Redefining Data Security Posture Management

December 17, 2024

Imagine having a data security solution that doesn’t just point out issues but actively solves them—keeping your business running smoothly while ensuring your data is safe. That's what sets Varonis apart from other data security posture management (DSPM) solutions. I recommend my previous blog, “Got DSPM?,” for some background information on the subject. However, in this blog, I want to look closer at how Varonis offers capabilities beyond the typical data security features available today, which could change the course of your organization’s data security journey. Traditional DSPM solutions are great for discovery and identification, but what about going to the next level and changing the course of the data security journey? Advanced DSPM solutions offer much more. Figure 1 below outlines key differences.

Figure 1: Traditional DSPM vs. advanced DSPM capabilities

Superior Data Classification

First, let’s start with data classification. With advanced DSPM solutions such as the one offered by Varonis, data classification goes beyond the basics. Unlike other DSPM providers that rely on sampling or predictive models, Varonis performs complete data classification scans. That means every piece of data is examined—no shortcuts, no risky extrapolations. Most providers only sample the data. This entails scanning only a small subset of the data and extrapolating from there, creating gaps and leaving room for critical security issues.

Further, Varonis doesn’t stop there. It operates in near-real time, continuously updating data classifications as users create and modify files. This real-time responsiveness ensures sensitive data is always protected, without the delays typical of other DSPMs that often rely on periodic or metadata scans. When it comes to safeguarding dynamic, unstructured data, Varonis keeps you reliably secure.

Data Labeling

What about data labeling? Varonis also has a strong silver tier partnership with Microsoft to provide unmatched solutions at scale.

What does that mean for labeling? Varonis' seamless integration with Microsoft Purview simplifies data labeling across cloud and on-premises environments. Auto-labeling spans Microsoft 365, on-prem files and even Snowflake, ensuring consistent classification and labeling across your entire data landscape.

Where numerous other DSPMs assume users will correctly label data, Varonis takes a proactive approach. If a file is mislabeled, Varonis automatically aligns labels with company policies and minimizes risks. This proactive step prevents data exposure before it becomes a problem so that your organization remains compliant with industry regulations and business policies.

Artificial Intelligence

What about AI? When Microsoft recommends reducing data exposure for generative AI (GenAI) initiatives like their Copilot AI assistant product, Varonis can help you achieve this at scale with automation efforts that do not disrupt daily operations. Many organizations are hesitant to turn on Copilot because they understand their data security posture is not where it should be as they strive for a least-privilege access model. While Copilot enhances collaboration, it also shines a spotlight on over permissive access.

If organizations have not implemented tight data security controls, then turning on a collaborative AI tool like Copilot could spell disaster. Figure 2 below highlights the implications of introducing AI into an organization’s environment. As you can see, careful consideration and corresponding remediation actions should be in place for each of the branches shown.

Figure 2: Data security concerns when implementing AI

Unified Data Security Across On-Premises and Cloud

Data today doesn’t just sit in one place—it’s spread across on-prem systems, Active Directory (AD), SaaS, PaaS and IaaS environments. Varonis is the only DSPM that brings unified data classification and security to all these environments. Whether the data is structured or unstructured, Varonis provides comprehensive classification capabilities across your entire data estate.

Where other DSPMs fall short—lacking the ability to unify related identities across on-prem and cloud environments—Varonis excels. Varonis correlates identities and provides a holistic view to help you understand exactly who your users are, what they can access and what they are doing in every data environment.

Effective Permissions and Access Control Monitoring

Data security is only as strong as your understanding of who can access what. Varonis goes further than most by monitoring both permissions and configurations—continuously, in real time. By understanding effective permissions, Varonis gives you clear visibility into who has access to sensitive data and where that data resides.

With event auditing, Varonis takes visibility to the next level. It tracks every interaction with your data, allowing you to understand potential threats and high-risk behaviors. This kind of visibility and telemetry means you can make informed changes without disrupting business operations—something other DSPM solutions simply can’t match.

Automated Remediation without the Manual Effort

Most DSPMs generate alerts or tickets and leave it to your IT team to figure out a solution, clogging workflows with manual tasks. Varonis, on the other hand, offers fully automated remediation for over-exposed permissions, risky configurations and policy violations. This means risks are mitigated instantly, without waiting for manual intervention—saving time and keeping your data secure.

UEBA and Response

Threat detection is critical, and Varonis offers powerful user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) that track data activity and correlate user identities across platforms. The alerts Varonis generates provide detailed context around why a behavior is risky, significantly reducing time to detect and respond to data threats.

Figure 3: Alert details

Unlike DSPMs that simply offer basic security posture recommendations, Varonis provides deep insight into potential threats offering nearly 200 threat detection policies out of the box!

Furthermore, Optiv MDR enhances security maturity and operational efficiency. It integrates with various security technologies to provide a robust defense mechanism, emphasizing rapid detection and response, operational overhead reduction and expert-driven security strategies. Additionally, Varonis offers Managed Data Detection and Response (MDDR), which targets data-level threats and sets it apart from a broader approach. The service combines Varonis' award-winning threat detection technology and automation with a global team of elite threat hunters, forensics analysts and incident responders who investigate and respond to threats 24/7/365. What’s more is MDDR includes an industry leading 30-minute response to ransomware activity.

This data-centric approach ensures high responsiveness and targeted threat mitigation where it's most needed, offering a strategic complement to Optiv MDR. Together, these services can provide an encompassing security solution that not only addresses general security needs, but also zeroes in on protecting the most valuable asset — your data.

Established Viability and Market Leadership

Varonis isn’t just a newcomer jumping on the DSPM bandwagon—it’s an industry leader with over 20 years of experience in data classification and security. This experience translates to mature solutions backed by a large R&D investment, a global presence and a commitment to customer success. These attributes have consistently placed Varonis at the forefront of the industry. Take a moment to review the more recent awards and findings:

Final Thoughts: Why Choose Varonis?

The right DSPM solution isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about real protection, proactive actions and streamlined operations. Varonis offers depth, integration and automated solutions that help you secure your data, giving you the confidence that your organization is protected.

Varonis doesn’t just point out the problems—it solves them. It keeps your business on track while enhancing your data security posture for the modern, hybrid environment. See figure 4 below to explore how the right DSPM solution can help you build a scalable approach focused on continuous improvement.

Figure 4: DSPM lifecycle

If your organization is fortunate enough to have Varonis in place already or perhaps considering a DSPM solution, Optiv can help. Optiv regularly helps our clients build data governance frameworks around proven technologies such as Varonis.

Curious to see Varonis in action? Contact us today to learn more about how Varonis can elevate your data security or schedule a personalized demo and complimentary data risk assessment (DRA) tailored to your organization. See the power of automated DSPM firsthand.

A complimentary Varonis DRA helps organizations identify sensitive data, uncover security vulnerabilities and reveal excessive permissions within their data environment. The assessment provides actionable insights to prevent data breaches by securing at-risk data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.