Proofpoint vs. Teramind: Which ITM Software Reigns Supreme?

Proofpoint Insider Threat Management (ITM) and Teramind, both reputable companies in the cybersecurity industry, are solutions for insider threat and data loss prevention (DLP) that help organizations detect insider threats and prevent data leaks.

However, only Teramind has a wide range of security features focused on employee monitoring, user & entity behavior analytics (UEBA), insider threat detection, business process optimization (BPO), and more. For instance, it can track user activities across various channels, such as application monitoring, cloud applications monitoring, email monitoring, screen video recordings, keystroke logging, printing, network monitoring, file activity tracking, and more.

The main differences between these solutions are that:

• Proofpoint ITM is a robust insider threat management solution that provides high protection for a company’s intellectual property. It’s designed to safeguard against data loss and brand damage involving insiders, offering a reliable defense for your organization.
• Proofpoint doesn’t support employee monitoring, UEBA, or employee productivity tracking.
• Teramind’s software stands out for its comprehensive approach to insider threat prevention, DLP, and more. If your organization wants with real-time employee activity monitoring, productivity analysis, business process optimization, insider threat detection, and data loss prevention, Teramind offers a unique all-in-one solution.
• With Proofpoint, you get insider threat detection. With Teramind, you proactively protect your organization from insider threats and data loss while improving employee productivity.
• Regarding customer support, while Proofpoint ITM offers 24/7 support via phone, email, and chat, Teramind provides a dedicated account manager and personalized onboarding for new customers.

This post will examine each provider’s available functionality, pricing, user experience, reviews, and more. 

Proofpoint ITM vs. Teramind: Functionality Review

Proofpoint’s insider threat detection software is suitable for organizations primarily protecting their IP and people from insider threats. Customers looking for an alternative to Code42 Incydr, Forcepoint Insider Threat, DTEX Systems, Digital Guardian, and other insider risk management solutions might consider it.

Teramind’s employee monitoring solution is the best for user activity monitoring, insider threat detection, data loss prevention, time tracking, and employee productivity optimization. It’s ideal for a wide range of use cases, such as:

• Comprehensive employee activity monitoring
• Privileged access management
• User & entity behavior analytics (UEBA)
• Insider threats detection
• Automated incident management
• Data loss prevention
• Employee productivity monitoring
• Employee engagement measurement
• Remote team management
• Fraud detection
• Forensic auditing / forensic investigations
• Remote desktop control
• Compliance management

Teramind Overview: Features, Use Cases, Pros & Cons

Teramind is a leading global provider of user activity monitoring, behavior analytics, insider threat detection, and data loss prevention solutions. It helps organizations in finance, healthcare, government, and others to detect and prevent insider threats while driving productivity and improving workflow efficiency.

Teramind’s Key Features

Real-time Employee Activity Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of user activity with Teramind helps you gain real-time visibility across your entire organization for onsite and remote employees. Track all user activities across 17+ channels, such as application monitoring, cloud application monitoring, email monitoring, screen video recordings, keystroke logging, printing, network monitoring, file activity tracking, and more.

User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)

Teramind’s behavioral analysis can detect unusual employee behavior and malicious actions that may indicate potential threats. By comparing abnormal behavior against baseline ‘normal’ activities established through observation and data gathering, Teramind can identify potential security risks and real threats.

Insider Threat Detection

With advanced threat analytics and risk scoring, Teramind’s insider risk management software identifies various types of insider threats, such as malicious activity, theft, fraud, sabotage, collusion, negligence, and unknown threats. It also protects critical assets from malicious or accidental risks in real-time with auto-alerts and blocking.

Endpoint Data Loss Prevention (eDLP)

Teramind’s endpoint data loss prevention capabilities help prevent sensitive information from being misused or leaked from critical endpoints. It automatically discovers and classifies sensitive data and prevents leaks and data exfiltration with content-based security policies, rules, and real-time alerts.

Time Tracking & Project Management

Teramind comes with time tracking, timesheets, time cards, time reports, and project and task management capabilities. It also offers integrations with project management and ticketing systems such as Jira, Zendesk, ServiceNow, etc.

Productivity Optimization

With built-in analytics, detailed reports, and unique productivity scores, quickly identify when your team is performing well and where the gaps are. Implement automated rules and policies to encourage productive behavior, improve employee efficiency, and reduce costs and resource waste.

Forensic Analysis & Investigation

Collect irrefutable evidence and investigate using session recording (video recording, audio recording with incident telemetry), remote desktop control, optical character recognition (OCR), and immutable logs.

Regulatory Compliance

Implement data governance and process adherence to conform with the privacy, security, and data protection compliance requirements and meet industry compliance standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and more.

Ease of Use with Intuitive Dashboard

Teramind comes with an intuitive user interface. Dozens of built-in dashboards allow easy viewing of the most critical information or drill down for details. Complete customization allows you to configure the dashboards and reports or create your own dashboards according to your needs. Apply advanced filters to sniff through hundreds of data points and easily visualize them with charts, graphs, and tables.

Easy Deployment

Deploy in minutes with Cloud, Private Cloud, and On-Premise deployment options. Remote installation is available on Windows, Mac, and VDI hosts. It offers centralized endpoint client updates for easy deployment and maintenance.

Teramind’s Main Use Cases

Thwart Insider Threats

Teramind is a suitable solution for organizations that need advanced analytics and automated incident response capabilities to identify potential risks and thwart malicious insiders. It can proactively alert users to anomalous and malicious behaviors indicating an impending attack or data breach.

Prevent Data Leaks

Teramind data loss prevention features are ideal for organizations looking to prevent data leaks and exfiltration by blocking users from sharing sensitive data outside. Automated data discovery and classifications, fingerprinting, tagging, automated actions, etc., make implementing complex DLP use cases much more accessible.

Monitor Remote and Hybrid Workforces

Teramind is recommended for organizations that require comprehensive monitoring and analytics capabilities for teleworking. The software offers monitoring options to ensure data security and visualize remote employees’ productivity.

Automate Time Tracking and Project Management

Teramind’s time tracking and project management features let organizations accurately track employee attendance, log work hours, and generate timesheets, time records, and project/task and cost reports. 

It helps companies analyze employee activities and payroll to discover cost drivers such as unproductive hours, idle time, absence, and other sunk costs. By automating redundant, manual tasks such as employee clock-ins, scheduling, timesheets, payroll, invoicing, etc., Teramind reduces operational costs by streamlining your administrative, accounting, and HR processes.

Optimize Employee Productivity

Teramind’s employee productivity management and optimization features give a complete report on the organization’s productivity status and detailed insights into employee activity. It lets employers track how employees spend their time, helping identify unproductive or non-work-related activities. Addressing discrepancies and distractions helps organizations improve operational efficiency.

Meet Compliance Goals

Teramind helps you implement data governance to meet compliance standards and conform with privacy, security, and data protection regulations. With tight privacy and security measures, you can adhere to compliance and regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and more.

Overall, Teramind is a comprehensive solution for organizations looking to enhance their
cybersecurity posture, prevent insider threats, and ensure data security and
employee productivity.

Pros of Teramind

Most Comprehensive Suite for Employee Monitoring

Teramind employee monitoring software provides granular activity monitoring across 17+ touchpoints such as apps, websites, file transfers, keystrokes, emails, social media, chats, printers, etc. – more than any other solution in the market.

User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)

Teramind leverages UEBA and contextual analysis to detect anomalies and unusual activity that may indicate potential insider threats. By comparing risky behavior against baseline ‘normal’ activities established through continuous observation and data gathering, Teramind can identify potential security risks before they become incidents.

Powerful Policy and Rule Engine

Automatically optimize productivity and prevent insider threats. Use hundreds of pre-built policies and rules for common security incidents and productivity anomalies, or create your own rules with an easy-to-use, visual Rules Editor.

AI/Machine Learning

Teramind’s advanced algorithm and machine learning capabilities provide contextual monitoring to identify fraud, abnormal behavior, and insider threats. The AI-powered behavioral analytics analyzes user behavior patterns to detect suspicious activities or deviations from normal behavior.

Built-In Integrations

Teramind seamlessly integrates with your existing security infrastructure, such as SIEM systems, IAM and Project Management solutions, and HR databases, for enhanced insider threat management. It offers robust API support and pre-built connectors for easy integration with various systems.

Easy Deployment – Get Started in Minutes

The SaaS solution can be deployed on the Cloud, On-Premise, or Private Cloud. Non-intrusive, lightweight Agent can be installed on Windows and Mac endpoints in minutes to monitor employee productivity and security from day 1!

Cons of Teramind

Feature Overload

Teramind’s comprehensive suite offers many features, including employee monitoring, insider threat detection, data loss prevention, productivity optimization, business process optimization (BPO), and more. However, with features like dozens of reports from hundreds of data points, advanced analytics, and limitless customizations, it can be overwhelming for first-time users to get the hang of the solution.

Limited AI/ML Features

Teramind only recently beta-tested Omni, its AI/machine learning features. It can detect productivity anomalies such as time theft and fraud at its current iteration, but it’s not yet fully ready.

Other Disadvantages

There is no support for Linux, mobile devices such as iPhones or Android, or Mac features on par with Windows. However, the company has been adding more Mac support at a fast pace.

Proofpoint ITM Overview: Features, Use Cases, Pros & Cons

Proofpoint has several products under four core platforms: Aegis Threat Protection, Sigma Information Protection, Identity Threat Defense, and Intelligent Compliance. Proofpoint ITM is a standalone product within the Sigma Information Protection Platform.

Proofpoint ITM protects companies against data loss and brand damage caused by malicious or negligent insiders by correlating user activity and data movement.

Proofpoint ITM Features

Here’s what you get with Proofpoint:

• Intelligent Data Classifications: When integrated with Proofpoint’s CASB, Email DLP, and ICP (Intelligent Classification and Protection), Proofpoint ITM allows users to automatically discover and classify data in real-time with artificial intelligence and protect critical files in motion.
• Risk Scoring: Prioritized risk scoring based on user behavior insights and anomaly detection.
• Insider Threat Library (ITL): 300+ threat scenarios crowdsourced from customers, NIST, CERT, and NITTF with policies for threats like data exfiltration, privileged abuse, and abnormal system access.
• Preventive Actions: Automatic USB blocking, alert or message upon connection of a mobile phone or USB storage device, ability to forcibly message the user and inform them of a security breach, and block a user’s session if necessary.
• Authentication: Additional authentication measures for shared account users include secondary authentication, multi-factor authentication, one-time passwords, access request functionality, time-based user access restrictions, and password sharing.

Proofpoint ITM’s Main Use Cases

Proofpoint ITM can be used for various use cases, including:

• Detecting Insider Threats: By capturing and storing user activity on endpoints, Proofpoint ITM can help detect insider threats and suspicious behavior within the organization.
• Compliance Monitoring: Proofpoint ITM can assist in monitoring user activity to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
• Investigating Security Incidents: In the event of a security incident, Proofpoint ITM can provide valuable insights and screen recording of the user activity leading up to the incident, helping with the investigation process.
• Remote Employee Monitoring: Proofpoint ITM can be used to monitor and manage remote employees’ activity on their endpoints, as clients can be installed and uninstalled remotely.

Overall, Proofpoint ITM is a comprehensive solution for monitoring user activity, enhancing security, and integrating with other systems for a more holistic approach to security and compliance.

Pros of Proofpoint ITM

In addition to the features mentioned above, Proofpoint comes with a few unique perks:

• Scalable Cloud-Native Platform: The API-driven modern architecture is built for scalability, security, privacy, and flexibility to deploy as SaaS or On-Premise.
• Easy Workflow: Proofpoint comes with an easy-to-understand visual case management system. It presents a timeline view and aggregates evidence. It’s particularly tailored for user-driven events that require collaboration with teams outside IT and across the digital productivity stack.
• Device Support: Supports Windows, Windows on AWS/Azure, Mac, Linux/Unix, and VDI.
• Integrations: There are built-in integrations with SIEM and MIP (Microsoft Information Protection), tight integrations with other Proofpoint products, and a RESTful API.

Cons of Proofpoint ITM

• Limited Monitoring Capabilities: The program has limited monitoring capabilities, such as no screenshots, keystrokes, or clipboard monitoring, no regular expressions support, etc. It mostly captures file upload/download activities.
• Product Disparity: Proofpoint offers two insider risk management solutions. Its ObserveIT solution has better monitoring and threat protection (e.g., ITL) but is an old product. On the other hand, Proofpoint ITM has AI capabilities but fewer monitoring and DLP features.
• Limited Reporting & Analytics: There is no advanced reporting or BI capability (it lacks charts and advanced filters), and few built-in reports are available.
• Anomaly Detection: Proofpoint is mostly a DLP that focuses more on data. Even though it highlights insider threats, it lacks anomaly detection, such as baseline analysis, the way Teramind can. As a result, it can produce many false positives.
• Product Licensing: Product licensing combines a fixed infrastructure fee with a set of endpoint licenses, which may be challenging to distribute between virtual machines.

How To Choose an Insider Threat & DLP Solution For Your Business

Choosing the right security product to detect insider threats and prevent data leaks can be daunting. It’s wise to choose the solution that aligns with your organization’s needs, resources, and security strategy. It’s also wise to find the best solution from the onset because switching to a different solution can often be expensive after spending all the effort and resources in implementing it.

There are some common themes you can look for when choosing an insider threat and data loss prevention solution.

Comprehensive Monitoring Capabilities

You cannot detect insider threats or prevent data leaks if you don’t monitor your endpoints. This is why it’s critical to determine what kind of monitoring a solution offers—the more comprehensive the monitoring, the better because it will increase the coverage.

Look for a solution that offers a wide range of monitoring capabilities, such as screenshot capture, keystroke logging, file activity monitoring, cloud storage, etc. This will provide a comprehensive view of user behavior and help detect persistent threats.

Many solutions come with key monitoring channels, such as apps and websites, but other solutions, like Teramind, can monitor virtually all user activities, guaranteeing complete visibility of the entire organization.

Advanced Threat Detection

Consider an insider threat solution that uses advanced machine learning algorithms and analytics to identify potential insider risks. Look for features like behavior analytics, anomaly detection, and predictive modeling to help detect unusual activities and flag them as possible security threats.

Real-time Monitoring and Alerting

You need real-time monitoring to identify threats as soon as they surface. Look for a solution that provides real-time monitoring and alerting capabilities. This will ensure that any suspicious activities are immediately detected and appropriate action can be taken to mitigate the risk before it’s too late.

Prevention and Response Features

Consider an insider threat protection solution that detects insider threats and has the threat prevention and response capability. Look for features like rule actions to block users, policy enforcement, and automated incident response that can help prevent security breaches and take immediate action when necessary.

Flexibility and Scalability

Choose a flexible and scalable product offering to meet your organization’s growing needs. Look for options that can easily integrate with your existing security infrastructure and be customized to align with your business requirements.

Integration & Compatibility

To avoid headaches, before choosing a solution, find out if it will work with your existing tech stack. Also, find a solution that can be integrated with other security tools such as SIEM, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), etc. This will enhance your threat detection capability and offer a holistic security orchestration for your security teams.

Support

Technical support and SLA are critical for implementing an insider threat detection and DLP solution, especially if you do not have in-house resources. For example, deployment help, configuration and rules creation, maintenance, etc., will be needed. Find out if you will be required to pay extra for such support. Ask if the company offers dedicated customer representatives, if they offer professional services for customized implementation, etc., based on your needs. 

Price vs Value

Of course, you will be looking for a solution within your budget. However, you must also consider the solution’s total cost of operation (TCO) and lifetime value (LTV). Find out the ROI or at least know what benefits, cost savings, etc., can be achieved by deploying such a solution. Sometimes, there are opportunity costs that are hard to quantify. 

For example, how much financial/reputational damage you will incur if there is a data breach? Now, consider how much you are paying to mitigate that risk.

Which Insider Threat Software Will You Choose?

Proofpoint ITM and Teramind are solid insider threat detection and data loss prevention tools. If you’re in the marketing for a security solution, both tools provide robust features.

Proofpoint ITM has some primary endpoint DLP and insider threat prevention capabilities. 

However, if you need an endpoint DLP to protect all your data in motion, not just files, you can opt for Teramind DLP. Or, if you want employee monitoring, Teramind UAM can help, and Proofpoint ITM cannot.