Guide To The 24 Best Email Security Services Of 2024
10 Best Email Security Services Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 24 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
In the digital landscape, apps, and cloud email security significantly impact businesses. A secure email gateway, integrating antivirus and API, defends against threats like BEC, spoofing, and account takeovers. Whether on-premises, SaaS, or hybrid, adeptly configuring these tools is crucial to shield email accounts from risks, especially with the looming threat of hackers and social engineering.
What Is An Email Security Service?
Email security service offers a collection of solutions to protect email communications, the essence of digital correspondence, against various threats such as malware, phishing, and unauthorized access.
Adopted by both businesses and individual users, these services emphasize the confidentiality and authenticity of emails. A core component, the email security gateway, serves to deflect cyber attacks, filter unwanted correspondences, and shield sensitive email data. Their primary mission is to combat specific threats like business email compromise (BEC) and others.
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For entities ranging from vast corporations to individuals emphasizing email security, the benefits of these tools are clear. They ensure the safety and integrity of their digital communications. At its core, an email security service acts as a protective barrier, deterring any malicious intentions.
Best Email Security Services Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| PowerDMARC | From $8/month | Website |
| Cisco Email Security | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Trellix | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ESET Email Security | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Proofpoint Email Protection | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Mimecast Email Security | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| McAfee Email Security | From $14/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Barracuda | From $0.98/user/month (min 10 seats) | Website |
| Trend Micro Email Security | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Sophos Email Security | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Email Security Services Reviews
PowerDMARC is a comprehensive email security platform designed to protect organizations from email spoofing, phishing, and fraud. It offers a range of features including DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) reporting, analysis, and monitoring, enabling users to track and manage their email authentication protocols effectively.
Why I Picked PowerDMARC:
I picked PowerDMARC for its detailed DMARC reporting, which provides real-time alerts and insights into spoofing attacks. This is powered by a robust Threat Intelligence engine that offers visibility into malicious sources, enabling organizations to take proactive measures against potential threats. Additionally, PowerDMARC offers forensic reporting with encryption, allowing users to access RUF Mail Failures Forensics while ensuring the privacy of sensitive information.
Standout features and integrations:
Additional features of PowerDMARC include hosted Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI), and Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security (MTA-STS). It also offers 24/7 monitoring services for proactive email security management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports various email security protocols
- Utilizes proprietary AI and threat intelligence for enhanced security
- Strong email authentication controls
Cons:
- Reliance on proprietary technology may limit flexibility and customization options
- Optimal setup and management of the tool may require technical expertise
Cisco Email Security offers robust protection mechanisms against email threats, with a focus on a depth of defenses. It's not just about filtering out the bad but also about the strategic layers they've built into their system, making it outstanding in countering complex threats with a layered approach.
Why I Picked Cisco Email Security:
In the sea of email security tools, Cisco's emphasis on a well-structured, layered defense approach made me sit up and take notice. In my analysis, I noticed that they've engineered their tool to tackle threats at multiple levels, not just at the surface. This deep-dive, layered approach to email security is why I firmly believe it stands as 'Best for multi-layered defense strategy'.
Standout features and integrations:
Cisco shines with its advanced threat intelligence, ensuring that emerging threats are detected and blocked promptly. Their sandboxing feature meticulously analyses suspicious files in a secure environment, adding an additional layer of scrutiny. Integration-wise, Cisco works harmoniously with a range of enterprise systems, ensuring that the tool can slide into any company's tech stack, notably with systems like Microsoft Exchange.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integrations, especially with enterprise systems
- In-depth sandboxing feature for suspicious files
- Advanced threat intelligence to counter emerging risks
Cons:
- Potential for occasional false positives
- Could be intimidating for smaller organizations
- Requires a certain level of tech-savviness for optimal setup
Trellix is a security platform geared toward providing businesses with real-time defense mechanisms against ever-evolving cyber threats. Its emphasis on adaptive threat intelligence ensures that organizations are equipped with the latest intelligence to thwart potential security breaches.
Why I Picked Trellix:
After comparing a variety of email security platforms, I selected Trellix for its notable emphasis on adaptive intelligence. The platform consistently adapts to the evolving threat landscape, which makes it unique in the crowded cybersecurity market. It's this focus on adaptability and proactive learning that positions Trellix as the 'Best for adaptive threat intelligence,' in my opinion.
Standout features and integrations:
Trellix boasts a dynamic threat response system, which means it's continuously learning from emerging threats and adjusting defenses accordingly. Their cloud-native infrastructure ensures scalability and rapid response times. In terms of integrations, Trellix collaborates with major SIEM platforms and other security tools, enriching its threat detection capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective integrations with SIEM platforms and other security tools
- Scalable cloud-native infrastructure
- Dynamic threat response system for real-time protection
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to competitors
- Requires a learning curve for full feature utilization
- Might be overkill for small businesses with basic needs
ESET Email Security offers a robust suite of tools designed to protect organizations from a wide range of email-based threats. One of its most notable strengths is its superior malware detection accuracy, ensuring that malicious emails, including those bearing ransomware, are effectively intercepted and neutralized.
Why I Picked ESET Email Security:
When determining which email security tools to highlight, I judged ESET Email Security to be among the best. This judgment was largely based on its reputation and the opinions of industry experts. What truly makes ESET distinct is its exceptional accuracy in anti-malware, making it the best tool for those prioritizing the detection and prevention of ransomware and other malicious emails.
Standout features and integrations:
A significant feature of ESET Email Security is its advanced machine learning and heuristic analysis, which work in tandem to identify and block zero-day threats. Additionally, its phishing protection capabilities ensure that fraudulent emails don't make their way into user inboxes. As for integrations, ESET offers compatibility with popular email platforms and aligns with other security products in the ESET lineup.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with other ESET security products
- Advanced anti-phishing capabilities
- High accuracy in detecting ransomware and other malware
Cons:
- Limited customization options for certain security policies
- Occasional false positives in email scanning
- Interface may be daunting for novice users
Proofpoint Email Protection stands as a formidable shield against email threats, ensuring that your communications remain uncompromised. Its prowess in addressing advanced cyber threats, particularly sophisticated phishing and malware attacks, solidifies its position as the go-to choice for those seeking top-tier defense against the most intricate of email-based risks.
Why I Picked Proofpoint Email Protection:
Proofpoint Email Protection consistently emerged at the top of my list when I sifted through various email security tools. Its reputation for excellence in identifying and mitigating advanced threats gave it a distinct edge over others. This very capability is why I believe it's 'Best for advanced threat protection,' providing users an assured defense against sophisticated email-based attacks.
Standout features and integrations:
Proofpoint's granularity in setting policies enables users to fine-tune their defenses to their specific environment. This customization, paired with its dynamic reputation analysis and real-time threat intelligence, makes it a robust solution for all types of businesses. Moreover, it integrates with other enterprise solutions, making it easier for IT teams to manage and monitor the organization's security landscape.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient in identifying and neutralizing advanced threats
- Real-time threat intelligence feed
- Granular policy setting for targeted defenses
Cons:
- Interface can be more intuitive
- The initial setup might require expert intervention
- Slightly steeper learning curve for beginners
Mimecast Email Security is renowned for its robust email protection capabilities, ensuring that users are safeguarded against a wide array of digital threats. A distinguishing feature of Mimecast is its exhaustive archiving functionality, making it an invaluable tool for organizations needing extensive mail archival solutions.
Why I Picked Mimecast Email Security:
When selecting the right tools, I often dive deep into their specialties, and Mimecast's commitment to archival excellence caught my attention. Among the array of services I evaluated, Mimecast stood distinct with its emphasis on preserving every piece of mail with impeccable detail. This unparalleled commitment to archiving is the primary reason I'm convinced it's 'Best for comprehensive mail archiving.'
Standout features and integrations:
Mimecast provides multi-layered security, ensuring every email system, whether inbound or outbound, is scanned and safe. Its archiving feature is not just about storage but offers rapid search capabilities, ensuring quick retrieval of any archived mail. Additionally, Mimecast integrates efficiently with a plethora of enterprise systems, especially with platforms like Microsoft Office 365, enhancing overall user experience and ensuring continuity.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with major platforms like Office 365
- Quick search and retrieval within archives
- Multi-layered, detailed email security
Cons:
- Might be overkill for smaller enterprises not needing extensive email archiving
- Migration process may be intricate for some
- Interface could be more user-friendly
McAfee Email Security is a comprehensive email protection tool that safeguards organizations from email-based threats and data leaks. The standout feature of this tool is its centralized security management, which consolidates threat intelligence and orchestrates responses across the organization's security infrastructure.
Why I Picked McAfee Email Security:
I chose McAfee Email Security for this list after careful comparison and judgment of several email security solutions. Its commitment to centralized security management set it apart. This feature ensures that all security-related decisions and responses are coordinated from a central point, making it easier for businesses to have a cohesive security strategy. Hence, it's undeniably 'Best for centralized security management.”
Standout features and integrations:
Key features of McAfee Email Security include advanced threat protection, which uses machine learning to detect and prevent emerging threats. There's also data loss prevention to safeguard sensitive information from being leaked inadvertently. Integration-wise, the tool meshes well with other McAfee products, forming a unified and strong security front.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integration with other McAfee products
- Efficient data loss prevention capabilities
- Advanced machine learning for real-time threat detection
Cons:
- Potential delays in customer support response times
- Some customization options may seem limited to advanced users
- Could be complex for users unfamiliar with McAfee products
Barracuda offers an innovative approach to email security, integrating multiple protective layers within a cloud-based framework. Recognizing the increasing threats in a digital era, their service emphasizes integration across platforms to provide a comprehensive shield for email communications.
Why I Picked Barracuda:
In my comparison of numerous email security tools, Barracuda consistently stood out for its holistic, cloud-based protection. I chose it primarily for its impressive capability to provide an all-encompassing solution that goes beyond simple email filtering. This quality is exactly why I endorse Barracuda as 'Best for integrated cloud-based solutions' - its unified approach to security ensures a more cohesive, thorough defense against threats.
Standout features and integrations:
Barracuda boasts advanced threat protection, leveraging artificial intelligence to improve its defenses against evolving threats continually. Coupled with data loss prevention and email encryption, users are assured of both inbound and outbound email safety. As for integrations, Barracuda aligns well with most enterprise solutions, including major cloud-based email platforms and productivity suites, ensuring a fortified defense across the board.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong compatibility with major enterprise platforms
- Effective data loss prevention and encryption tools
- Comprehensive AI-driven threat protection
Cons:
- Occasional false positives in threat detection
- Requires initial tuning for specific needs
- Might be overwhelming for smaller businesses
Trend Micro Email Security is an advanced email protection tool aiming to guard businesses from a vast array of online threats. The platform's dedication to virtual patching capability ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed even before a formal patch is available, offering organizations an added layer of defense.
Why I Picked Trend Micro Email Security:
In the process of determining which email security tools to feature, Trend Micro Email Security stood out due to its unique approach to vulnerability management. The virtual patching capability grabbed my attention as it offers a timely defense against potential threats, bridging the gap until official patches are released. This proactive approach to securing potential vulnerabilities is why I've judged it to be the 'Best for virtual patching capability.'
Standout features and integrations:
Key features of Trend Micro Email Security include its advanced machine learning technology, which assists in identifying and blocking sophisticated threats. The platform also offers sandbox malware analysis to detect stealthy malware. Integration-wise, it can connect with other Trend Micro solutions and widely-used enterprise tools, ensuring a cohesive security ecosystem.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cohesive integrations with enterprise-grade tools
- Sandbox malware analysis feature
- Advanced machine learning for accurate threat detection
Cons:
- Requires periodic updates for optimal performance
- Some users might prefer a broader range of third-party integrations
- Might be complex for users unfamiliar with cybersecurity nuances
Sophos Email Security is a robust email protection platform designed to thwart various cyber threats targeting email communications. One of its primary attributes is its commitment to synchronized security communication, ensuring a holistic and interconnected security approach across multiple facets of an organization.
Why I Picked Sophos Email Security:
When selecting tools for this list, the synchronized security communication feature of Sophos Email Security stood out prominently. This trait provides a distinct advantage as it ensures that all parts of an organization's security infrastructure communicate effectively, helping detect and respond to threats more cohesively. This capability led me to judge it as the 'Best for synchronized security communication.”
Standout features and integrations:
Sophos Email Security boasts AI-powered email analysis, which provides proactive threat detection. It also offers impersonation protection, reducing the risk of phishing email attacks. The platform integrates with the broader Sophos ecosystem, allowing for cohesive data sharing and threat response.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration with other Sophos solutions
- Impersonation protection against phishing attacks
- AI-powered analysis for efficient threat detection
Cons:
- Not as many third-party integrations as competitors
- Some features could be overwhelming for smaller businesses
- Might require a learning curve for first-time users
Other Email Security Services
- Forcepoint
Best for human-centric security approach
- Check Point
Best for zero-day threat prevention
- Avast Email Server Security
Best for server-specific protection
- Hornetsecurity
Good for layered security mechanisms
- Area 1 Security
Good for preemptive threat hunting
- MailGuard
Good for hybrid AI-driven protection
- Cyren Email Security
Good for global cyber threat analysis
- Abnormal Security
Good for behavior-based anomaly detection
- Ironscales Email Security
Good for automated phishing response
- VIPRE Email Security
Good for cloud-based threat defense
- Fortinet Email Security
Good for scalable enterprise solutions
- Agari Email Security
Good for advanced threat intelligence
- GreatHorn Email Security
Good for real-time phishing detection
- SolarWinds
Good for IT infrastructure management
Selection Criteria For Choosing Email Security Services
Choosing the right email security software can be a bit of a minefield with the myriad of options available. Throughout my career, I've tested and evaluated dozens of these tools. While each has its own unique selling points, certain criteria stood out as the most critical when making a selection. Here's what I looked for:
Core Functionality:
- Inbound and Outbound Filtering: The ability to filter both incoming and outgoing emails to prevent threats and maintain compliance.
- Advanced Threat Protection: Defend against sophisticated threats like ransomware, phishing, and spear phishing.
- Data Loss Prevention: Ensure sensitive information isn't leaked or shared outside the organization unintentionally.
Key Features:
- Real-time Scanning: Immediate scanning of emails to detect threats before they reach the recipient.
- Intelligent Learning: A system that adapts and learns from each threat, enhancing its protective capabilities.
- Identity Protection: Features that guard against identity theft, such as anti-phishing and domain fraud prevention.
- Multi-layered Defense: Different layers of security that ensure threats at any level are caught and neutralized.
- Automated Incident Response: Automated procedures that get initiated once a threat is detected, minimizing manual intervention and reducing response time.
Usability:
- Intuitive Dashboard: A centralized control panel that offers a clear overview of threats detected, quarantined items, and system health.
- Role-Based Access Control: Allows organizations to assign specific permissions to different users or groups, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes to security settings.
- Guided Onboarding: Given the critical nature of email security, the software should offer guided setup processes, ensuring all security layers are correctly configured from the outset.
- Helpful Support: Access to a knowledgeable support team that can assist promptly, especially in crisis scenarios. It's vital that this type of software is backed by experts who can help navigate complex security incidents.
- Comprehensive Training Resources: Whether through webinars, documentation, or video guides, users should have resources at their disposal to understand all functionalities and best practices for security awareness training.
By narrowing down these essential criteria, I found it easier to sift through the plethora of tools and zone in on those that genuinely serve an organization's email security needs.
Most Common Questions Regarding Email Security Services (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using email security services?
The benefits of using email security services are numerous. They include:
- Protection from Malware and Ransomware: Email security services scan attachments and links in real-time, ensuring malicious content is detected and quarantined before it causes harm.
- Reduction of Spam: These tools use advanced algorithms to filter out spam, decluttering inboxes and ensuring important emails don’t get lost.
- Phishing and Fraud Prevention: They identify and block phishing attempts and fake emails that might try to deceive users into revealing sensitive information.
- Data Loss Prevention: Many of these services can detect sensitive information in emails and either block or encrypt the email, ensuring sensitive data remains within the organization.
- Regulatory Compliance: For industries with stringent regulations around data protection and communication, email security services ensure that compliance standards are met, reducing the risk of legal repercussions
How much do email security services typically cost?
Email security service pricing can vary widely based on the features offered, the size of the organization, and the level of protection required.
What are the common pricing models for these tools?
There are several pricing models, including:
- Per User/Per Month: A fixed fee for each user in the organization, billed monthly.
- Annual Licenses: A one-time fee covering usage for a year. Some services offer discounts for this type of commitment.
- Tiered Pricing: As the organization’s requirements grow (like the number of users or emails processed), they move to a higher pricing tier with additional features.
What's the typical range of pricing?
Typically, prices can range from $1 to $50 per user per month, depending on the depth and breadth of the service.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive software options?
While specific prices can vary and change over time, historically, tools like MailGuard and GreatHorn Email Security are on the more affordable end of the spectrum. In contrast, enterprise-grade solutions like Agari Email Security often come at a higher price point due to their comprehensive feature set.
Are there any free tool options available?
Yes, some tools offer free versions or trials. However, these usually come with limited features and are best suited for individual users or small businesses. It’s always a good idea to start with a free version or trial to gauge a tool’s effectiveness before committing to a paid plan.
Other Email Security Software Reviews
Summary
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, protecting email communications remains a top priority for businesses of all sizes. Email security services play an instrumental role in thwarting cyber threats, ensuring that an organization's sensitive information remains confidential and free from malicious intents.
Key Takeaways:
- Core Functionality Matters: Not all email security services are created equal. It's vital to identify a service that offers a comprehensive set of functions tailored to your specific requirements, such as filtering malicious emails, protecting against ransomware, or detecting phishing attempts.
- Consider Usability and Support: An intuitive interface isn't just a bonus; it's a necessity. Email security should simplify protection, not complicate it. Additionally, responsive customer support can make a significant difference, especially when threats evolve and timely intervention becomes crucial.
- Pricing Models Vary: While cost shouldn't be the only factor in your decision, understanding the pricing model, whether it's per user, per month, or an annual license, can influence your choice. Some services offer a base price with additional features at a premium, while others might provide a more comprehensive package at a flat rate. Ensure you understand what you're paying for and that it aligns with your organizational needs.
What Do You Think?
While I’ve strived to provide a comprehensive list of the top email security services, the digital landscape is vast, and there might be hidden gems I’m yet to discover. If you've come across an email security tool that deserves mention or had a standout experience with a service not listed here, please share your insights. Your recommendations can help me and the broader community make more informed choices!