Email is the primary communication channel for businesses and professionals alike, making it the most commonly exploited attack vector for cybercriminals.
With the increasing sophistication of email-based threats, organisations require resilient email security solutions to protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity. To highlight the top platforms for the job, here we explore the best email security software platforms for 2024 that can help safeguard your company’s communications.
Here’s an overview of some of the leading enterprise-level email security software solutions:
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Proofpoint Email Protection
Proofpoint Email Protection offers multi-layered security against known and emerging threats. It employs advanced machine learning for accurate threat detection, including protection against malware-free threats like impostor emails and phishing.Proofpoint offers a comprehensive DLP solution that protects sensitive data across email, cloud, and endpoint environments. Its advanced machine-learning capabilities enable accurate content classification and policy enforcement. Proofpoint’s DLP integrates seamlessly with its broader security ecosystem, providing holistic protection against insider threats and external attacks. Key features include real-time threat detection, automated incident response, and detailed forensics reporting.
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Mimecast Email Security
Mimecast’s comprehensive email security solution protects against sophisticated attacks, including spear-phishing, ransomware, and impersonation attempts.Mimecast’s comprehensive email security solution protects against sophisticated attacks, including spear-phishing, ransomware, and impersonation attempts. It offers URL protection, attachment sandboxing, and data leak prevention. Mimecast’s cloud-based architecture ensures scalability and real-time threat intelligence updates. The platform also includes email continuity and archiving features for complete email management.
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Cisco Secure Email
Cisco Secure Email combines traditional email gateway defences with advanced threat intelligence and robust machine learning capabilities.Cisco Secure Email combines traditional email gateway defences with advanced threat intelligence and robust machine learning capabilities. It offers protection against business email compromise (BEC), ransomware, and phishing attacks. The solution includes Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), URL filtering, and outbound content control. Cisco’s global threat intelligence network enhances its ability to detect and block emerging threats.
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Barracuda Email Protection
Barracuda Email Protection provides comprehensive security against email-borne threats, including zero-day attacks, ransomware, and spear-phishing.Barracuda Email Protection provides comprehensive security against email-borne threats, including zero-day attacks, ransomware, and spear-phishing. It utilises AI-based threat detection, link protection, and attachment scanning. The solution offers email encryption, archiving, and backup features. Barracuda’s cloud-based architecture allows for easy deployment and management across diverse environments.
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Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers advanced protection for Microsoft 365 environments.Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers advanced protection for Microsoft 365 environments. It includes features like Safe Attachments, Safe Links, and anti-phishing policies. The solution provides real-time detections and automated investigation and response capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft security products for a unified security approach.
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Trend Micro Email Security
Trend Micro’s email security solution offers protection against advanced threats, including ransomware, BEC, and social engineering attacks.Trend Micro’s email security solution offers protection against advanced threats, including ransomware, BEC, and social engineering attacks. It employs machine learning, behaviour analysis, and sandboxing techniques for comprehensive threat detection. The platform includes data loss prevention, encryption, and compliance features. Trend Micro’s global threat intelligence network enhances its ability to protect against emerging threats.
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Forcepoint Email Security
Forcepoint Email Security provides advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and compliance for enterprise email systems.Forcepoint Email Security provides advanced threat protection, data loss prevention, and compliance for enterprise email systems. It offers inbound and outbound filtering, URL defence, and attachment sandboxing. The solution includes features for GDPR compliance and integration with Forcepoint’s broader security ecosystem. Its behavioural analytics capabilities help identify insider threats and unusual user activities.
Proofpoint Email Protection vs. The Competition
Proofpoint Email Protection is a global industry leader in advanced threat detection and email security. In a rapidly evolving market, finding the right fit demands careful consideration.
See how Proofpoint stacks up to its rivals. Here's an overview of today's best email security platforms and how they compare.
| Mimecast | Cisco | Barracuda | Microsoft Defender | Trend Micro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impersonation Protection | |||||
| Email Fraud Defense |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Supplier Threat Protection |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Secure Email Relay |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Information Protection | |||||
| Misdirected Email Protection |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
| Email Exfiltration Protection |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
| Email DLP + Encryption |
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
| Identity Protection | |||||
| Identity Threat Defense |
Yes
|
||||
| Targeted Attack Protection Account Takeover |
Yes
|
Proofpoint Email Protection vs. Mimecast Email Security
Proofpoint Email Protection excels with advanced BEC protection, AI/ML capabilities, and superior threat visibility. Its "Very Attacked People" feature and multi-layered defence system deliver complete protection against sophisticated threats.
Mimecast offers basic security features but lacks Proofpoint's refined AI and targeted attack detection capabilities, potentially leaving organisations exposed to advanced threats.
Proofpoint Email Protection vs. Cisco Secure Email
Proofpoint delivers complete email security with essential continuity services, advanced threat intelligence, and extensive AI-driven protection. Its integrated platform ensures uninterrupted communication while providing dependable threat detection.
Cisco Secure Email lacks critical email continuity features and advanced threat analytics despite its strong basic security offerings, making it less suitable for organisations requiring guaranteed uptime and comprehensive threat intelligence.
Proofpoint Email Protection vs. Barracuda Email Protection
Proofpoint DLP's unified console and advanced analytics provide comprehensive threat visibility while using minimal system resources, ensuring efficient data protection across all channels.
Forcepoint DLP requires multiple add-ons for full functionality and offers limited monitoring capabilities, making it less effective for modern insider threat detection.
Proofpoint Email Protection vs. Microsoft Defender
Proofpoint's central focus on email security yields innovative solutions for threat detection and targeted attack visibility. Its dedicated platform provides leading protection against sophisticated BEC threats and over-generalised solutions.
Microsoft Defender, while offering seamless Office 365 integration, lacks the specialised email security features and granular threat detection that Proofpoint offers. The platform’s generalised security approach may miss sophisticated email schemes.
Proofpoint Email Protection vs. Trend Micro Email Security
Proofpoint excels with advanced socially engineered threat detection, reliable email continuity, and extensive enterprise security integrations. Email Protection’s refined ML capabilities ensure accurate threat identification with minimal false positives.
Trend Micro's diminished email continuity features and less intensive AI detection capabilities make it less suitable for enterprises requiring uninterrupted communication and precise threat protection.
Proofpoint Email Protection vs. Forcepoint Email Security
Proofpoint combines advanced threat intelligence, sophisticated VAP features, and extensive machine learning models to deliver world-class email protection. Its specialised focus and extensive threat database ensure comprehensive defence against complex threats.
Forcepoint, while strong in behavioural analysis, lacks Proofpoint's advanced targeted attack visibility and optimised threat detection capabilities. The platform’s security approach pales in comparison when combating elaborate email-based threats.
Why Choose Proofpoint’s Email Security Software
Proofpoint Email Protection excels at defending against today's most elaborate threats, including BEC, social engineering, and targeted phishing attacks. Its advanced behavioural analysis and machine learning engines identify subtle signs of impersonation and fraudulent activity that conventional email security tools often miss.
The platform's real-time threat intelligence network continuously adapts to emerging attack patterns, while providing unprecedented visibility into highly targeted users and departments. This people-centric approach to security ensures protection against both automated threats and sophisticated human-driven attacks.
Learn more about Proofpoint Email Security or get in touch for more information.
The Essentials of Email Security
When evaluating enterprise email security solutions, look for software that offers complete protection against a wide range of threats. The following features and capabilities are a must:
Threat Prevention and Detection
Multi-Layered Threat Protection
Look for solutions that employ content analysis, reputation cheques, and sandboxing to detect and block advanced malware, phishing, and other email threats.
Business Email Compromise Defence
The software should use machine learning to accurately classify and block Business Email Compromise (BEC) attempts and sophisticated phishing emails.
AI/ML Powered Detection
Advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning models trained on vast datasets are essential for superior accuracy in threat detection.
URL Protection
Ensure the solution offers URL rewriting and sandboxing to protect users regardless of their network or device and can detect if messages become weaponized after delivery.
Security Management and Response
Automated Remediation
Seek solutions that automatically remove malicious emails post-delivery based on updated threat intelligence.
Pre- and Post-Delivery Protection
Look for both pre-delivery protections against social engineering and malicious URLs, as well as post-delivery behavioural AI capabilities.
Targeted Attack Visibility
The ability to identify highly targeted individuals within your organisation and provide actionable insights on email threats is valuable.
Internal Email Defence
The solution should scan internal email traffic to detect compromised accounts and insider threats.
Data and Infrastructure Safeguards
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
DLP capabilities are crucial to stop the leakage of sensitive information via email.
Email Authentication Support
Look for software that supports email authentication protocols like DMARC, DKIM, and SPF to prevent email spoofing and improve deliverability.
Email Continuity
Ensure the software provides email availability even during outages to maintain business communication.
Integration Capabilities
The software should integrate seamlessly with other security tools and offer API-based integrations for a comprehensive security ecosystem.
By ensuring your email security software includes these critical capabilities, you can significantly enhance your organization’s defence against email-based threats and effectively protect sensitive information.
What Is Email Security Software?
Email security software is a specialised tool designed to protect organisations from various email-based threats, including phishing attacks, malware, spam, and data loss. These solutions typically employ advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to pinpoint and prevent both known and emerging threats.
While personal email security solutions focus on basic protection for individual users, enterprise email security software offers more comprehensive features tailored to the complex needs and vulnerabilities of oorganisations. By implementing email security software, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of successful cyber-attacks, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain the integrity of their email communications.
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