Forcepoint
What Forcepoint actually does
Forcepoint’s product line centers on data protection and user behavior. Forcepoint DLP is the flagship — a data loss prevention platform that monitors data in motion, at rest, and in use across endpoints, network, cloud, and email. The DLP engine uses pre-built policy templates for regulations like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR, plus custom policies based on content inspection and user behavior analytics.
The SSE portfolio includes Forcepoint ONE — a cloud-native platform combining CASB, SWG, and ZTNA. Forcepoint ONE was built through the acquisition of Bitglass and internal development. It provides inline and API-based protection for cloud applications, web traffic, and private application access.
Forcepoint has deep roots in government and defense. The company was formed from the merger of Websense and Raytheon Cyber Products in 2016. That government DNA persists — Forcepoint holds FedRAMP authorization and significant federal contracts. Forcepoint Insider Threat, designed for high-security environments, monitors user activity on endpoints for indicators of data exfiltration or policy violation.
Who it’s best for
- Government agencies and defense contractors requiring FedRAMP-authorized SSE and DLP
- Regulated enterprises in finance or healthcare with strict data handling policies
- Organizations with genuine insider threat concerns — not just compliance checkboxes
- Companies migrating from legacy Websense web filtering that want a smooth upgrade path
- Security teams that want DLP as the foundation of their security architecture, not an afterthought
Pricing reality check
Forcepoint DLP is licensed per user, typically $20-$40/user/year depending on channels covered (endpoint, network, cloud, email). Forcepoint ONE SSE pricing runs $8-$18/user/month depending on components. Bundling DLP with SSE reduces per-user costs.
Government pricing is handled through GSA schedules and contract vehicles, which complicates direct comparison with commercial pricing. For commercial customers, Forcepoint is generally priced comparably to Netskope and below Palo Alto’s SSE offerings. Multi-year deals unlock deeper discounts. Be aware that migrating from legacy Forcepoint products (Web Security, Email Security) to Forcepoint ONE may involve additional licensing costs during the transition period.
Alternatives to consider
Zscaler — Larger SSE platform with broader market adoption and a larger PoP network. If SSE is the primary need and DLP is secondary, Zscaler is the safer bet.
Netskope — Stronger CASB with deeper SaaS application visibility. Choose Netskope if cloud data protection and shadow IT visibility are more important than endpoint DLP.
Symantec (Broadcom) — Legacy DLP market leader with the largest installed base. If you are already running Symantec DLP and need to stay on-premises, Symantec remains an option despite Broadcom’s support reputation.
Microsoft Purview — Rapidly improving data protection suite included in E5 licensing. If you are a Microsoft E5 shop, evaluate Purview DLP and Insider Risk Management before purchasing a third-party DLP.
The Charting Cyber take
Buy Forcepoint if you are in government, defense, or a highly regulated industry where DLP and insider threat detection are non-negotiable requirements. The FedRAMP authorization, government contract history, and behavior-based approach to data security are genuine differentiators. Forcepoint DLP is among the most capable on the market when fully deployed.
Skip it for general-purpose SSE. Forcepoint ONE is functional but does not lead the market in SWG, CASB, or ZTNA individually. If DLP is not your primary buying criteria, Zscaler and Netskope are both stronger SSE platforms. Also be realistic about DLP deployment — Forcepoint DLP is powerful but complex. Budget six to twelve months for a full deployment across all channels with tuned policies.