DSGuard review
A free gateway with broad database controls, monitoring, masking and MFA.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
DSGuard is an inline database security gateway for organizations protecting critical database infrastructure. It sits between applications and databases to authenticate users, enforce object- and role-level permissions, block SQL injection and dangerous functions, mask sensitive query results, and record query activity with decision reasoning. Its database coverage spans relational, NoSQL and analytical systems, including PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, SQL Server, MySQL, MongoDB and ClickHouse. Deployment can be on-premises, in private or public cloud environments, or across hybrid infrastructure, making it suited to teams securing varied database estates.
The Community Edition provides the full gateway, unlimited capacity, no time limit, no registration requirement and MFA/TOTP. Professional adds engineer-led deployment, managed software and detection-pattern updates, business-hours support, and complete software without feature or capacity gating. Enterprise adds everything in Professional, plus 24×7 support, a four-hour response target, and custom contract and invoicing terms. Professional and Enterprise pricing is handled through email discussions, so the free edition is the clearest fit for teams that want core controls without a commercial buying process.
Operational fit is a strong part of the offering. Prometheus and Grafana integrations can support monitoring workflows, while SIEM log pipelines connect database activity to broader security operations. High availability and failover address continuity requirements, and result limiting and query-result truncation add control over returned data. Teams needing managed deployment and update support should consider Professional, while organizations requiring round-the-clock support and a defined response target should look to Enterprise. DSGuard is less suited to buyers seeking a fully self-service paid purchase path or support commitments below Enterprise.
DSGuard pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Community Edition includes the full gateway with unlimited capacity and no time limit
- Identity-aware controls, masking, MFA and injection blocking cover core risks
- Prometheus, Grafana and SIEM log pipelines support operational monitoring
- Where it doesn't
- Professional and Enterprise pricing is handled through email discussions
- Community Edition does not include engineer-led deployment or managed updates
- 24×7 support and a four-hour response target are limited to Enterprise
DSGuard fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update