Securing sensitive data in cloud environments is extremely challenging. Business networks, large and small, are under constant attack. Nefarious organizations and individuals spend a lot of time and money trying to break in – and often, they are successful, causing trillions in damage. Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategies and tools are key elements in building a sound defense because they examine data interactions, identify possible transgressions, and stop attacks before they are successful.

What is Cloud DLP?

Nowadays, enterprises depend on their networks to conduct business. With technology constantly improving, corporations generate more information, share it with others, and store it in a growing number of devices. However, when they open their networks up to their customers, partners, and employees, they also provide hackers with a potential entryway.

One ripple effect is that cybercrime has become a major industry.  Cybercrime cost enterprises $9.5 trillion in 2024, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

Hackers are successful for a few reasons. Software programs are built by humans who are imperfect, and so are their inventions. In addition, companies cannot test new or enhanced software for all possible interactions, so they test some and ship solutions with potential holes.

Cloud DLP strategies and systems act as a protective umbrella around corporate information. First, a company creates policies that outline how information will be generated, accessed, transferred, and shared.

The tools then monitor data activity and ensure proper usage. If someone tries to access information, especially sensitive data (company business plans, financial information, and employee, customer, and partner personal data, like Social Security numbers) in an inappropriate way, the system alerts the tech team

Finally, they include numerous reports. Organizations use them to demonstrate compliance with the growing number of government regulations, for instance the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and United States’ Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Securing sensitive data in cloud environments presents organizations with hurdles. DLP products outline how to prevent data loss in the cloud and become cornerstones for ensuring corporate data integrity. So, what are the best data loss prevention tools for the cloud?

Top Tools for Cloud Data Loss Prevention in 2025

Because of its growing importance, companies have been investing more money in DLP solutions. The global DLP market was valued at $1.87 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $9.28 billion in 2030, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.3%. Here is the Top DLP software for businesses.

Symantec Data Loss Prevention (Broadcom)

The solution includes comprehensive system protection: endpoints, network, storage, and cloud. The service monitors laptops, desktops, and mobile devices and blocks unauthorized data transfers, even when a device is not connected to a corporate network.

McAfee Total Protection for DLP

The product provides central visibility into and control of corporate data. The system uses Artificial Intelligence to recognize sensitive data through pattern matching, file fingerprints, keywords, and contextual analysis. These features enable corporations to protect confidential business data, like Intellectual Property, and Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as Social Security numbers and credit card information.

Microsoft Purview (formerly AIP)

The security solution, which provides seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure, offers corporations flexibility in categorizing data. It automatically classifies documents containing PII or financial records. In addition, users can apply labels manually to their documents and emails. The options range from "Confidential" to "Public," and the former features security actions, such as end-to-end encryption or access restrictions.

Forcepoint DLP

The solution was built to protect real-time data. Its alerts immediately notify tech staff about a possible break-in, so they can investigate, track data paths, and take action to mitigate potential risks.

Digital Guardian

Digital Guardian leverages behavioral analytics to detect insider threats and suspicious behavior. For example, it flags an employee who is attempting to access large volumes of sensitive data at unusual times, copying it to an external USB device, or attempting to upload it to the cloud.

Netskope

Netskope offers granular visibility and control over data flows within cloud applications, helping organizations lower the risk of data leaks, unauthorized sharing, and compliance violations. Organizations create detailed, granular DLP policies based on data, user, application, and information context. The solution then applies the policies to specific types of sensitive information (e.g., PII, PCI, HIPAA data) across cloud platforms.

Trend Micro Cloud App Security

The solution focuses on SaaS applications and email data protection. The product scans files and emails for sensitive data, preventing accidental or intentional data leaks via email or file sharing.

Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access

Prisma Access is available on a global scale: more than 100 data centers worldwide deliver the service. Its cloud and data center design was created to deliver low latency and high performance, regardless of where companies reside.

How to Choose the Right Cloud DLP Tool

Cybersecurity is a complex, ever evolving sector. A Data Loss Prevention tools list is a good place to begin to clear data integrity obstacles. Businesses need to find a solution that best matches their security needs, technology profile, and budget. Here are a few items to consider when evaluating DLP products.

Determine Your Data’s Importance

The reality is every business is different. An international financial institution has more sensitive data and is targeted more often by hackers than a local non-profit organization. Understanding the corporate risk profile empowers managers to recognize which solution best meets their needs. The financial company would lean toward comprehensive, ironclad solutions with lots of bells and whistles while a solid, simple product without many frills works for the non-profit organization.

How Much Customization Do You Need?

The popular DLP solutions offer a broad range of generic features. Corporations that operate in select markets sometimes find that needed features are missing. A niche DLP solution, say one focused only on the rural health care providers, or working with a third-party reseller may be the best fit.

Balancing Risk and Budget

Despite vendors’ best efforts, no solution guarantees that a data breach will not occur. Typically, the more protection a company desires, the higher the price of the DLP service. As a result, businesses have to weigh how much risk they are willing to take on versus how much they can spend on their DLP service.

Best Practices for Data Loss Prevention in the Cloud

Choosing the right tool is only one step in securing corporate data. In addition, organizations need to have sound processes in place. Here are a few.

Encrypt Sitting Data  

Sometimes, outsiders burrow their way into an organization’s systems. Once in, they want to maneuver their way to a firm’s most important data. Consequently, encrypting data not only in transit but also when it is at rest sitting in servers and storage systems makes it more difficult for outsiders to access confidential information, even after they gain network access.

Implement Two Factor Authentication

It is easier to keep an outsider out than to kick them out after they compromise your system. Strong security starts with robust authentication. Increasingly, companies have been adopting two factor authentication.  Here, a user must enter not only their password but also a second identifier, like a text sent to their cell phone, before they enter the enterprise network.   

Check Integration Points

A key place that outsiders attack Is application and system integration points. Here, two distinct pieces of software are linked. Neither side controls all of the software. In addition, developers focus on connecting the pieces more than securing the links. Consequently, holes arise, and hackers exploit them.

Cloud DLP Needs to be in Your Cybersecurity Toolbox

Given corporate reliance on technology as well as the significant threat landscape, cybersecurity has risen in importance in corporations, increasingly getting attention from the C suite executives. Securing information today is not easy, given the threat landscape.

Sound cloud DLP strategies protect information. Here, corporations have a clear understanding of what systems they use and their importance to the organization. They take that knowledge and develop comprehensive cybersecurity plans. DLP products empower them to dynamically monitor not only who is trying to access their network but also who is inside and what they are doing. Only then can they protect corporate data.  

Need a Way to Secure Employees’ Desktop?  

Searching for a way to provide your users with access to information without compromising security? With Vagon Teams, managers set their team's privacy settings simply – no IT expertise required. Companies have more visibility into what each person does on their computers. Checks can be put in place, like limiting public internet access and blocking file and clipboard access.

Vagon is a leader in helping enterprises secure company data. For more information about securing your cloud workflows and data management tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

As businesses continue to embrace cloud environments, securing sensitive data has become more complex and critical than ever. Cyber threats are evolving, and organizations must stay ahead by implementing robust Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategies. By leveraging the right DLP tools, companies can detect risks, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure regulatory compliance, safeguarding valuable business data from cybercriminals and insider threats alike.

Choosing the right DLP solution requires a clear understanding of your organization's security needs, risk profile, and budget. Whether you're a large enterprise managing extensive cloud workflows or a small business looking for affordable protection, investing in a tailored DLP strategy will significantly enhance your cybersecurity posture.

Beyond selecting a DLP tool, businesses should adopt best practices like data encryption, two-factor authentication, and securing integration points to build a multi-layered defense against data breaches. With the right approach, companies can confidently operate in the cloud while keeping their most sensitive information safe from threats.

Secure Your Cloud Data with Vagon Teams

Protecting sensitive business data in the cloud requires more than just tools—it requires the right strategy. With Vagon Teams, you can provide employees with secure access to cloud-based desktops while maintaining full control over data protection and user activity.

Vagon Teams allows managers to set privacy controls easily—no IT expertise required. With features like limited internet access, clipboard restrictions, and controlled file transfers, your company gains unmatched visibility and security over its workflows. Whether you need to enhance compliance, prevent data leaks, or secure remote access, Vagon Teams offers a flexible, enterprise-ready solution to safeguard your critical information.

Take control of your cloud security today—try Vagon Teams and protect your business from data loss risks.

FAQs

1.What is cloud data loss prevention?

Cloud DLP refers to strategies and tools that protect sensitive corporate data. First, a company outlines how data will be safely stored, processed, or transmitted in the cloud. The tools then enforce the policies and prevent unauthorized data access.

2.How do DLP tools work?

These products come from a wide and growing number of vendors. Each has designed software that monitors system interactions. AI analytics automate the process of identifying confidential information and increasingly automatically take steps to protect it, like limiting access and encrypting information.

3.Can small businesses afford DLP solutions?

Absolutely. Because of its growing importance, DLP software revenue is rising and attracting a wider array of solution providers. Some vendors offer low priced solutions. Others have an inexpensive basic tier.

4.What are the most common data loss risks in the cloud?

Weak access controls make it easy for outsiders to break in. They have automated tools that generate simple passwords, like 123456. Human error is another problem. Many tech teams find themselves with insufficient time to complete their work, rush, and make mistakes, opening the door to intruders.

5.What steps can a company take to reduce data loss risk?

Developing a robust security architecture is the first step to protecting corporate data. The company should also examine how well application weak points, such as integration connection, are protected and strengthen them as necessary. Finally, they need tools, like DLP systems, that monitor and protect their information.

6.How do I ensure compliance with data protection regulations in the cloud?

The regulations protect sensitive information. Best practices include regular data audits, strong access controls, and encrypting information. Many DLP tools include reporting features that illustrate compliance with regulations, like European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and United States’ Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).