7 Secure Email Gateway Options in 2024
BY MARYAM AHTASHAM
Business email, a longstanding communication tool, may not always guarantee safety. Cyber threats, including malicious hackers, pose a continuous risk to your company's security through corporate email channels. Your corporate email serves as a vulnerable entry point for attackers to access proprietary information and cause potential chaos. No industry is immune, with email phishing attacks persistently targeting enterprises. However, organizations can enhance their defense against such threats by educating users and investing in effective email security tools.
Email gateway security plays a crucial role in this defense strategy. These gateways filter out emails containing malicious content, preventing them from reaching employees' inboxes. Modern email security gateways are available in various forms, including cloud-based installations, on-premises setups, and cloud-based services.
To help in your decision-making process, here's an overview of some popular email security gateways.
1. Sophos Email Protection: A Cut Above the Rest
Sophos has continuously shown itself as a cybersecurity pioneer, and its Email Protection solution is no different. Sophos provides a comprehensive collection of tools to enable multi-layered protection against phishing attacks, malware, and other email-borne hazards.
Sophos Email Protection uses cutting-edge technology to detect and neutralize advanced threats including zero-day attacks and ransomware. Its real-time scanning and behavioral evaluation add another layer of protection against emerging cyber threats. Sophos products are known for their ease of use, and Email Protection follows suit. Organizations can easily establish and administer security rules thanks to the easy interface, resulting in a smooth user experience.
2. Barracuda Email Protection: Securing Communications
Barracuda Email Protection, developed by Barracuda Networks, delivers advanced cloud-based security for Microsoft 365 email accounts. The service is available in three tiers: Advanced, Premium, and Premium Plus, each offering essential email security features. Premium and Premium Plus provide additional capabilities such as domain fraud protection, integration with other security technologies, and automated workflows.
The Gartner review site reflects numerous positive reviews for Barracuda Email Protection. Users commend its seamless integration with Microsoft 365, robust detection and filtering capabilities, and responsive support from Barracuda. Some users' express concerns about the interface, particularly limited integration capabilities and the absence of a fully developed API (currently in beta). With advanced threat detection mechanisms such as sandboxing, heuristic analysis, and behavioral analysis, it effectively identifies and mitigates zero-day malware and other sophisticated threats.The inclusion of AI-powered inbox defenses enables the system to learn organizational and user behavior, promptly detecting and addressing malicious activities, including fraud attempts and account takeovers.
3. Proofpoint Email Protection: Defending Against Targeted Attacks
Proofpoint excels in email filtering, blocking malicious content and preventing phishing attacks. Its advanced threat intelligence ensures that organizations stay protected against even the most sophisticated cyber threats. Proofpoint's DLP capabilities help organizations prevent the accidental or intentional leakage of sensitive information, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
4. Cisco Email Security: A Comprehensive Email Defense Solution
Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is a cloud-native solution that enhances secure email communication and provides protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and spam to prevent corporate data loss. This product is designed as an add-on to complement existing technologies, with a subscription fee per user. Its purpose is to augment the security capabilities of Microsoft 365, offering improved threat detection and defense while enhancing an organization's insight into its email security. Positive reviews on G2 highlight the outstanding performance and robust cybersecurity features of Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense. However, some users expressed concerns about the relatively high cost compared to competing products.
5. Mimecast Secure Email Gateway: Protecting Beyond the Perimeter
Mimecast Email Security, Cloud Gateway employs advanced detection engines and intelligence to safeguard email data and personnel from spam, malware, phishing, and targeted attacks. The email security capabilities of Mimecast are accessible through cloud-native, on-premises, and hybrid installations, serving as a complementary enhancement to the built-in security features of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Additionally, Mimecast's service encompasses email archiving and security awareness training. Mimecast's secure email gateway leverages threat intelligence to protect organizations from both inbound and outbound email threats. It provides visibility and control over email traffic, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.
6. Microsoft Exchange Online Protection
Microsoft's Exchange Online Protection (EOP) is a cloud-based service designed to safeguard against spam and malware threats. It employs various tools such as URL and domain blocking, antimalware engines, Anti spoofing protection, and in-depth inspection of messages and attachments. EOP comes as part of Microsoft 365 deployments with Exchange Online mailboxes, and it can also be added to protect on-premises Microsoft Exchange mailboxes and other SMTP-based mail servers. While the complete set of EOP features is exclusive to Exchange Online mailboxes, most EOP features are supported across different deployment models.
7. Ironscales Protect
Ironscales Protect is a cloud and API-based email security service designed to replace traditional email security gateways. It offers robust protection against various email threats such as spoofing, impersonation, malware, phishing, and account takeovers. Additionally, it includes features like phishing simulations and employee security awareness training. One notable aspect of Ironscales is its utilization of AI for automated threat analysis and response, providing valuable support to human administrators. Positive feedback on Gartner and G2 peer review sites highlights the company's agility in evolving and enhancing Ironscales Protect, along with commendations for their responsiveness to customer inquiries and suggestions.
However, some users have expressed concerns about the limited and repetitive nature of phishing simulations and security awareness training. Additionally, there are noted limitations in the data reporting functions. Overall, Ironscales Protect is well-received for its effective security features, but improvements in simulation variety and reporting capabilities are areas for potential enhancement.
Ending Notes
As cyber dangers grow, organizations must prioritize the security of their email communications. The top secure email gateway choices include a wide range of capabilities to guard against a variety of attacks. Among them, Sophos and Barracuda prevention stands out for its superior threat prevention, user-friendly interface, and dedication to delivering a strong defense against the most recent cyber threats.
