Insider threats and data loss are top concerns for modern businesses, especially in industries that handle sensitive data like finance, healthcare, and technology. At 43Tc, we specialize in helping organizations protect their intellectual property and monitor employee activity using powerful tools like Teramind. Recently, we’ve also been getting more questions about Microsoft Purview, particularly from teams already using Microsoft 365.
So which solution is better for insider risk and data loss prevention monitoring—Teramind or Microsoft Purview? The answer depends on your goals, your current technology stack, and how much visibility and control you actually need.
What is Teramind
Teramind is a user activity monitoring and insider threat detection platform. It is built for companies that want detailed visibility into what users are doing across endpoints, applications, websites, files, and more.
Key features include:
Real-time session monitoring and video playback
User behavior analytics and risk scoring
Keystroke logging, clipboard monitoring, print tracking, and file movement alerts
Optical character recognition to detect on-screen sensitive content
Customizable rules for alerts and automated response actions
Teramind is a strong fit for organizations that want full visibility at the endpoint level, especially for remote teams or roles with access to sensitive data.
What is Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview is a data governance and compliance platform within the Microsoft ecosystem. It helps organizations classify, protect, and monitor data across Microsoft 365, Azure, and other connected environments.
Key features include:
Data classification and sensitivity labeling
Data loss prevention policies for emails, files, and endpoints
Insider risk management based on Microsoft 365 user behavior
Integration with Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel
Compliance reporting and auditing capabilities
Purview is designed for companies that need to meet regulatory standards or want to strengthen their Microsoft 365 data protection strategy.
Comparison Overview
| Feature | Teramind | Microsoft Purview |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Uses a lightweight agent | Built into Microsoft 365 cloud |
| User Monitoring | Full activity visibility | Focused on policy violations |
| Insider Threat Alerts | Real-time behavior-based alerts | Alerts based on Microsoft-defined risk policies |
| DLP Coverage | Works across all apps and endpoints | Primarily Microsoft 365 and Defender-managed devices |
| Session Recording | Yes | No |
| Risk Scoring | Customizable by organization | Based on prebuilt policy templates |
| Ease of Use | Built for IT and security teams | Integrated into Microsoft Compliance Center |
| Best Fit | Security-focused teams | Compliance-driven teams |
| Cost Structure | Lower upfront, per-user pricing | Requires Microsoft 365 E5 or additional licensing |
When to Use Teramind
Choose Teramind if your team needs full visibility into user activity, real-time alerts based on behavior patterns, or video playback to investigate incidents. It is especially useful if you are monitoring devices beyond the Microsoft ecosystem or managing a distributed workforce.
When to Use Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview is best for organizations that have already invested in Microsoft 365 and want to enhance data governance and compliance. It is ideal for teams managing legal risk, regulatory compliance, and internal data classification across Microsoft apps and services.
Using Both Solutions Together
Many businesses find that combining Teramind and Microsoft Purview gives them the best of both worlds. Teramind provides deep visibility into what users are doing at the device level, while Purview governs and classifies data inside Microsoft 365. Together, they create a layered defense for both behavior-based risk and data-driven policy enforcement.
Next Steps
At 43Tc, we help companies design and implement the right monitoring and data protection strategy based on their risk profile, compliance needs, and existing technology. Whether you are considering Teramind, Microsoft Purview, or a combination of both, we can guide you through the options and help you implement them effectively.
Want to compare Teramind and Microsoft Purview for your organization?
Reach out for a consultation and we’ll help you find the best fit.