In a strategic move to bolster its data security capabilities, Netskope has acquired Dasera, a data security posture management (DSPM) startup. This acquisition is aimed at enhancing Netskope’s ability to protect both structured and unstructured data across various cloud environments. Dasera, founded in 2019, has made significant strides in the DSPM space, thanks to its innovative approach to data security and the leadership of former McKinsey and HP executive Ani Chaudhuri. With this acquisition, Netskope plans to integrate Dasera’s robust DSPM capabilities into its existing platform, providing a more comprehensive data protection solution for its customers.
Netskope’s acquisition of Dasera reflects a broader trend in the cybersecurity industry where companies are increasingly focusing on integrated solutions that cover various aspects of data security. According to Robert Arandjelovic, senior director of product and solutions strategy at Netskope, the integration of DSPM into the security service edge (SSE) landscape is a natural progression. This move is expected to enhance Netskope’s offerings in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) settings, thereby providing a seamless experience for customers looking to protect their data across diverse environments.
Dasera’s unique approach to DSPM, which includes capabilities for both structured and unstructured data, is highly valued by Netskope. The startup’s technology aligns well with Netskope’s existing platform, promising minimal integration challenges while offering significant expansion opportunities. Customers have shown interest in DSPM’s functionalities, such as expert visibility, data lineage, and expanded scope, as part of a unified platform rather than a separate point solution. This integration will streamline security management, consolidate alerts, and unify policy controls across various data environments.
As the SSE market evolves, DSPM is poised to become a crucial component in enhancing data visibility and governance. Arandjelovic emphasized that DSPM’s role in secure access and zero trust frameworks is increasingly vital. By converging DSPM and data loss prevention (DLP) functionalities, Netskope aims to create a unified approach to data security, which is expected to drive widespread adoption among its customer base. The success of this acquisition will be measured by how well the DSPM capabilities are integrated and embraced across Netskope’s platform.
This acquisition of Dasera is part of a larger trend, with several DSPM startups being acquired by major security and technology vendors. The market has seen significant activity, with companies like IBM, Rubrik, and Palo Alto Networks making substantial investments in DSPM solutions. For Netskope, the purchase of Dasera follows its acquisition of other startups, such as Kadiska for digital experience management and WootCloud for zero trust and IoT visibility. These strategic acquisitions underscore Netskope’s commitment to expanding its capabilities and addressing evolving cybersecurity challenges.
