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IBM Security Guardium Data Protection Reviews

Vendor: IBM
4.1 out of 5
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What is IBM Security Guardium Data Protection?

IBM Security Guardium Data Protection automatically discovers and classifies sensitive data from across the enterprise, providing real-time data activity monitoring and advanced user behavior analytics to help discover unusual activity around sensitive data.

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IBM Security Guardium Data Protection is the #1 ranked solution in top Database Security solutions. PeerSpot users give IBM Security Guardium Data Protection an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. IBM Security Guardium Data Protection is most commonly compared to Imperva SecureSphere Database Security: IBM Security Guardium Data Protection vs Imperva SecureSphere Database Security. IBM Security Guardium Data Protection is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 66% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 28% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
IBM Security Guardium Data Protection
August 2025
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IBM Security Guardium Data Protection mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of IBM Security Guardium Data Protection in the Database Security category stands at 31.8%, up from 31.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Database Security Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
IBM Security Guardium Data Protection31.8%
Imperva SecureSphere Database Security29.4%
Oracle Audit Vault16.3%
Other22.5%
Database Security

PeerResearch reports based on IBM Security Guardium Data Protection reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryDatabase SecurityAug 28, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersAug 28, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM Security Guardium Data Protection vs Imperva SecureSphere Database SecurityAug 28, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM Security Guardium Data Protection vs Oracle Audit VaultAug 28, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM Security Guardium Data Protection vs Oracle Database VaultAug 28, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Imperva SecureSphere Database Security4.129.4%92%56 interviewsAdd to research
Oracle Audit Vault4.016.3%90%28 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

IBM Security Guardium Data Protection provides key features such as database activity monitoring, real-time alerts, and customizable reports. Users value its data protection capabilities, including masking, redaction, and encryption. Its flexibility in deployment and integration options makes it favorable. The user-friendly interface and centralized management, along with the ability to handle diverse database environments, ensure efficient monitoring and compliance. Its robust performance and comprehensive security meet the needs of many organizations effectively.
  • "The investment return was good because IBM Security Guardium Data Protection provided significant security and compliance benefits."
  • "It is very easy to obtain reports and manage the reporting interface."
  • "The most valuable feature is the visualization of data and the ability to monitor our databases."

Room for Improvement

IBM Security Guardium Data Protection requires improvement in its user interface, reporting capabilities, and support services. Users find the deployment complex and integration with databases challenging. Enhancements are needed for data encryption, file activity monitoring, and dynamic masking features. The software could benefit from smoother upgrades, better analytics integration, and more robust real-time features. Additionally, the pricing is considered high, and cloud support requires enhancement. IBM's support responsiveness and documentation also need significant improvement.
  • "The manuals should be clearer. There needs to be an online course or tutorial for faster management training."
  • "The user interface could be improved and modernized."
  • "We deal with updates manually on Sundays and sometimes face bugs with the newer versions."

ROI

Many find it challenging to quantify ROI, but IBM Security Guardium Data Protection has saved time and money for some organizations. It supports compliance and industry standards. Users value its security, audit, and monitoring features. Despite mixed feedback, several note the investment is justified.

Pricing

IBM Security Guardium Data Protection pricing is generally perceived as high compared to competitors, with a complex licensing model traditionally based on Processor Value Units (PVUs). Recent changes simplify this to server-based licensing, potentially reducing costs. Users suggest that Guardium offers good value for large enterprises with specific needs, despite being expensive for smaller businesses. Pricing depends on database and server count, with fees typically paid annually and potential additional costs for advanced features.
  • "It's an expensive solution"
  • "IBM solutions have fair price strategy, and operates on a yearly basis. If it's a SaaS solution, then you can opt for yearly basis."
  • "It is not an expensive product. We purchase its yearly license."

Popular Use Cases

IBM Security Guardium Data Protection is primarily used for compliance, risk assessment, and database monitoring. Users implement features like encryption, audit logging, access management, and privileged user activity tracking to meet regulations like SOX and PCI. It ensures data protection, provides vulnerability assessments, and restricts unauthorized access. Organizations value its compliance reporting and ability to monitor databases and user interactions, enhancing security across financial, governmental, and enterprise sectors.

Service and Support

Users generally rate IBM Security Guardium Data Protection's support positively. Response times and expertise vary by region, with US, UK, and Europe providing stronger support compared to South Asia. Technical support is responsive and effective, though challenges exist with ticket resolution speed and complexity. Users commend support for its responsiveness, but some mention room for improvement, especially for more complex issues or specific modules. Integration with partners can significantly affect the quality of assistance received.

Deployment

Users reported mixed experiences with IBM Security Guardium Data Protection's initial setup. Many found it straightforward and easy, noting it required minimal time with well-defined steps, especially when expertise was available. However, some users experienced complexity, needing IBM support for effective deployment and policy configuration. The ease of setup varied based on user experience, environmental complexity, and the resources available, with some deployments taking longer due to scale or specific requirements.

Scalability

IBM Security Guardium Data Protection is known for its scalability, supporting diverse environments from small setups to enterprise-wide architectures. Users generally find it effective across various database platforms, though adequate resource allocation is essential. Monitoring expansion generally involves adding collectors or licensing. Some users mention challenges with scaling, particularly regarding resource demands. The overall sentiment indicates that with appropriate management and configuration, Guardium effectively adapts to organizational growth needs.

Stability

IBM Security Guardium Data Protection is generally stable, though users have faced occasional CPU utilization and compatibility issues, which are often resolved through updates and support. Stability improves with newer versions. Many users find it requires significant resources but remains stable during operation. There have been some challenges during deployment, but once installed and configured properly, users rarely encounter severe stability problems, and most consider it reliable and robust in performance.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our IBM Security Guardium Data Protection Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business23
Midsize Enterprise11
Large Enterprise36
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business192
Midsize Enterprise127
Large Enterprise625
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
28%
Computer Software Company
9%
Insurance Company
6%
Manufacturing Company
6%
Government
5%
Retailer
4%
Healthcare Company
4%
Hospitality Company
3%
University
3%
Educational Organization
2%
Energy/Utilities Company
2%
Media Company
2%
Non Profit
2%
Construction Company
2%
Performing Arts
2%
Transportation Company
2%
Comms Service Provider
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Logistics Company
2%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
2%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Legal Firm
1%
Outsourcing Company
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%
Photography Company
1%

Compare IBM Security Guardium Data Protection with alternative products

Go!

Learn more about IBM Security Guardium Data Protection

Deploy the solution to help discover regulated data in your data stores and use pre-built templates for regulations such as PCI, SOX, HIPAA, CCPA and many more, to streamline and automate compliance workflows.

IBM Security Guardium Data Protection was previously known as InfoSphere Guardium, Guardium, IBM Guardium.

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Database Security

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IBM Security Guardium Data Protection Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Chief Executive Officer at Kipustec4.0I used IBM Security Guardium Data Protection to secure our assurance company's database, appreciating its effective alerts and compliance. However, clearer manuals and training are needed. Despite some challenges, the investment yielded good security and compliance returns.
Information Technology Security Specialist at infoark4.5We use IBM Security Guardium Data Protection for monitoring database activities such as logins, script executions, and performing vulnerability assessments. While it aids with PCI compliance and data masking, it lacks a requested database firewall for network-level security.
RETAIL BANKING AND AML/KYC MANAGER at National Bank of Pakistan4.0We chose IBM Security Guardium for its seamless integration with IBM solutions and its vulnerability analyzer. However, it lacks built-in data encryption, requiring costly add-ons. Despite these drawbacks, Guardium's straightforward implementation and superior policy management surpass competitors like Oracle.
Cyber Security Analyst at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees4.0I use IBM Security Guardium Data Protection primarily for database monitoring and appreciate its data visualization features and integration with QRadar. While support for discovering sensitive information and update bugs need improvement, it offers a good return on investment for our regular auditing.
Director | CTO at COMMTEL4.0In our organization, IBM Security Guardium Data Protection has proven essential for compliance, monitoring privileged users, and ensuring server stability. Its maturity and efficiency in database security are commendable, though enhancements in AI and data handling could improve it further.
Internet Security Specialist at National Bank of Pakistan4.0No summary available
Head Management GRC and Privacy Solution at activedge4.0We utilize IBM Security Guardium Data Protection for securing financial and banking customer data. It offers valuable features like risk spotting and entitlement reports. Although effective, customers cite delayed support as an area for improvement. Overall, it's reliable and versatile.
VP - Head Enterprise Technology Infrastructure at MCB Islamic Bank Ltd.4.0I use IBM Security Guardium Data Protection for incident response and intrusion management. Its reporting is excellent, but integration is complex and produces false positives. Despite this, I trust its market-leading reputation for promising returns on investment.