Protocol-Aware Data Access Security Proxy

Formal is a protocol-aware reverse proxy that secures access to databases, APIs, and infrastructure by enforcing fine-grained security policies inline at the wire protocol level. The platform parses over 15 data protocols natively, enabling query-level access control, dynamic data masking, and real-time audit logging for every identity that touches sensitive data. Formal serves engineering and security teams at data-driven organizations that need zero-trust data access controls without modifying their existing applications or database configurations.

The platform sits transparently between users and data stores, applying context-aware policies that can mask PII, block unauthorized queries, and enforce least-privilege access with sub-10ms latency overhead. Formal supports a wide range of databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Snowflake, and Redshift, as well as HTTP APIs and SSH connections. By providing programmable, protocol-native security at the data access layer, Formal enables organizations to implement consistent data governance across their entire infrastructure stack without the complexity of traditional database activity monitoring or data access governance tools.