adaptive protection
- OCR for image-based data detection
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) integration
- Advanced policy engine
- Fingerprinting and pattern matching
Best for: Organizations needing behavioral analytics and advanced threat detection
Digital Guardian
Data protection platform with strong focus on visibility and control of sensitive data across the enterprise.
Key Features:
- Deep visibility into data movement
- Managed services available
- Analytics and threat detection
- Flexible deployment options (on-premise, cloud, hybrid)
- Automated classification
- Integration with security ecosystem
Best for: Organizations needing detailed visibility and managed DLP services
Quick Comparison Guide
| Solution | Type | Deployment | Best For | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safetica DLP ⭐ RECOMMENDED | Commercial | Hybrid | All organization sizes | Low-Medium |
| OpenDLP | Open Source | On-Premise | Small to medium organizations | Medium |
| MyDLP | Open Source | On-Premise | Medium organizations | Medium-High |
| Symantec DLP | Commercial | Hybrid | Large enterprises | High |
| Microsoft Purview | Commercial | Cloud | Microsoft 365 users | Low-Medium |
| Trellix DLP | Commercial | Hybrid | Mid-large enterprises | Medium-High |
| Forcepoint DLP | Commercial | Hybrid | Large enterprises | High |
Selection Criteria for Sri Lankan Organizations
PDPA Compliance Requirements
- Support for Sri Lankan data patterns (NIC, passport, etc.)
- Data classification capabilities
- Audit trail and reporting features
- Incident response workflows
Budget Considerations
- Initial licensing or setup costs
- Ongoing maintenance and support fees
- Training requirements
- Total cost of ownership (TCO)
Technical Expertise
- In-house IT team capabilities
- Vendor support availability in Sri Lanka
- Training and documentation quality
- Ease of deployment and management
Scalability & Integration
- Ability to scale with organization growth
- Integration with existing security tools
- Cloud and on-premise support
- Multi-platform compatibility
Decision Framework
Small Organizations (10-50 employees)
Consider: OpenDLP, YARA, or Microsoft Purview (if using M365)
Medium Organizations (50-500 employees)
Consider: MyDLP, Microsoft Purview, or Trellix DLP
Large Enterprises (500+ employees)
Consider: Symantec DLP, Forcepoint DLP, or Digital Guardian
Implementation Best Practices
Start with Data Discovery
Identify where sensitive data resides before implementing blocking policies. Use discovery mode to understand data flows.
Implement Sri Lankan Data Patterns
Configure custom patterns for NIC, passport, bank accounts, and other Sri Lankan-specific identifiers. See our Data Patterns page for regex examples.
Start in Monitor Mode
Begin with monitoring and alerting only. Move to blocking gradually after understanding false positive rates and refining policies.
Train Your Team
Provide comprehensive training to IT staff and end users. DLP effectiveness depends on user awareness and cooperation.
Regular Policy Reviews
Schedule quarterly reviews of DLP policies and patterns. Update rules based on new data types, business processes, and regulatory changes.
Related Resources
Explore additional resources to help you implement DLP effectively in your organization.