The overlap is real
The boundaries are becoming less distinct.
Modern DLP products can discover data at rest, apply classifications and inspect cloud channels. CASB platforms can identify sensitive files, analyse sharing permissions and apply session controls. DSPM products are adding DLP enforcement, GenAI guardrails, access governance, retention management and incident investigation.
All three may claim that they can:
- Discover sensitive data
- Detect personal information
- Monitor file activity
- Identify external sharing
- Apply classifications
- Generate risk alerts
- Block or remediate policy violations
This does not mean DSPM has no value. It means product features alone cannot justify the investment.
A feature comparison may show that DSPM has 20 capabilities while another platform has 15. That does not reveal whether the additional capabilities address an important organisational risk, operate more accurately or reduce meaningful operational effort.
Security architecture should bring trust, controls and resilience together as one coherent system. It should not become a collection of individually capable platforms performing the same task in isolation. This is explored further in Security Architecture Is Where Trust, Controls and Resilience Come Together.
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