DSPM vs CSPM - cybersecurity buzzwords on the rise

We've covered recently how a relatively new cybersecurity niche is driving huge valuations - see the Wiz acquisition by Google.

Specifically, Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) is about securing cloud infrastructure by protecting cloud assets and artifacts together with identities. A CSPM solution works by identifying and rectifying misconfigurations, managing identities and access controls, and ensuring compliance with security standards. Essentially, it continuously monitors and manages the security posture of cloud resources to maintain a secure and compliant cloud environment.

A CSPM solution focusing on a Microsoft Azure subscription. Source: Trend Micro Vision One

CSPM usually focuses on the IaaS or PaaS part of the cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.) to detect misconfigurations, ensure compliance, and reduce security risks.

There are several reason why the CSPM market is growing:

• breaches often stem from misconfigurations (for ex. see here).

• Companies struggle with cloud complexity and shared responsibility models.

• Compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR) are pushing organizations toward continuous cloud security checks.

Yet even if the infrastructure part is properly secured and continuously monitored, the outcome of breaches is usually exfiltrated sensitive or confidential data.

That's why we're seeing another cybersecurity buzzword is emerging: Data Security Posture Management (DSPM). As the name implies, DSPM centers on the data itself: it involves discovering, classifying and protecting sensitive data across various environments. This includes on-premises systems (NAS shares, etc.), cloud platforms (Azure storage, GCP, AWS S3, etc.) and SaaS applications (for ex. Sharepoint). DSPM provides visibility into where data is located, who has access to it, and its potential vulnerabilities.

Securing data across cloud and on-prem assets. Source: Proofpoint

DSPM implementation typically starts with Data Discovery & Classification, which is aided by machine learning to automatically find and classify sensitive data—like PII or IP—across cloud services, databases, and apps. This happens in real time, even as data grows.

DSPM also performs Risk Identification & Management, by flagging risks such as misconfigured storage, excessive access, or unencrypted data. Automated risk scores help teams focus on what matters most based on sensitivity, exposure, and compliance needs.

Some solutions will even take proactive steps with Automated Remediation, i.e. auto-fix issues by adjusting access, encrypting data, or isolating risky assets.

And finally, Continuous Monitoring & Reporting gives situational awareness and real-time visibility into data security posture and compliance (audit-ready logs, assessments, and remediation records).

Discovering and assigning value to data. Source : Proofpoint

Both CSPM and DSPM markets are growing strongly, but DSPM is a newer offering, especially with data privacy and AI/ML adoption driving urgency. Both are becoming must-haves for cloud-native organizations or those in the process of adopting cloud technologies, with particular relevance for regulated industries.