Cloud infrastructure has become the backbone of modern enterprises. However, the way organizations access data across cloud service providers (CSPs) is evolving, but this shift brings significant challenges in managing cybersecurity and privacy risks. With a growing number of repositories and pipelines required for these projects, data often ends up in places that aren't directly tied to business operations, leading to overlooked and unprotected infrastructures. In some cases, data proliferates in unknown CSP locations. For instance, administrators with privileges may create new infrastructure and data, backups are generated, and test engineers create data subsets. This situation can leave security teams scrambling to protect only the data they’ve been asked to secure, missing potentially sensitive data in other locations. 

Traditional data security platforms struggle to discover these hidden or unidentified data repositories, or what we call "shadow data," which presents serious risks to the business. Adding to the complexity is the disjointed market of siloed data security products—data loss prevention (DLP), endpoint prevention, and others—that don't integrate or share policies, resulting in gaps and inconsistencies in data protection. 

To address these challenges, many companies are turning to Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), which helps uncover shadow data and mitigate evolving data security and privacy threats. DSPM tools are rapidly becoming indispensable for addressing data risks and protecting sensitive information across a wide attack surface, as well as complex, multi-cloud ecosystems.

In its latest report, Gartner, a leading authority in technology research, offers critical insights into the evolution and impact of DSPM solutions.

DSPM is not to be mistaken for Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM). DSPM focuses on protecting and managing data security across environments, while CSPM centers on identifying and remediating cloud infrastructure security risks and compliance issues.

What is DSPM? 

Gartner defines DSPM as a suite of tools designed to help entities discover, monitor, and secure their data across a range of CSPs such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as apps and platforms like SaaS and IaaS.  

DSPM tools are at the heart of managing data security in complex, multi-cloud environments because traditional security products often fall short. DSPM tools provide visibility into data assets, identify risks related to data residency, privacy, and security vulnerabilities, and also help companies protect PII and maintain regulatory compliance with data protection regulations. By addressing challenges such as shadow data and mapping data flows, DSPM solutions enable security teams to maintain a strong data security posture.

Gartner's Insights on DSPM 

Gartner's latest report shines a light on the rising popularity of DSPM solutions as cloud data security grows in importance, particularly in industries like healthcare and financial services that handle sensitive data. By 2026, Gartner predicts that over 20% of businesses will prioritize DSPM technologies and use them to discover and secure their data repositories, both known and unknown. The report unpacks the evolving capabilities of modern DSPM tools, some of which even allow companies to perform bottom-up risk assessments by identifying and mapping sensitive data across structured and unstructured environments.

Understanding DSP vs. DSPM 

Data Security Posture (DSP) refers to the overall state of an organization's data security, including the measures taken to protect and manage data. DSPM, on the other hand, is a specialized category of tools that enable organizations to manage their DSP by giving them visibility into their data assets, identifying risks, and helping them maintain compliance with data protection regulations. While DSP is a broader concept, DSPM narrows the focus explicitly on optimizing data security posture through automation and advanced analytics.

Key Benefits of DSPM Tools 

Organizations that bring DSPM tools on board can expect to realize several benefits:

• Data Discovery: Cloud-native DSPM solutions help uncover unknown or shadow data repositories to see that all data assets are accounted for and protected.
• Risk Management: These agentless tools enable entities to assess and mitigate data exposure and misconfiguration risks by mapping data flows and pipelines.
• Compliance: DSPM tools help firms comply with data protection regulations by providing clear visibility into data residency and access controls.
• Automation: By automating data discovery, classification, and risk assessment processes, these tools alleviate the burden on security teams.
• Integration: DSPM solutions integrate effortlessly with current security investments, offering a unified approach to data protection across cloud and on-premises environments.

Maintaining Compliance with Data Protection Regulations 

Cloud-native DSPM tools are crucial for staying compliant with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, frameworks like NIST, and standards like PCI DSS. They have the functionality to offer visibility into data residency, access controls, permissions, and data flows. DSPM tools help businesses root out and address potential compliance risks. These solutions can also detect misconfigurations that might expose data to unauthorized access, allowing organizations to fix any issue before it becomes a full-scale security incident. 

Governance of Data Access through DSPM 

DSPM tools improve data access governance by integrating with identity and access management (IAM) systems. These security controls provide granular visibility into who has access to specific data assets and how that access is managed. By monitoring access patterns and pinpointing anomalies, DSPM tools help companies enforce data governance, audit security policies, and prevent the wrong people from gaining access to critical data.

Gartner's Spotlight on DSPM Vendors 

While Gartner has not yet published a Magic Quadrant for DSPM, several vendors have stood out in reviews for their innovation and effectiveness, and others for their advanced capabilities in data security posture management. Each of these security solutions is different, offering comprehensive features, such as data discovery, risk assessment, and real-time, continuous monitoring, positioning them as contenders in the DSPM market.

The DSPM vendors listed provide tools to uncover shadow data and trace its flow, pinpointing geographic locations. However, as an emerging field, not all vendors offer comprehensive capabilities across every area. Some have integrated DSPM into broader data security portfolios, while others have only recently emerged from "stealth mode" and are at different stages of venture capital investment.

• Concentric AI
• Cyera
• Dig Security
• Eureka Security
• Flow Security
• Laminar
• Normalyze
• Open Raven
• Polar Security
• Securiti
• Sentra
• Symmetry Systems
• Theom
• Varonis
• Wiz

Integrating DSPM with Existing Security Infrastructure 

When implementing DSPM solutions, integration with existing security infrastructure is crucial. Most DSPM tools are designed to work in tandem with IAM systems, DLP tools, and cloud security platforms. This compatibility allows companies to make the most of their current security investments while enhancing their data security posture.

Evaluating DSPM Solutions: Key Features to Consider 

When choosing a DSPM solution, CISOs should look for the following features:

• Data Discovery: A tool’s ability to uncover unknown or shadow data repositories is crucial.
• Risk Assessment: It must feature robust risk assessment capabilities, including the ability to identify data exposure risks and misconfigurations.
• Compliance Monitoring: Real-time compliance monitoring and reporting features are important, as they help organizations maintain data privacy and adhere to shifting regulatory requirements.
• Automation: Automated data classification and risk remediation are important, as these features can dramatically reduce the burden on security teams.
• Integration: DSPM tools should also seamlessly integrate with existing security infrastructure for a unified approach to data protection.

Assessing the Security Posture of a Data Store 

Evaluating a data store's security posture means establishing how well data is protected against threats such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and privacy violations. DSPM tools bring the visibility security teams need to assess the security posture of data stores to ensure sensitive and proprietary information is adequately secured. By rooting out shadow data and possible holes in the security nets, DSPM solutions help businesses take proactive steps to keep their data safe. 

The Critical Role DSPM Tools Play

With cloud adoption showing no signs of slowing down, the need for comprehensive DSPM solutions will only grow. Understanding the key features and benefits of DSPM tools arms security and risk management leaders with the information they need to make the right decision and pick a system that protects their data and ensures compliance with evolving regulations.

Whether you are considering implementing a new DSPM solution or optimizing your existing data security strategy, Gartner's insights offer a valuable roadmap for navigating the intricacies of data security posture management.