Email Encryption is a vital tool for businesses to ensure that their email communications are safe. Email is not an inherently secure method of communication. If the contents of an email are exposed, you may be putting confidential data at risk. To prevent this from happening, organizations need to encrypt sensitive emails and attachments.
Ensuring that emails are encrypted is often a compulsory aspect of regulatory and legal frameworks. Email Encryption software allows businesses to secure emails, making sure they are accessed only by the intended recipient and giving end users more security controls.
In this list of the best email encryption solutions, we’ll be looking at the methods of encryption these products offer, the controls they provide to IT admins, their ease of use for senders and recipients and the quality of reporting they offer.
Egress Protect, now part of KnowBe4 following its acquisition in July 2024, is an enterprise-grade encryption platform that secures email delivery for Microsoft 365 users, leveraging AES-256 bit encryption across on-premises, cloud, or hybrid deployments. It integrates seamlessly via API and supports HIPAA and GDPR compliance needs for various organizations.
Why We Picked Egress Protect: We picked Egress Protect for its robust encryption and easy M365 integration, making it a practical choice for organizations seeking secure, compliant email solutions.
Best Features: Egress Protect offers message-level protection with options for read-only access, access revocation, attachment download restrictions, and forwarding limits. It supports large encrypted attachments and watermarks for sensitive documents, with authentication via Egress credentials, biometrics, or Microsoft/Google IDs. The platform includes misaddressed email and attachment warnings to prevent data breaches, alongside integrations with Egress Defend (phishing protection) and Prevent (DLP).
Strengths:
AES-256 bit encryption for secure emails
Saves time with seamless M365 API integration
Protects against breaches with proactive alerts
Supports HIPAA and GDPR compliance with encryption standards
Simplifies use for senders and recipients
Pricing: Contact the Egress team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: Egress Protect is ideal for organizations of all sizes using Microsoft 365, including governments, MSPs, and businesses, needing a secure and compliant email encryption solution.
Cisco Secure Email Encryption Service is a secure email encryption solution that integrates with common email platforms to protect sensitive data . It leverages a secure web portal for recipient access and offers customizable policies.
Why We Picked Cisco Secure Email Encryption Service: We picked Cisco Secure Email Encryption Service for its user-friendly controls and reliable encryption, making it suitable for businesses needing secure email management.
Best Features: Cisco allows end users to encrypt, recall, and set expiration dates for emails directly in their email client, using reliable encryption algorithms. Admins can enforce policies for automatic encryption, email forwarding restrictions, reply limits, and real-time read receipts, with detailed utilization reports available.
Strengths:
Saves time with easy user controls
Enhances security with strong encryption
Gives admins detailed oversight
Supports compliance with policy options
Protects data with recall features
Pricing: Contact the Cisco team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: Cisco Secure Email Encryption Service is ideal for businesses prioritizing email security and needing comprehensive control over email interactions without complicating the user experience.
Echoworx Email Encryption is a flexible, user-friendly email encryption platform that supports diverse encryption methods and robust authentication for Microsoft 365 users. It is designed for secure communication with high-quality auditing.
Why We Picked Echoworx Email Encryption: We picked Echoworx Email Encryption for its versatile encryption options and ease of management, fitting mid-market to enterprise needs.
Best Features: Echoworx provides eight encryption methods, including end-to-end encryption and Secure PDF, with nine authentication options like SSO, 2FA, and social login. Admins can set custom policies to determine which emails require encryption, while end users can encrypt via their email client. The platform offers detailed access and audit reports in over 28 languages.
Strengths:
Offers flexibility with multiple encryption choices
Simplifies access with varied authentication
Saves time with custom policy settings
Enhances compliance with audit reports
Supports global use with language options
Pricing: Contact the Echoworx team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: Echoworx Email Encryption is ideal for mid-market to enterprise organizations needing diverse encryption methods and robust authentication options for secure communication.
Microsoft Office Message Encryption is an integrated email encryption solution within Microsoft 365, enabling secure internal and external email delivery without deploying a third-party app. It offers a seamless user experience for Microsoft users.
Why We Picked Microsoft Office Message Encryption: We picked Microsoft Office Message Encryption for its cost-effective, native integration with M365, ideal for organizations with simple security needs.
Best Features: Microsoft encrypts emails with policies to prevent forwarding, allowing senders to encrypt via their email client. Recipients access messages via a web link using their standard client, with easy deployment and low administrative overhead within M365 environments.
Strengths:
Cuts costs with built-in M365 features
Simplifies use with native integration
Enhances security with forwarding controls
Reduces setup effort
Supports compliance with ease
Pricing: Contact the Microsoft team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: Microsoft Office Message Encryption is ideal for organizations utilizing Microsoft 365 needing to secure sensitive email communications without significant extra cost or complex implementation.
Mimecast Secure Messaging is a cloud-based enterprise email encryption service, part of Mimecast’s broader email security platform, designed to secure Microsoft 365 email communications.
Why We Picked Mimecast Secure Messaging: We picked Mimecast Secure Messaging for its integrated security features and admin-friendly reporting, suiting organizations needing a comprehensive email security solution.
Best Features: Mimecast enables encrypted email sending from Outlook, scanning for viruses and enforcing DLP policies, with access via a secure web portal. Users can track reads, revoke access, and restrict forwarding/printing, while admins manage policies and receive comprehensive reports without viewing content.
Strengths:
Boosts security with virus and DLP checks
Saves time with read tracking and revocation
Protects data with no-admin visibility
Simplifies management with one platform
Supports compliance with policy controls
Pricing: Contact the Mimecast team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: Mimecast Secure Messaging is ideal for organizations looking to invest in a broader enterprise email security platform that includes a secure email gateway service for Microsoft 365.
Paubox Email Suite is an all-in-one email security solution providing HIPAA-compliant encrypted communication and DLP for Microsoft 365 users, with seamless integration and no user action required. It targets healthcare organizations.
Why We Picked Paubox Email Suite: We picked Paubox Email Suite for its automatic HIPAA-compliant encryption and easy integration, making it a practical choice for healthcare providers.
Best Features: Paubox automatically encrypts emails without portals or passwords, using advanced filters like ExecProtect and DomainAge to block phishing, malware, and spam. A unified admin panel manages security settings, quarantined emails, and access, with customizable filters to prevent data leaks.
Strengths:
Ensures HIPAA compliance with auto-encryption
Protects against threats with advanced filtering
Simplifies admin tasks with a single panel
Prevents leaks with customizable rules
Supports compliance with DLP
Pricing: Contact the Paubox team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: Paubox Email Suite is ideal for healthcare organizations needing an effortless, compliance-friendly email security solution that integrates well with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
PreVeil Email Encryption is a highly secure, end-to-end encrypted email service designed initially for the Defense Industrial Base, integrating seamlessly with platforms like Outlook to ensure unmatched privacy. It supports stringent regulatory compliance and is based in Boston, MA.
Why We Picked PreVeil Email Encryption: We picked PreVeil Email Encryption for its NSA-recommended Zero Trust Security and compliance with multiple regulations, making it ideal for organizations handling sensitive data.
Best Features: PreVeil uses end-to-end encryption to secure emails, ensuring only senders and recipients can access content, even if servers or passwords are compromised. Its Approval Group technology prevents single-admin compromises, and Trusted Communities Capability restricts communication to trusted entities, blocking spam and phishing. The platform complies with SOC-2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI, NIST 800-171, and CMMC.
Strengths:
Protects against breaches with Zero Trust design
Ensures compliance with HIPAA and GDPR standards
Saves time with seamless Outlook integration
Enhances security with restricted access
Supports regulated industries with robust features
Pricing: Contact the PreVeil team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: PreVeil Email Encryption is ideal for organizations requiring the highest level of security for sensitive data, particularly within highly regulated industries.
TitanHQ Email Security is a cloud-based secure email gateway that protects against spam, malware, and phishing threats, using AES 256-Bit encryption with SHA256 Hashing Storage for Microsoft 365 users. It is headquartered in Galway, Ireland.
Why We Picked TitanHQ Email Security: We picked TitanHQ Email Security for its ease of use and cost-effective protection, suiting small to mid-sized teams and MSPs needing compliant email security.
Best Features: TitanHQ supports policy-based keyword encryption and an Outlook plugin for client-side encryption, with automatic DLP for sensitive data. It offers email recall, read receipts, and audit tracking, plus powerful inbound filtering against threats, integrated with a full suite of email, web, and phishing protection solutions.
Strengths:
Saves time with easy user registration
Enhances security with encryption and DLP
Supports compliance with audit tracking
Protects against threats with filtering
Simplifies management with one platform
Pricing: Contact the TitanHQ team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: TitanHQ Email Security is ideal for small to mid-sized teams and MSPs needing to secure sensitive email content for compliance while ensuring a simple user experience.
Trustifi Outbound Shield is a cloud-based email encryption platform that provides end-to-end AES-256 bit encryption for Microsoft 365 and other email platforms, focusing on data protection and compliance.
Why We Picked Trustifi Outbound Shield: We picked Trustifi Outbound Shield for its one-click compliance and MSP-friendly dashboard, making it a cost-effective, user-friendly solution.
Best Features: Trustifi enables one-click encryption with 2FA for recipients, auto-complying with over 10 regulatory guidelines, including DLP for sensitive data like credit card information. Admins can set policies, while users track delivery, revoke access, and edit emails, all within standard mail clients.
Strengths:
Simplifies compliance with one-click setup
Enhances security with 2FA and DLP
Saves time with tracking and revocation
Supports MSPs with a comprehensive dashboard
Integrates easily with existing platforms
Pricing: Contact the Trustifi team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: Trustifi Outbound Shield is ideal for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), resellers, and end-clients needing a cost-effective, user-friendly, and compliant email encryption solution
Virtru Email Encryption is a cloud-based platform that provides comprehensive control over email security and compliance for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace users. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Why We Picked Virtru Email Encryption: We picked Virtru Email Encryption for its one-click plugins and compliance support, making it a versatile choice for organizations of all sizes.
Best Features: Virtru allows users to encrypt, track, and manage emails with revocation, forwarding disablement, and expiration dates via Gmail and Outlook plugins. It supports compliance with CMMC, HIPAA, and GDPR, offering detailed audit trails and SIEM integrations.
Strengths:
Saves time with one-click encryption
Ensures compliance with HIPAA and GDPR
Enhances control with tracking features
Protects data with revocation options
Provides visibility with audit trails
Pricing: Contact the Virtru team for pricing details.
Who It’s For: Virtru Email Encryption is ideal for SMBs, mid-sized organizations, and large enterprises, especially Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 users, needing secure, compliant email solutions.
Email encryption with data loss prevention and secure message tracking.
Cloud-based encryption with easy user experience and compliance support.
Easy-to-use email encryption with integration into Barracuda email security.
Easy-to-use email encryption with compliance and legal proof of delivery.
This article was technically reviewed by Expert Insights CEO and founder, Craig MacAlpine, who has over 25 years’ experience in the email security. He previously founded an email security and encryption provider – EPA Cloud, which was acquired by J2 Global (now Ziff Davies Inc) in 2013. Craig is an experienced email security innovator and practitioner who has worked in front line email security management, in an MSP environment, and as an email security supplier and vendor in the course of his career.
This article was written by the Content Director at Expert Insights, who has been covering the email security market as a journalist for over 6 years.
Research for this guide included:
This guide is updated at least every 3-months to review the vendors included and ensure features listed are up to date.
Who is this Shortlist for?
Email encryption is required for organizations of all sizes, but is most commonly used for organizations that must adhere to stringent data protection regulations for internal and external communications.
How was the Shortlist picked?
When considering email encryption solutions, we evaluated providers based on the following criteria.
Features: Based on conversations with vendors, end customers, and our own testing, we selected the following key features:
Market Perception: We reviewed each vendor included on the Shortlist to ensure they are reliable, trusted providers in the market. We reviewed their documentation, third-party analyst reports, and (where possible) have interviewed executives directly.
Customer Usage: We use market share as a metric when comparing vendors and aim to represent high market share vendors and challenger brands with innovative capabilities. We have spoken to end-customers, and reviewed customer case studies, testimonials, and end user reviews.
Product Heritage: Finally, we have looked at where a product has come from in the market. We have considered when companies were founded, their leadership team, their mission statements, and their successes. We have also considered product updates and how regularly new features are added. We have ensured all vendors are credible leaders with a solution we would be happy to use ourselves.
Based on our experience in the email encryption market, we have also considered bundle offers, such as offering encryption alongside a secure email gateway service, as well as the customer support on offer SLAs and other use cases.
There are over 30+ email encryption vendors we are tracking, and this list is designed to just be a selection of the best providers. Many strong and trusted solutions have not been included in this list; this is not intended as a criticism or rebuke of any unlisted solution.
Selecting the right email encryption platform involves aligning the solution with your organization’s email environment, security requirements, and compliance needs. Consider these key steps to make an informed choice:
Assess Your Email Ecosystem: Evaluate your email platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace), user base, and sensitive data types (e.g., PHI, financial records) to ensure compatibility and comprehensive protection.
Define Security and Compliance Goals: Identify critical threats (e.g., data breaches, phishing) and regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS) to prioritize end-to-end encryption and compliance features like audit trails.
Prioritize Scalability and Integration: Choose a platform that scales with your organization’s growth and integrates seamlessly with existing email clients, minimizing disruption for users and IT teams.
Focus on critical features to ensure robust security and usability:
End-to-End Encryption: Look for platforms with AES-256-bit encryption and secure key management (e.g., Proton Mail’s zero-access encryption, Egress Protect’s message-level security) to protect emails in transit and at rest.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Control: Prioritize solutions with access revocation, forwarding restrictions, and expiration settings (e.g., Virtru’s time-based controls, Trustifi’s DLP policies) to prevent unauthorized access or leaks.
Seamless Integration and Automation: Ensure one-click encryption and automatic policy enforcement (e.g., TitanHQ’s TLS fallback, Proofpoint’s transparent encryption) for Microsoft 365, Gmail, or Outlook to simplify workflows.
Compliance and Authentication: Verify support for standards like HIPAA or GDPR with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and compliance reporting (e.g., Paubox’s HITRUST CSF certification, Cisco’s read receipts) to meet regulatory audits.
Balance functionality with usability to maximize adoption and efficiency:
User-Friendly Interface: Avoid platforms that require extensive training, opting for intuitive plugins or browser extensions (e.g., Trustifi’s single-click encryption, SecureMyEmail’s cross-platform UI) to enhance user experience.
Vendor Support Quality: Select providers with 24/7 support, detailed documentation, and resources like tutorials or forums (e.g., Egress’s dedicated support, Proton Mail’s community resources) to assist with setup and issues.
Testing and Trials: Use demos, free trials (e.g., offered by Zoho Mail or Tutanota), or independent user reviews to validate encryption strength, integration ease, and performance before committing.
Our guide to the leading email encryption platforms provides a comprehensive overview of solutions designed to secure email communications, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance. The article evaluates tools based on features like end-to-end encryption, data loss prevention, seamless integration, and compliance support, catering to organizations of all sizes. It emphasizes balancing robust security, scalability, and user-friendliness to safeguard emails against breaches, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain productivity in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or hybrid environments facing evolving cyber threats.
Key Takeaways:
Robust Email Security: Top platforms use AES-256-bit end-to-end encryption and DLP features to protect emails and attachments from unauthorized access or leaks.
Seamless and Automated: Choose solutions with automated encryption and native integrations to simplify deployment and ensure compliance without disrupting workflows.
Compliance-Driven: Prioritize tools with MFA, audit-ready reporting, and certifications like HIPAA or GDPR to meet industry-specific regulatory demands.
We’ve explored the leading email encryption platforms, highlighting how these tools secure communications with end-to-end encryption, DLP, and seamless integrations. Now, we’d love to hear your perspective—what’s your experience with email encryption solutions? Are features like one-click encryption, access controls, or Microsoft 365 integration critical for your organization’s security strategy?
Selecting the right encryption platform can transform how you protect sensitive data, but challenges like user adoption or integration complexity can arise. Have you found a standout platform that’s strengthened your email security, or encountered hurdles with scalability or usability? Share your insights to help other organizations navigate the email encryption landscape and choose the best tool for their needs.
Let us know which solution you recommend to help us improve our list!
Email encryption software solutions enable users to encrypt their email traffic, ensuring that email content, meta-data and attachments are only available to the intended recipients. There are many use cases for encrypting email content – particularly when sending sensitive data, such as personal information, financial records, or health-related documents.
Enterprise email encryption solutions are often offered as cloud-based services with a SaaS model. There is often no deployment necessary, and admins are able to configure policies governing which messages are automatically encrypted, based on message content. End users should also be able to read and respond to encrypted email messages, whether they have the email encryption software deployed, or are an external recipient receiving an encrypted message.
With email being the predominant means of business communication, your email is a tempting target for a hostile actor. There are multiple protocols that have been used to encrypt emails, each with their own history and strengths and weaknesses. The most used types of encryption are TLS, AES, PGP, and S/MIME.
Key features to look for in an email encryption solution include:
Using an email encryption platform offers several benefits:
There are several types of email encryption, including:
Email encryption platforms handle key management in different ways, including:
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions. He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more. He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO and founder of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013. Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions. Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.