What "local" should mean
On-device, not just on-premise
Plenty of tools call themselves local while still sending file contents to a cloud backend for analysis. Genuinely local DLP does the scanning, OCR, and remediation on the machine itself, with no uploads.
That distinction matters most for the very data you are trying to protect: if checking a file means uploading it, the check is its own exposure.
What to look for
Choosing local DLP for Windows
| Criterion | Why it matters | FileSentinel |
|---|---|---|
| On-device scanning | No file contents leave the machine | Yes, no uploads |
| OCR for images | Catches data inside screenshots and scans | Included |
| Remediation | Redact and strip, not just detect | One-click redaction & metadata stripping |
| Simplicity | Usable without a security team | Single Windows app |
| Reporting | Evidence of what was found and fixed | CSV, HTML, PDF reports |
Where FileSentinel fits
Built local-first from the start
FileSentinel was designed as an on-device scanner: it makes no network connections to do its work, scores findings by confidence and severity, and lets you remediate in place. It is a strong fit for individuals and small teams who want real DLP without a cloud platform.
- No cloud
- OCR included
- Redact & clean
Related
FAQ
What makes DLP "local"?
Truly local DLP performs scanning, OCR, and remediation on the device itself, with no file contents uploaded. FileSentinel works this way and makes no network connections to scan.
Why choose local over cloud DLP?
Local DLP avoids sending the sensitive data you are protecting to a third party, which suits regulated, confidential, or privacy-sensitive work.
Is FileSentinel suitable for a small team?
Yes. It is a single Windows app with no console or agents, so individuals and small teams can run it without dedicated security staff.
Does it just detect, or also fix?
Both. It redacts sensitive values and strips metadata to a clean copy, with a remediation history.