Can you confidently say your business is GDPR compliant? If not, you’re not alone. With evolving regulations and increasing scrutiny, protecting personal data can feel overwhelming. Non-compliance risks fines, reputational damage, and loss of trust, but manually tracking compliance is impractical. GDPR scanning software automates compliance, scanning for sensitive data, flagging risks, and generating audit-ready reports—saving time and reducing risk.
With many solutions available, how do you pick the right one? This guide breaks down the 10 best GDPR scanning software options in 2025, covering key features, pricing, and limitations to help you make an informed choice.
Why is GDPR scanning software important?
Manually tracking compliance is tedious, error-prone, and impractical for businesses handling large amounts of data. That’s where GDPR scanning software comes in.
These tools automate compliance, making it easier to:
- Automatically scan databases, cloud storage, and devices for PII (Personally Identifiable Information).
- Keep track of data processing activities, consent records, and regulatory changes.
- Identify unauthorised access, vulnerabilities, and potential data breaches.
- Generate detailed reports that make GDPR audits and inspections stress-free.
- Automate risk assessments, policy updates, and consent tracking.
- Show users that their data is handled responsibly and in compliance with GDPR.
If you fail to comply with GDPR, the fines for violation can go up to €20 million, or 4% of the global annual revenue from the previous financial year, whichever is higher.
Did you know that approximately 30% of European businesses are still not compliant with GDPR?
Top 10 GDPR scanning software solutions
1. CookieYes
CookieYes is a widely used GDPR compliance solution that simplifies cookie consent management and privacy compliance. The platform automates the detection, categorisation, and management of cookies to ensure businesses comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other major privacy laws. Its intuitive interface allows businesses to customise cookie banners, store consent logs, and generate audit-ready compliance reports.
Key features:
- Automated cookie scanning with real-time classification.
- Pre-built compliance templates for GDPR and CCPA.
- Customisable cookie consent banners with branding options.
- Google Consent Mode scanner for effortless integration
- Geo-targeting and multi-language support for global compliance.
- Consent logging for audit purposes.
- Integrates with WordPress, Shopify, Magento, and more.
Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at £9 per month.
Limitations:
- Does not offer data loss prevention (DLP) features.
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2. OneTrust
OneTrust is an enterprise-grade privacy management platform designed to help businesses discover, classify, and protect sensitive data across structured and unstructured environments. The platform integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to automate compliance processes, making it a powerful tool for large organisations handling vast datasets.
Key features:
- AI-driven data discovery for cloud and on-premises systems.
- Automated compliance monitoring for GDPR, CCPA, and ISO 27001.
- Privacy by design ensures data is never copied outside its environment.
- Risk assessment tools to prevent privacy breaches.
- Third-party risk management to assess vendors and processors.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on business size and needs.
Limitations:
- Steep learning curve due to its advanced features.
- High pricing makes it less suitable for small businesses.
3. DataGrail
DataGrail offers real-time privacy risk detection by mapping and classifying personal data across an organisation’s internal and third-party platforms. It ensures businesses anonymise and classify sensitive data while meeting GDPR and other privacy compliance standards.
Key features:
- Automated data discovery for structured and unstructured data.
- Data subject access request (DSAR) automation for GDPR compliance.
- Smart categorisation of consumer-sensitive data.
- Real-time risk assessment to detect privacy risks.
- Integration with third-party applications like Salesforce and Marketo.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on company requirements.
Limitations:
- Requires API integration for third-party platforms.
4. Endpoint Protector
Endpoint Protector provides a cross-platform solution for securing endpoints, preventing unauthorised data transfers, and ensuring compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. It offers advanced DLP features to monitor and restrict data movement.
Key features:
- Content-aware data loss prevention for endpoints.
- Real-time data monitoring with advanced reporting tools.
- USB and device control to prevent unauthorised data transfers.
- Predefined compliance policies for GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on business size.
Limitations:
- Requires on-premises installation for full functionality.
- Less effective for cloud-based data security.
5. Netwrix Auditor
Netwrix Auditor is an IT security and compliance auditing platform that helps organisations track user activities, detect threats, and ensure regulatory compliance. It supports monitoring Active Directory, cloud systems, file servers, and databases.
Key features:
- Automated compliance auditing for GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
- User access monitoring to prevent insider threats.
- Advanced anomaly detection for security threats.
- Detailed compliance reporting and risk assessment tools.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on business requirements.
Limitations:
- IT-focused, which may not be suitable for all businesses.
- Does not include cookie consent management.
6. Vanta
Vanta automates GDPR compliance by continuously monitoring security controls, evidence collection, and vendor risk management.
Key features:
- Automated GDPR compliance monitoring
- Continuous security risk assessment
- Third-party vendor risk management
- Customisable GDPR compliance frameworks
Pricing: Custom pricing.
Limitations:
- Primarily enterprise-focused
- Limited data discovery capabilities
7. Spirion
Spirion is a data protection tool designed for GDPR-sensitive data discovery and classification. It helps businesses identify and secure personal and regulated data, ensuring compliance with GDPR and other privacy laws. With its 98.5% accuracy in data discovery, Spirion minimises compliance blind spots.
Key features:
- 98.5% accuracy in sensitive data discovery
- Automated data classification and risk assessment
- Real-time GDPR compliance monitoring
- Seamless integration with existing security tools
Pricing: Custom pricing.
Limitations:
- Requires technical expertise to implement
- May require additional tools for complete GDPR compliance
8. Varonis
Varonis offers an AI-powered GDPR compliance solution that automates data security monitoring, threat detection, and compliance reporting. It continuously classifies sensitive data, monitors real-time access, and flags security risks before they escalate.
Key features:
- Continuous GDPR data discovery and classification
- AI-powered security risk detection
- Real-time access monitoring and compliance reports
- Automated remediation of compliance violations
Pricing: Custom pricing.
Limitations:
- Complex setup
- Primarily designed for large enterprises
Factors to consider when choosing GDPR scanning software
Selecting the right GDPR scanning software is crucial for ensuring compliance and data security. Here are the key factors to evaluate before making a decision:
Compliance coverage
Ensure the software fully supports GDPR and other related regulations.
Data discovery and classification capabilities
A robust GDPR scanning tool should automatically identify, classify, and monitor personal data across structured and unstructured environments, including databases, file storage, SaaS applications, and cloud services.
Consent and compliance management
If your business collects user data through cookies, forms, or third-party services, opt for a tool that includes consent management features, ensuring compliance with GDPR consent requirements.
Automation and ease of use
Look for automation capabilities that reduce manual effort, such as automated risk assessments, compliance alerts, and remediation suggestions. A user-friendly interface and intuitive dashboard also improve efficiency and adoption.
Audit-ready reporting
GDPR compliance requires detailed records of data handling practices. The software should generate audit-ready reports, maintain consent logs, and provide real-time compliance tracking to simplify regulatory audits.
Security and risk assessment tools
Choose a solution that identifies security risks, detects unauthorised access, and offers DLP features to mitigate potential breaches and insider threats.
Third-party integrations
Check whether the software integrates seamlessly with existing business applications, cloud storage services, and security tools. Compatibility with CRM, ERP, and IT security solutions is important for a smooth compliance workflow.
Scalability and pricing
Consider a GDPR scanning solution that can scale with your business growth. Pricing should be transparent, with flexible options suited for small businesses, mid-sized companies, and enterprises.
Vendor reputation and support
Opt for a well-established provider with positive customer reviews, strong industry recognition, and responsive customer support to assist with implementation and ongoing compliance challenges.
Customisation and flexibility
Different businesses have different GDPR compliance needs. Choose a solution that allows for customisable compliance policies, user roles, and risk assessments to match your organisation’s specific requirements.
FAQ on GDPR compliance
GDPR-compliant software helps businesses comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by managing data discovery, consent, security, and compliance reporting. It ensures lawful data processing, protects personal data, and generates audit-ready reports. Examples include CookieYes for cookie consent, OneTrust for privacy risk assessments, and Varonis for automated data security.
To verify GDPR compliance:
- Identify what personal data you collect and process.
- Obtain explicit user consent before storing data.
- Review privacy policies and clearly state data handling practices.
- Use GDPR tools to automate compliance.
- Encrypt sensitive data and restrict access.
- Ensure third-party vendors also comply with GDPR.
- Maintain detailed records of data processing activities.
- Allow users to access, modify, or delete their data upon request.
Your business must comply with GDPR if:
- You sell goods or services in the EU or UK.
- You sell goods or services to EU-based businesses or consumers.
- You have employees in the EU or UK.
- Visitors from the EU or UK access your website.
- You monitor the behaviour of individuals within the EU
Even if your business is based outside the EU, you may still need to comply with GDPR if you collect or process personal data from EU residents.
Failing a GDPR audit can have serious legal and financial consequences. Non-compliance can result in:
- Hefty fines: Up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
- Regulatory sanctions: Including official reprimands and mandatory audits.
- Liability damages: Compensation claims from individuals affected by non-compliance.
GDPR compliance software provides a centralised system for managing privacy obligations efficiently. These tools:
- Scan and map personal data across your systems.
- Monitor consent and privacy policies to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Alert you to compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions.
- Detect potential data breaches and trigger incident response workflows.
- Generate audit-ready reports for regulators.
With automated monitoring and real-time alerts, GDPR scanning software helps businesses stay compliant and respond quickly to privacy risks.
When selecting GDPR compliance software, consider:
- Service reputation and industry experience.
- Customer reviews and support quality.
- Security measures and data protection policies.
- Compliance with GDPR and other regulations.
- Scalability and flexibility to adapt to business growth.
Shreya is the Senior Content Writer at CookieYes, focused on creating engaging, audience-driven blog posts and related content. Off the clock, you’ll find her happily lost in the world of fiction.
