Understanding Secure Email Gateway
In your organization, you may use email solutions from Office 365 (M365) or Google Workspace based on your preferences and budget. While both offer robust built-in security controls such as spam filtering, malware protection, and phishing detection, there are still significant benefits to using Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) like Barracuda Email Security. Your CEO or top management might question the need for an external email security solution when Microsoft or Google already provide adequate security controls.
Here are a few reasons why you might consider an additional layer of security:
Advanced Threat Protection: Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) provides more advanced threat protection, including protection against sophisticated phishing attacks and zero-day threats
Comprehensive Coverage: SEG's offers features like email encryption, data loss prevention, and outbound email filtering, which might not be fully covered by built-in solutions from M365 or Google.
Regulatory Compliance: Barracuda helps ensure compliance with various industry standards like (HIPAA / SOX / PCIDSS etc) and regulations, which are be crucial for certain businesses.
Enhanced Resilience: It provides additional layers of security to protect against email-based attacks, adding an extra level of resilience to your email infrastructure
Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific security needs and the level of protection you require. Here I attempted to provide various SEG's that I explored earlier, want to provide my understanding about various SEG's. As per my research following email security solutions (SEG's) are the establised, proven in the market and they will provide robust protection against a wide range of email threats. They are suitable for various organizational needs, from small businesses to large enterprises, and offer advanced features to secure email communications effectively.
1. Proofpoint Email Protection
Key Features: Advanced threat detection, phishing protection, anti-spam, and data loss prevention (DLP). It also offers targeted attack protection (TAP) and URL defense.
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and targeted attack protection.
Why Popular: Proofpoint is highly regarded for its comprehensive protection against sophisticated email threats and its detailed reporting and analytics.
2. Mimecast Email Security
Key Features: Cloud-based email security with features like anti-phishing, anti-malware, spam filtering, DLP, and archiving. Mimecast also offers advanced threat protection and continuity services..
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and continuity.
3. Cisco Secure Email (formerly Cisco Email Security / IronPort)
Key Features: Comprehensive protection against spam, phishing, malware, and data breaches. Includes advanced threat intelligence from Cisco Talos.
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and threat intelligence.
Why Popular: Cisco Secure Email is trusted for its robust security, particularly in large enterprises, and its integration with Cisco's broader security architecture.
4. Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Key Features: Protection against phishing, malware, and business email compromise (BEC). It includes features like Safe Links, Safe Attachments, and advanced threat intelligence.
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and threat detection and response.
Why Popular: Highly effective for organizations using Microsoft 365, providing native integration and a high level of protection with easy management.
5. Symantec Email Security
Key Features: Cloud-based email security with anti-malware, anti-spam, DLP, and advanced threat protection features. It also offers targeted attack protection and encryption services.
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and threat detection and response.
Why Popular: Symantec is well-known for its robust threat intelligence and comprehensive security features that protect against sophisticated email threats.
6. Trend Micro Email Security
Key Features: Protection against phishing, business email compromise, ransomware, and other email threats. It offers AI-powered threat detection and URL filtering.
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and threat detection.
Why Popular: Trend Micro’s solution is valued for its strong security features and ease of integration with existing IT environments.
7. Fortinet FortiMail
Key Features: Advanced email security with anti-spam, anti-virus, DLP, and encryption. It also provides protection against phishing and targeted attacks.
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and threat intelligence.
Why Popular: FortiMail is known for its high performance, scalability, and integration with Fortinet's broader security infrastructure.
8. Sophos Email Security
Key Features: Protects against phishing, malware, spam, and data breaches. It includes advanced features like AI-driven threat detection, encryption, and outbound scanning.
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and threat detection.
Why Popular: Sophos is appreciated for its strong email security, simplicity, and integration with other Sophos security products.
9. Barracuda Email Security Gateway
Key Features: Protection against spam, viruses, phishing, and DLP. It also offers email archiving, encryption, and advanced threat protection.
Focus Area: Advanced threat protection, email encryption, data loss prevention, and phishing protection.
Why Popular: Barracuda is a leader in email security, known for its ease of use, comprehensive protection, and strong support.
10. IRONSCALES
Key Features: Combines human intelligence with AI to provide protection against phishing, business email compromise, and social engineering attacks.
Focus Area: Phishing protection, business email compromise detection, and adaptive AI for real-time threat detection.
Why Popular: IRONSCALES is gaining popularity due to its innovative approach that includes both automated and human responses to email threats.