Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions require a significant investment, so organizations should not rely solely on a vendor’s promises. A comprehensive testing process is essential to verify that the solution truly meets your specific requirements.

Pre-purchase testing is one of the most effective ways to determine whether a DLP solution can truly deliver the results you expect.

Below are 10 essential factors to consider when evaluating a DLP solution to make the right decision.

1. Evaluate the POC (Proof of Concept) Conditions

A reliable provider should offer a full, unrestricted test environment covering all product features. If a vendor limits the number of devices, modules, or functions during evaluation, you may face similar restrictions later — reducing operational flexibility and efficiency.

1. Compare Multiple Solutions

Test several DLP systems simultaneously. This helps you objectively assess the strengths and weaknesses of each tool before committing to one.

1. Assess Deployment Efficiency

Deployment should not disrupt business operations. Rather than weeks of installation, an optimal DLP solution should integrate within hours or days, work smoothly with your existing infrastructure, and require minimal IT involvement.

1. Test Scalability and Performance

During the POC, simulate peak workloads across all communication channels. A system that runs well in a small environment may struggle in a large infrastructure. Use real operational scenarios to determine whether the DLP solution can scale without performance degradation.

1. Compare Data Capture Quality

Not all DLP solutions capture data with the same accuracy. Some may miss critical events. Ensure the system thoroughly records the entire data flow — not just select incidents.

Evaluate the detail and clarity of reports as well, since traceability and incident analysis depend on them.

1. Evaluate Search and Analysis Capabilities

Efficient and user-friendly search and analysis tools significantly impact the solution’s overall effectiveness.

If your organization lacks a dedicated security team, intuitive interfaces and powerful analytics become even more important. Test how fast and accurately you can retrieve information, perform investigations, and generate reports.

1. Check Endpoint Agent Stealth and Tamper Resistance

If the DLP solution relies on endpoint agents, their invisibility and protection are crucial. Ensure employees cannot disable or interfere with the agent — intentionally or accidentally. A secure, tamper-proof agent is a core requirement for reliable monitoring.

1. Run a Comprehensive Test for at Least Two Weeks

To accurately evaluate functionality and performance, conduct testing for a minimum of two weeks — ideally up to one month.

Stay in active contact with the vendor’s technical support team and closely assess response times, expertise, and service quality. Poor support can render even the best solution ineffective.

1. Speak With Existing Customers

Contact the vendor’s current clients to learn about their real experiences. Ask about system stability, ease of management, and challenges they encountered. These insights provide invaluable perspective and support more confident decision-making.

1. Gather Feedback From Your Employees

The people who will use and manage the DLP system daily must be part of the evaluation. Their feedback will help ensure that the selected solution truly aligns with the company’s operational needs.

Conclusion

A DLP purchase is a major decision — and choosing the wrong solution can waste both time and money. By following these 10 steps, you can identify the DLP system that best fits your organization and ensure strong protection for your data.

ABOUT SEARCHINFORM

SearchInform is an information security and risk management product vendor as well as an MSS provider. The company's clients are more than 4000 companies in 20+ countries. Today, the team has products and services for comprehensive protection against insider threats at all levels of corporate information systems: FileAuditor (the DCAP class solution); DLP system with extended functionality; Risk Monitor (advanced platform for internal threat mitigation); SIEM system, IS outsourcing service.