The Forrester Wave™: Data Security Platforms, Q1 2025
A data security platform (DSP) typically has a primary control, such as data loss prevention (DLP) or tokenization, that it is most known for, even though it may offer a spectrum of data controls. Organizations commonly have more than one DSP to cover their entire environment, especially those preferring a best-of-breed approach. DSPs are expected to integrate with other DSPs and the rest of the security tech stack to enable a Zero Trust approach. Key dynamics shaping DSPs include AI (both using AI in the DSP and securing data in AI applications) and quantum security preparations (postquantum cryptography readiness and cryptoagility). The evaluation assessed 10 providers across capabilities for data discovery, classification, threat visibility, access controls, and various data protection controls, along with operational areas like manageability, reporting, and investigations.
No common features specified.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research evaluates 10 data security platform providers across current offering capabilities, strategy, and customer feedback. It covers DSP capabilities including data discovery, classification, threat and risk visibility, access controls, data loss prevention, masking, encryption, tokenization, information rights management, and operational areas like reporting, investigations, and manageability. The evaluation examines how DSPs address AI security and governance, quantum security preparations, privacy, and information governance use cases.
A: DSP customers should use this evaluation to inform purchase decisions by considering: what's included with the platform and purchase; manageability according to use and staffing requirements; requirements for quantum security in and from the DSP; and requirements for AI data security versus the role of AI in the DSP. Organizations can compare vendors based on their specific priorities using Forrester's interactive provider comparison experience to adapt findings to their needs.
A: Vendors must have: 1) At least $100 million in data security revenue in the past four quarters, 2) Broad data security capabilities for both unstructured and structured data including built-in sensitive data discovery and classification, data risk visibility and insights, and policy enforcement controls, 3) At least 20% of data security revenue from outside their home region, and 4) Significant mindshare among Forrester's enterprise clients with a demonstrated track record of supporting large enterprises.
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A: Strength of Offering (vertical axis) measures the current capabilities and features of the vendor's DSP including data controls (discovery, classification, DLP, encryption, masking, tokenization, etc.), operational capabilities (reporting, investigations, manageability), and enabling use cases (privacy, information governance, AI security). Strength of Strategy (horizontal axis) evaluates the vendor's market vision, innovation approach, product roadmap, partner ecosystem, pricing model, community engagement, and supporting services - essentially their ability to execute and maintain market impact over time.