As a business owner, you must find a method to navigate a complex network of laws, corporate policies, health, environmental, consumer standards, and national, municipal, and international restrictions daily. Even a tiny unintentional error can result in significant fines, expensive legal bills, and reputational harm for your company. Due to the complexity of compliance requirements and demands, organizations are expected to monitor infrastructure for violations regularly.
This article will discuss the importance of Compliance Monitoring Software and our top choices from the current market.
What is Compliance Monitoring?
Compliance Monitoring refers to the quality assurance checks businesses run to determine how effectively their operations adhere to internal procedures and legal requirements.
Compliance Monitoring Software assists businesses in continuously tracking, monitoring, and analyzing their operations to ensure compliance with regulations and requirements. It offers crystal-clear data and insights that allow businesses to assess their performance, check if staff are compliant, and adjust as needed to help business operations fulfill their regulatory and internal process commitments.
What are Compliance Monitoring Tools?
Businesses employ compliance monitoring tools to adhere to industrial, legal, security, and regulatory norms and requirements. Utilizing these tools makes it simple to automate risk management, expedite user activity audits, and apply other necessary controls.
Businesses employ compliance monitoring tools to adhere to industrial, legal, security, and regulatory norms and requirements. Utilizing these tools makes it simple to automate risk management, expedite user activity audits, and apply other necessary controls.
Need for Compliance Monitoring
Compliance policies make the identification of relevant compliance standards and their integration into an organization’s current cybersecurity architecture possible. In addition, compliance policies benefit firms by
- Analyze the risks and vulnerabilities in cybersecurity
- Create security measures to reduce or transfer security risks.
- Avoid having activities interrupted by cyber threats or attacks
- Building the foundation for additional compliance measures
Corporations and big businesses use more than just compliance regulations. Small and medium-sized firms that fail to develop policies prioritizing cybersecurity or regulatory compliance become easy targets for hackers looking to exploit their weaknesses.
Top 10 Compliance Monitoring Software
Building a strong cloud security posture starts with compliance. Good compliance can save you from headaches, financial pitfalls, and unwanted policy violations. Your customers will also thank and trust you.
Here is a list of the top 10 compliance monitoring software based on the latest findings and reviews:
#1 SentinelOne
SentinelOne is an advanced AI-driven autonomous cloud security platform that offers state-of-the-art defense for businesses of all industries and sizes. It allows you to track compliance scores over time, identify trends, and improve your security posture by optimizing your compliance strategy. SentinelOne supports various compliance standards such as PCI-DSS, NIST, SOC 2, ISO 27001, CIS Benchmark, etc. It has a Compliance Dashboard that gives a holistic view of your cloud infrastructure. Singularity™ Commercial provides foundational protection for cloud identities and endpoints, while Singularity™ Enterprise protects all endpoints, identities, and the cloud.
Platform at a Glance
SentinelOne is a popular cloud security platform that is well-versed in Offensive Security. SentinelOne provides enterprises of all sizes and industry sectors with lightning-fast speed and scale to change cloud security and eliminate any uncovered and exploitable vulnerabilities. It can flag security defaults and ensure continuous visibility of the security posture of new or existing cloud services. SentinelOne can highlight your security gaps and best practices. It includes all popular compliances like PCI/DSS, HIPAA, CIS, SOC2, ISO, MITRE, and NIST. It also includes RBI compliances -> Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks and Master Direction – Information Technology Framework.
SentinelOne can identify cloud resources/assets with known CVEs (Intelligence gathered from 10+ sources with exhaustive coverage). It can export compliance reports and blocklist secrets for which monitoring is not required (Backend-driven, not exposed to customers). The platform can also do real-time detection of cloud credentials leakage like IAM keys, Cloud SQL, Service accounts, etc., on any public repositories.
Features:
- In the cloud, configuration problems are automatically handled and rectified. Graphs display the impact radius, lateral movement pathways, and resource misconfigurations. SentinelOne’s 1-click automated threat remediation is a valuable feature, and its Offensive Security Engine™ provides Verified Exploit Paths™ for practical threat analysis.
- Monitoring the continuing security posture of new or current cloud services, paying close attention to security concerns and recommended procedures, and raising the alarm on security defaults. SentinelOne provides Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), Kubernetes Security Posture Management (KSPM), and SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) capabilities.
- Comparing the configuration and implementation of IaC to other standards like PCI-DSS and the CIS benchmark is known as “Building as a Code.” CI/CD integration support can stop merge and pull requests with hardcoded secrets. SentinelOne provides Snyk integration support as well.
- SentinelOne streamlines audits and its Compliance Dashboard generates detailed reports. Its patented Storyline technology and BinaryVault enhance cloud forensics, while Purple AI delivers cutting-edge insights about an organization’s cloud security infrastructure.
- Find the cloud resources and assets with susceptible CVEs (data from ten or more reliable sources with in-depth coverage). SentinelOne has a Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP) agent that can secure containers, workloads, and serverless functions.
- Agentless apps use Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) reporting and security vulnerability analysis for virtual machine snapshots.
Core problems that SentinelOne Eliminates
- Discovers unknown cloud deployments and fixes misconfigurations
- Combats ransomware, zero-days, and fileless attacks
- Stops the spreading of malware and eliminates advanced persistent threats
- Resolves inefficient security workflows
- Identifies vulnerabilities in CI/CD pipelines, container registries, repos, and more
- Prevents unauthorized data access, privilege escalations, and lateral movement
- Eliminates data silos and solves multi-compliance issues for all industries
Testimonial
“SentinelOne Singularity™ provides the best visibility of all the threats, covering network to every connectivity layer with a very aasy and Simple GUI. Singularity™ not only covers the Endpoint and the Infection Layers if any attack or malware is detected. You can integrate this Singularity™ with multiple threat analytics and threat feeders and your Ongoing SIEM/SOAR platform. It is also an AI antivirus that monitors behavior. We use this every day, and it is easy to implement. It detects any chances of getting infected and quarantines/kills malware right away. If someone tries to run a script from an elevated shell, it detects it within seconds. No one can remove it or disable it. It requires admin approval from the web console. You just click on the threat file from the web console, and we can see everything malicious about it. It has a deep visibility feature as well.”
-said IT Helpdesk, G2
Take a look at Singularity™ Cloud Security’s ratings and review counts on peer-review platforms such as Gartner Peer Insights and PeerSpot.
#2 Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks
Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks is a cloud security platform that protects cloud-native applications across multiple environments. It uses AI and machine learning models to monitor cloud environments in real-time. It includes over 1,000 compliance checks. These checks comply with frameworks like CIS, NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR, helping businesses secure their cloud infrastructure and meet regulatory requirements. It offers visibility and threat protection for applications, data, and cloud infrastructure, enabling enterprises to scale securely while meeting compliance standards.
Features:
- Offers Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP), and Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM)
- Ensures code-to-runtime security, application infrastructure security, and AI threat detection
- Integrates with third-party cloud services and provides remedial actions
- IaC security, secrets scanning, CI/CD security, & SCA
Assess Prisma Cloud’s credibility by reviewing the number of reviews and ratings on PeerSpot.
#3 Check Point CloudGuard
Check Point CloudGuard is a cloud security platform that protects workloads, applications, and data across multi-cloud environments. It provides a security management solution with visibility over cloud assets and cyber threats.
Features:
- Cloud Native Application Protection with cloud-native web and API. It comes with a single dashboard for managing all cloud accounts.
- Offers cloud posture assessments, cross-platform management, and cloud network security features.
- Ensures cloud detection and response, code security, and integrations.
Evaluate these reviews on PeerSpot to get an informed opinion about Check Point’s capabilities.
#4 AWS Security Hub
Consider this if your organization operates primarily within the AWS cloud ecosystem. It aggregates, organizes, and prioritizes security alerts from various AWS services like GuardDuty, Inspector, and Macie, helping IT teams monitor compliance and detect threats in one place. AWS Security Hub is a centralized cloud security service that provides comprehensive visibility into your AWS environment.
Features:
- Automated, continuous security best practice checks
- Security score to evaluate security posture
- Security data visualization
- Multi-account and AWS organizations support
- Cross-region aggregation of security findings
- Fine-grained controls, pre-configured compliance, and customer support
Check out these ratings and reviews on AWS Security Hub in PeerSpot and TrustRadius to assess its overall effectiveness in cloud compliance management.
#5 Microsoft Azure Security Center (Microsoft Defender for Cloud)
Microsoft Azure Security Center (Microsoft Defender for Cloud) monitors and manages security across on-premises, Azure, and other cloud platforms. It provides Adaptive Applications Controls and Just-in-Time VM Access. It also reduces risk exposure by allowing trusted applications and limits access to virtual machine management ports.
While Azure Security Center offers some multi-cloud functionality, it’s purpose-built for Azure environments. AWS and Google Cloud services require additional setup and integrations, which could undermine the platform’s inherent capabilities.
Features:
- Just-in-time VM access and real-time security monitoring
- Global threat intelligence
- Threat investigations
- Integrated security and audits
Check out Peerspot and G2 reviews to see what users have to say about Microsoft Defender.
#6 Google Cloud Security Command Center
Google Cloud Security Command Center (SCC) is a security management platform that helps businesses detect, prevent, and respond to threats across their Google Cloud Services, including Compute Engine, Kubernetes, and Cloud Storage. Its Command Center (SCC) helps organizations if Google Cloud is their primary cloud service. However, if you want to use it in a multi-cloud environment, where integration with AWS or Azure is necessary, it could fall short in ease of use.
Features:
- Manages vulnerabilities and provides multi-cloud support
- Offers vulnerability and misconfiguration detection services
- Handles cloud security posture management
- Defines response workflows and automated actions
Please review Google Cloud Security Command Center’s ratings on PeerSpot and SourceForge to understand how well it works as a cloud compliance tool.
#7 Trend Micro Cloud One
Trend Micro Cloud One is a cloud workload security solution designed to streamline prevention, detection, and response for endpoints and workloads. It integrates with Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud services. Trend Micro automatically secures new and existing workloads across all environments.
Features:
- Finds and fixes misconfigurations across cloud environments
- Designed for runtime security
- Cloud compliance management
- Automation that supports both developers and security teams
- Behavior monitoring and application controls
Understand Trend Micro’s standing as a cloud compliance tool through its G2 and Gartner reviews.
#8 McAfee MVISION Cloud
MVISION Cloud is a product of McAfee, the pioneers of antivirus protection software and several other data security tools. It provides data protection across all cloud environments, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
MVISION has a dashboard that gives visibility to all security policies and compliances. MVISIOn Cloud is meant for large enterprises with complex compliance requirements, such as multi-regional data privacy regulations, industry-specific regulations, cross-border data transfer, etc.
Features:
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), threat discovery, and workload protection
- In-tenant data loss prevention (DLP) scanning
- MITRE ATT&CK framework
- Integrations, phishing detection, and cloud security management
You can browse McAfee MVISION Cloud’s ratings and reviews by visiting PeerSpot and G2.
#9 Lacework
Lacework is a security solution built for cloud environments. It offers threat monitoring and visibility into security actions to secure cloud infrastructures. It uses behavioral analytics to uncover unknown threats by monitoring unusual activities and changes in real-time.
Features:
- Software Composition Analysis (SCA)
- Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)
- Vulnerability Management
- Cloud workload protection platform (CWPP)
- Behavior-based threat detection
- Threat isolation and API protection
- Endpoint security management
Read Lacework’s reviews and ratings on G2 and Gartner Peer Insights to understand its effectiveness as a cloud compliance tool.
#10 Fortinet FortiGate VM
Fortinet FortiGate VM is a virtualized version of Fortinet’s next-generation firewall. It is designed to provide threat protection and compliance monitoring for virtualized and multi-cloud environments. Fortinet is optimized for hybrid cloud infrastructures and provides visibility and security controls. It fights against malware, intrusion attempts, and application-layer threats. You can also ensure policy compliance across distributed cloud networks by using it.
Features:
- Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW): Deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and malware protection for virtualized environments.
- Cloud-Native Integration: Integrates with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for unified threat management.
- Compliance Monitoring: Ensures that the regulatory frameworks of PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 are adhered to.
- Application Control and URL Filtering: Policies are enforced to monitor and restrict access to unauthorized applications and websites.
- Centralized Management: It offers FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer for policy orchestration and detailed compliance reporting.
- Scalability and Flexibility: It is designed to scale with enterprise workloads and supports diverse deployment scenarios across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
You can learn about Fortinet’s compliance features and get additional insights by reading its PeerSpot ratings and reviews.
How to Choose the Best Compliance Monitoring Tool?
With so many features and possibilities, there are a few things to remember to select the best compliance management solution for your requirements and improve how you handle the compliance lifecycle.
- Be mindful of your deployment requirements: Every business has a unique IT infrastructure, which necessitates a unique implementation strategy. Concerns include liability and risk. While using an in-house solution can minimize the involvement of outside parties in the software implementation process, businesses will also need to commit more internal resources to maintain the program.
- Watch out for automation options: In large, expanding businesses, automation is essential for lowering operating costs and preserving performance. Human error is less likely, and you can better track the compliance program’s effectiveness. Additionally, it can swiftly generate reports and spot compliance issues.
- Management skills: Assessing how the management capabilities meet your needs is critical when selecting a software solution. A strong compliance management software product must have task management capabilities to monitor rules, projects, and other compliance operations like internal auditing, quality management, and document management.
Conclusion
With the correct compliance monitoring software, you can streamline your business operations and ensure your organization complies with regulatory requirements. By centralizing everything, you can increase company openness and ensure all employees are held accountable. In this article, we have seen the top 10 compliance monitoring software that could help your organization and the pros and cons of each tool. If you’re new to managing multi-cloud compliance policies, you can try SentinelOne today. Book a free live demo.
FAQs
1. What is Compliance Monitoring Software?
Compliance monitoring software is a tool that assists an organization in complying with legal, regulatory, and internal policies. It monitors and evaluates compliance-related activities.
2. What is the Best Way to Monitor Compliance?
It means that the best way to monitor compliance is through using automatic software solutions and a combined robust internal policy and employee training. The application compliance monitoring software keeps constant oversight with real-time detection of anomalies. Regulated audits, proper document keeping, and the creation of a culture of accountability make a compliance monitoring program sound in its effectiveness.
3. What are the key characteristics of compliance monitoring software?
Automated tracking of compliance activities; real-time alerts for potential violations; customizable reporting and analytics; and audit trail management. Other features include risk assessment tools, policy management modules, user access controls, and integrations with existing systems.
4. Why Do Businesses Need Compliance Monitoring Software?
A business needs compliance monitoring software to cut through the maze of ever-changing regulatory complexity in which its operations operate. The system’s identification and remediation reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties. It also improves operational efficiency because of automation, increases transparency and accountability, and supports the maintenance of the organization’s reputation through a high compliance standard.
5. How Does Compliance Monitoring Software Work?
Compliance monitoring software will work with your systems. It will start by collecting and analyzing relevant data about your compliance-related activities. It cross-checks this analysis against predefined regulatory requirements and internal policies; it identifies discrepancies or potential violations. You will get alerts, reports, and detailed insights on corrective actions after that.
6. What are the Benefits of Using Compliance Monitoring Software?
Compliance monitoring software can bring about many benefits, such as reducing the risks of regulatory penalties due to the timely detection of compliance issues and enhancing operational efficiency through automation of monitoring tasks. It improves accuracy in compliance reporting, provides better visibility into compliance status, and supports proactive risk management. Ultimately, it helps organizations maintain a strong compliance posture while focusing on their core business objectives.