CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

Proofpoint vs Virtru

Proofpoint sells security that covers data and AI as one system, with access that follows intent. Virtru sells data security software that protects sensitive data shared through email, files, SaaS apps and mission partner environments. CISO Tribune files both under Email security and Collaboration app security. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • Proofpoint
  • Virtru
Proofpoint vs Virtru: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
ProofpointProofpoint sells security that covers data and AI as one system, with access that follows intent.proofpoint.comVirtruVirtru sells data security software that protects sensitive data shared through email, files, SaaS apps and mission partner environments.virtru.com
What it sells
  • ITM / Endpoint DLP[19]Endpoint software whose main features are supported on Windows, Mac and Linux.
  • Proofpoint Threat Intelligence Services[21]A Proofpoint team that provides Threat Insights.
  • ET Intel[21]A subscription that gives full access to all insights.
  • ET Pro[21]A subscription that gives full access to all insights.
  • Virtru for Outlook[4][6]An add-in that encrypts Outlook messages and attachments with end-to-end encryption.
  • Virtru Secure Share[4]A cloud-based solution for sharing sensitive files with access control and data visibility.
  • Virtru Collaborate[4][12]Secure workspaces for storing and collaborating on sensitive files with external parties.
  • Virtru Data Protection GatewaySecurity rules that automatically identify and encrypt sensitive data.
Categories
Headquarters
Sunnyvale, United States[1]Washington, United States[2]
Founded
2002[1]2012[2]
Ownership and funding
Owned by Thoma Bravo since 2021[3][12][14][15]Privately held[3][4][5]
Named customers
  • Xcel Energy[4]
  • Princeton University[5]
  • Columbia University[6]
  • Informatica[7]
  • California Department of Motor Vehicles[8]
Not stated on its pages
Recent news
  • October 15, 2026Proofpoint and Varonis announced a definitive agreement under which Proofpoint will acquire Varonis in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.3 billion.[16]
  • September 22, 2026Proofpoint announced the Agentic Collaboration Security system, combining an intent-based detection model with agentic capabilities for email, collaboration tools and the browser.[17]
  • September 22, 2026Proofpoint announced the Proofpoint Agentic Data and AI Security system, built to secure AI and data as one connected risk.[18]
  • September 3, 2026Proofpoint introduced the SOC Analyst Agent, an AI capability that helps security teams investigate threats across Proofpoint security data, built with OpenAI models.[9]
  • August 4, 2026Proofpoint launched an OEM program that lets technology providers, security vendors and managed service providers embed its threat intelligence and detection capabilities.[10]
Not stated on its pages
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: listed, seen November 10, 2026[14]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: listed, seen November 4, 2026[5]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
From its own pages, Proofpoint addresses cyberattacks on organisations where people and AI agents work side by side across email, cloud and collaboration tools. The customers Proofpoint quotes include an organisation using Proofpoint for AI security for employees using AI services and tools, and for AI security in the tools and agents it is building. A quoted Proofpoint customer runs email security, DLP and insider threat management that work together, with its analyst using a single security console.From its own pages, Virtru sells to commercial businesses from enterprise to small business, and to government agencies and mission partners. Virtru says it offers lightweight solutions for small businesses that need to meet compliance regulations. It describes enterprise data sharing via email, files and SaaS applications, and government organizations pursuing Zero Trust architectures. Virtru Collaborate is aimed at regulated industries and organizations sharing files with external partners, contractors and vendors.
Last verified
October 10, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • Proofpoint and Virtru are both filed under Email security and Collaboration app security.
  • Both are headquartered in the United States.

Where they differ, field by field

  • Proofpoint's primary category is Email security; Virtru's is Encryption, tokenization and key management.
  • Proofpoint is also filed under Human risk management and Insider risk management.
  • Proofpoint lists ITM / Endpoint DLP, Proofpoint Threat Intelligence Services, ET Intel and ET Pro. Virtru lists Virtru for Outlook, Virtru Secure Share, Virtru Collaborate and Virtru Data Protection Gateway.
  • Proofpoint is headquartered in Sunnyvale, United States. Virtru is headquartered in Washington, United States.
  • Proofpoint was founded in 2002. Virtru was founded in 2012.
  • Proofpoint is owned by Thoma Bravo, since 2021. Virtru is privately held.
  • Proofpoint publicly names Xcel Energy, Princeton University, Columbia University, Informatica and California Department of Motor Vehicles.

What it sells: Proofpoint

What Proofpoint Threat Intelligence Services does[21]
Threat Insights are provided by the Proofpoint Threat Intelligence Services team. Premium Threat Intelligence Services analysts curate threat news highlights.
What ET Intel does[21]
Subscribing to ET Intel or ET Pro gives full access to all insights. Threat Insights are provided by the Proofpoint Threat Intelligence Services team.
What ET Pro does[21]
Subscribing to ET Intel or ET Pro gives full access to all insights. Threat Insights are provided by the Proofpoint Threat Intelligence Services team.

What it sells: Virtru

What Virtru for Outlook does[4][6]
Virtru for Outlook lets users encrypt emails shared internally and externally, all within Outlook. Protection is applied with one click. Virtru says no encryption key set up is required with third parties.
What Virtru Secure Share does[4]
Virtru Secure Share lets administrators set limits on file count, file size and file types. Administrators can disable local downloads.
What Virtru Collaborate does[4][12]
Virtru Collaborate creates governed workspaces with TDF protection applied to every file automatically. Access can be managed, modified and revoked after files are shared. External collaborators need no software or account setup.
What Virtru Data Protection Gateway does
Virtru Data Protection Gateway for Looker creates security rules that automatically identify and encrypt sensitive information flowing in and out of Looker. Virtru says it can be deployed across a domain in hours.

Questions about Proofpoint and Virtru

What do Proofpoint and Virtru sell?
Proofpoint sells ITM / Endpoint DLP, Proofpoint Threat Intelligence Services, ET Intel and ET Pro. Virtru sells Virtru for Outlook, Virtru Secure Share, Virtru Collaborate and Virtru Data Protection Gateway.
Are Proofpoint and Virtru in the same category?
They share Email security and Collaboration app security. Proofpoint's primary category is Email security and Virtru's is Encryption, tokenization and key management.
Where are Proofpoint and Virtru headquartered?
Proofpoint is headquartered in Sunnyvale, United States. Virtru is headquartered in Washington, United States.
When were Proofpoint and Virtru founded?
Proofpoint was founded in 2002. Virtru was founded in 2012.
Who owns Proofpoint and Virtru?
Proofpoint is owned by Thoma Bravo, since 2021. Virtru is privately held.
Which customers do Proofpoint and Virtru name?
Proofpoint publicly names Xcel Energy, Princeton University, Columbia University, Informatica and California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Who are Proofpoint and Virtru sold to?
From its own pages, Proofpoint addresses cyberattacks on organisations where people and AI agents work side by side across email, cloud and collaboration tools. From its own pages, Virtru sells to commercial businesses from enterprise to small business, and to government agencies and mission partners.
What have Proofpoint and Virtru announced recently?
October 15, 2026: Proofpoint and Varonis announced a definitive agreement under which Proofpoint will acquire Varonis in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.3 billion.

About Proofpoint

Proofpoint sells security that covers data and AI as one system, with access that follows intent. Proofpoint describes the problem it addresses as cyberattacks evolving as people and AI agents work side by side across email, cloud and collaboration tools. Proofpoint describes its approach as understanding intent in order to protect every interaction. Proofpoint has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Varonis.[2]

Proofpoint uses intent-based detection models and autonomous agents to stop AI-scaled threats across the attack chain.

Proofpoint covers visibility into sensitive data and every person, AI app and agent using it, including shadow AI. Proofpoint covers stopping data loss and misuse in real time across employee prompts, files and agent actions. Proofpoint covers control over who and what can reach data, with a full audit trail.

A Proofpoint customer describes using Proofpoint in two areas: AI security for employees using AI services and tools, and AI security in the tools and agents that customer is building. A Proofpoint customer describes Proofpoint email security, DLP and insider threat management working together, with its analyst using a single security console for all possible issues.[2]

ITM / Endpoint DLP features are supported on Windows, Mac and Linux, depending on the feature. ObserveIT is a division of Proofpoint. ObserveIT installation includes granting the ObserveIT Service Account user the dbcreator role on the SQL server. The service account permission is required only during the installation phase and may be removed once installation is complete. Removing that permission prevents ObserveIT from creating additional archive databases with the service account.[19][20]

Proofpoint Threat Intelligence Services provides Threat Insights. Premium Threat Intelligence Services analysts curate threat news highlights. Proofpoint offers ET Intel and ET Pro subscriptions that give full access to all insights.[21]

Proofpoint research examines how 1,600 CISOs across 16 global markets are navigating AI risk, human behavior, data security and rising business expectations. Proofpoint publishes guidance for reducing AI agent risk while supporting innovation.[2][13]

Proofpoint on the record

Sources

Proofpoint full record

  1. [1]AboutProofpoint · proofpoint.com · published April 21, 2025 · Tier A
  2. [2]ProductsProofpoint · proofpoint.com · published September 24, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Thoma bravo completes acquisition of proofpointThoma Bravo · thomabravo.com · published August 31, 2021 · Tier A
  4. [4]Xcel energyProofpoint · proofpoint.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Princeton university safe with proofpoint email securityProofpoint · proofpoint.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Columbia universityProofpoint · proofpoint.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]InformaticaProofpoint · proofpoint.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]California department motor vehiclesProofpoint · proofpoint.com · undated page, accessed October 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Proofpoint soc analyst agent openai daybreakProofpoint · proofpoint.com · published September 3, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Proofpoint launches oem program help security providers embed trusted threatProofpoint · proofpoint.com · published August 4, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Proofpoint launches dedicated msp business unit and introduces 365 totalProofpoint · proofpoint.com · published May 13, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Enterprise Cybersecurity Solutions, Services & Training | Proofpoint USProofpoint · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Integrating ITM On-Prem (ObserveIT) with a Service Desk SystemProofpoint · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Proofpoint Core Email Protection Reviews & Product Details - G2G2 · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier C
  15. [15]Proofpoint Acquires Acuvity to Deliver AI Security and Governance Across the Agentic WorkspaceProofpoint · published February 12, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]Proofpoint to Acquire Varonis in a $6.3 Billion TransactionProofpoint · published October 15, 2026 · Tier A
  17. [17]Proofpoint Stops the Attacks Traditional Defenses Miss in the AI EraProofpoint · published September 22, 2026 · Tier A
  18. [18]Proofpoint Breaks Down the Divide Between Data Security and AI Security with the Industry’s First Unified Agentic SystemProofpoint · published September 22, 2026 · Tier A
  19. [19]ITM / Endpoint DLP Windows / Mac / Linux SupportProofpoint · published November 9, 2026 · Tier A
  20. [20]Assigning SQL Permissions to the Service Account UserProofpoint · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  21. [21]Proofpoint: Emerging Threats IntelligenceProofpoint · published November 9, 2026 · Tier A

Virtru full record

  1. [1]virtru.comVirtru · virtru.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Virtru unveils new headquarters and technology hub in washington dcVirtru · virtru.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]Virtru secures 50 million in new funding to accelerate the future of data centric security for the ai eraVirtru · virtru.com · published July 11, 2025 · Tier A
  4. [4]Data Security Platform for Email, Files and Collaboration | VirtruVirtru · undated page, accessed October 30, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Virtru Email Encryption Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2G2 · undated page, accessed October 30, 2026 · Tier C
  6. [6]Virtru Outlook Email Add-inVirtru · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Protect Your Data Against Human Errors with Email BlockingVirtru · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Enhanced Audit Data for Gmail Chrome Extension Trigger EventsVirtru · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Advanced File Upload Control for Secure SharingVirtru · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Save Secure Share Files Directly to Cloud StorageVirtru · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Securely Share Files From Your Group Email AddressesVirtru · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Confidently Store, Share and Collaborate on Sensitive FilesVirtru · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]Virtru Gateway for LookerVirtru · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A

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