The Top 22 Email Security Solutions For 2025
Here's our list of the best email security solutions to help you protect your business.
Written by Joel Witts
Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
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In 2025, email remains a prime target for cyberattacks, making robust email security solutions critical for businesses worldwide. Our comprehensive guide to the top 22 email security solutions showcases the best Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) and Integrated Cloud Email Security (ICES) platforms to protect against spam, phishing, malware, and advanced threats like Business Email Compromise (BEC).
SEGs deliver powerful protection by filtering emails in real-time, blocking malicious content before it reaches your inbox. Requiring a simple MX record change, they integrate seamlessly with any email platform, from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace. Meanwhile, ICES solutions leverage AI and machine learning to combat sophisticated threats, offering cloud-native integration and enhanced visibility into email traffic for unparalleled security.
The evolving threat landscape demands cutting-edge defenses against spear phishing, ransomware, and account takeovers. Our top 23 solutions excel in advanced threat detection, spam filtering accuracy, and user-friendly deployment, ensuring your organization stays ahead of cybercriminals. Whether you prioritize scalability, compliance, or ease of use, our guide highlights key features to help you make an informed choice.
With a crowded market of email security solutions, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rigorously tested and ranked 23 leading SEGs and ICES platforms for 2025, focusing on performance, integration, and reliability. Dive into our expert insights to discover the ideal email security tool to safeguard your business from today’s most pressing cyber threats.
TitanHQ Email Security is a leading secure email gateway platform that provides comprehensive protection against email threats, including spam, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It boasts a powerful spam filtering platform with a leading catch rate of 99.99% and a false positive rate of 0.0003%.
Why We Picked TitanHQ Email Security: We like its multi-layered threat protection for both inbound and outbound emails. The platform’s real-time scanning and advanced phishing protection ensure robust inbox security.
TitanHQ Email Security Best Features: Features include multi-layered protection, real-time email scanning, phishing and ransomware protection, CEO impersonation defense, attachment sandboxing, SPF/DKIM/DMARC checking, and customizable data leak prevention rules. Integrations include seamless compatibility with Office 365 and other email systems.
What’s great:
- Impressive spam filtering with a 99.99% catch rate and minimal false positives
- Multi-layered protection for inbound and outbound emails
- Easy to manage and integrate with existing email systems
- Cost-effective pricing
What to consider:
- TitanHQ is best suited for SMBs and MSPs looking for inbound email protection
Pricing: TitanHQ Email Security is available from $1.08 USD/user/month (based on 250 users).
Who it’s for: TitanHQ Email Security is an easy-to-manage email security solution best suited for SMBs, enterprises, MSPs, and resellers looking for accurate spam filtering and comprehensive email threat protection.
IRONSCALES
IRONSCALES delivers rapid, robust email security, effectively countering threats within the inbox. The solution offers two packages, EmailProtect™ and CompleteProtect™, which combine anti-phishing measures with security awareness training, all managed through a single console.
Why We Picked IRONSCALES: We selected IRONSCALES for its AI-driven security combined with human intelligence, enabling swift identification and automatic removal of malicious emails. Its seamless integration with Office 365 and G Suite, without requiring MX record changes makes it a great choice for phishing protection..
IRONSCALES Best Features: Key features include AI-powered phishing and spam detection, human-verified email analysis, a customizable ‘report phish’ button, and comprehensive security awareness training with phishing simulations. It integrates effortlessly with Office 365, G Suite, and Microsoft Teams, offering protection against malicious links and attachments.
What’s great:
- Detects phishing threats missed by leading email security solutions
- Reduces dwell time of phishing emails through user reporting
- Provides engaging security awareness training and phishing simulations
- Easy deployment and management across broad-scale environments
What to consider:
- IRONSCALES is best suited for protecting against phishing, business email compromise and social engineering.
Pricing: IRONSCALES offers two plans, Starter and Protect. Pricing is available from IRONSCALES on request.
Who it’s for: IRONSCALES is ideal for organizations needing advanced protection against sophisticated email threats like phishing and business email compromise, especially those already satisfied with their spam filtering capabilities.
IRONSCALES
Abnormal AI
Abnormal AI is a leading AI-native cloud email security platform that goes beyond traditional email protection. It uses machine learning to stop sophisticated inbound attacks and detect compromised accounts in email and connected applications.
Why We Picked Abnormal AI: We appreciate Abnormal’s sophisticated anomaly detection engine, which assesses over 45,000 signals to detect anomalies, making it highly effective at stopping socially-engineered attacks like phishing and account takeover.
Abnormal AI Best Features: Key features include advanced anomaly detection, real-time analysis of email messages and login attempts, protection against account compromise, and defense against social engineering. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace at the API level, extending protection to SaaS applications like Slack, Workday, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Zoom, and Amazon Web Services.
What’s great:
- Highly effective at detecting and stopping sophisticated attacks
- Extends protection to connected SaaS applications
- Simplified management through a comprehensive admin console
- Trusted by over 15% of Fortune 500 organizations
- Recognized as a ‘Microsoft Preferred Solution’
What to consider:
- Abnormal AI is best suited for companies using M365 and Google Workspace
Pricing: Pricing information is available from Abnormal AI on request.
Who it’s for: Abnormal AI is best suited for organizations using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, seeking robust AI-powered protection against account compromise and social engineering attacks.
Abnormal AI
Libraesva Email Security is an integrated email security solution that safeguards Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Google Workspace against email fraud, BEC, and phishing at both the gateway and API levels. It provides comprehensive protection with multiple defensive layers to prevent threats from reaching their targets.
Why We Picked Libraesva ESG: We appreciate the solution’s ability to offer advanced protection for cloud-based email platforms and its granular configurability, which allows for tailored security measures.
Libraesva ESG Standout Features: Key features include spoofing protection using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication, threat remediation to remove malicious emails, a threat analysis portal for enhanced visibility, malicious file prevention through deep inspection and document sanitation, one-click link protection, end-to-end email encryption, email continuity to prevent downtime, and a mobile app for remote management. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Google Workspace.
What’s Great:
- Comprehensive protection against advanced email threats
- Detailed visibility into email attacks with the threat analysis portal
- Easy deployment and management in both on-premises and cloud environments
- High level of customization to fit specific organizational needs
- Mobile app enhances remote management capabilities
What To Consider:
- Libraesva may lack the brand awareness of other email providers but offers a robust solution which is worth considering
Pricing: Available upon request from Libraesva.
Best suited for: Libraesva Email Security is ideal for medium to large enterprises and educational clients seeking cost-effective email security with high visibility and customization options.
Proofpoint Essentials is a robust email security solution tailored for small to mid-sized organizations, offering comprehensive protection against email threats, encryption, archiving, and continuity within a single platform.
Why We Picked Proofpoint Essentials: We appreciate Proofpoint’s unparalleled threat visibility, powered by a global intelligence platform that processes over 100 billion data points daily. This solution excels in offering cost-effective, enterprise-grade security features.
Proofpoint Essentials Best Features: Key offerings include effective spam and threat detection, URL defense, dynamic content filtering, and advanced protection against business email compromise. Additional features like one-click message pull, predictive URL defense, and warning banners enhance security. The platform integrates seamlessly with Office 365, utilizing Azure Active Directory Sync for easy deployment and user management. Archiving, encryption, and detailed reporting are also included.
What’s great:
- Comprehensive threat detection with minimal false positives
- Cost-effective solution with enterprise-grade features
- Seamless integration with Office 365, now available via API
- Modern admin console with granular controls
- Extensive reporting for enhanced email network visibility
What to consider:
- Advanced features require higher-tier packages
- Proofpoint also offers a popular enterprise email gateways service designed for larger teams
Pricing: Proofpoint Essentials offers six pricing options, ranging from approximately $36-82 per user per year. Contact Proofpoint for exact pricing details.
Who it’s for: Proofpoint Essentials is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses and MSPs seeking cost-effective, enterprise-grade email security with easy setup and deployment.
Material Security is an automated detection and response toolkit for M365 and Google Workspace, providing email security, data protection, and identity safeguards. It secures all inboxes, files, and accounts before, during, and after threats hit. Material provides an additional layer of protection against inbound malicious emails, including phishing and BEC, replacing the functions of a traditional SEG.
Why We Picked Material Security: Material is the only that secures all emails, documents, and accounts within M365 and Google Workspace. It protects against phishing and BEC with automation detection and response, but also provides hands-on controls for granular policies.
Material Security Best Features: Material uses machine learning systems, threat research, user reports, and customizable rules to detect malicious email content. It also scans your entire email history to pinpoint sensitive data—like tax documents or PHI—stored in user inboxes, then enforces MFA to block unauthorized access, keeping it safe even during account breaches. You also get real-time identity protection that spots password reset links and 2FA codes in emails, adding an extra authentication layer to prevent unauthorized access..
What’s great:
- Automated protection for phishing, BEC, and inbox data risks
- Locks down sensitive emails with targeted MFA controls
- Catches identity threats like 2FA scams in real time
- Clear reporting in the admin console to track risky user behaviors; including a breakdown of MFA, email rules & suspect activity across your cloud office
- Integrates smoothly with SIEM, SOAR, and identity tools
- Can be deployed across all users, or just for a subset of your VIP executives
- Deploys in less than 30 minutes & requires no MX-record deployment; also available as private cloud
What to consider:
- Best suited for teams looking for a comprehensive toolkit for securing M365
Pricing: Contact Material Security for pricing details.
Who it’s for: Material Security is a strong solution for organizations using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, especially those needing ironclad inbox protection and data security for all accounts, files and inboxes against phishing and business email compromise.
Mimecast Secure Email Gateway
Mimecast is a leading email security vendor, protecting over 40,000 organizations worldwide. Their solutions, including the cloud-native Integrated Suite for M365 and the comprehensive Gateway Suite, offer robust protection against email-based threats.
Why We Picked Mimecast: We appreciate Mimecast’s advanced threat detection powered by daily analysis of over a billion emails. Their solutions provide seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and other email systems, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Mimecast Best Features: Features include AI-powered threat detection, phishing and malware protection, spam filtering, browser isolation, email continuity, archiving, and DMARC protection. Integrations include seamless compatibility with M365 via API and other email environments.
What’s great:
- High spam and virus blocking rates
- Low false positive rates for legitimate emails
- Fast deployment with minimal configuration
- Comprehensive reporting and customizable policies
What to consider:
- Strong option for enterprise teams
Pricing: Mimecast offers three plans: Protect, Protect Plus, and Custom. Pricing information is available from Mimecast on request.
Who it’s for: Mimecast is best suited for enterprises looking to manage complex email environments with customizable policies and robust email security.
Mimecast Secure Email Gateway
Barracuda Email Protection
Barracuda Email Protection is a robust email security solution that integrates email gateway, inbox, and web security into a single cloud platform. It leverages AI-powered engines to offer comprehensive protection against spam, malware, phishing, and other threats, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.
Why We Picked Barracuda Email Protection: We appreciate Barracuda’s multi-layered approach, which includes strong protection against both known and unknown threats through static analysis and sandboxing. Additionally, its AI engines analyze communication patterns to effectively block phishing and impersonation attempts.
Barracuda Email Protection Best Features: Key features include email gateway protection, API-based inbox security, web security with URL and DNS filtering, encryption, archiving, security awareness training, and backup for Microsoft 365. Integrations include seamless compatibility with Microsoft 365 and zero trust remote access for Microsoft 365 applications.
What’s great:
- Comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats
- Effective phishing and impersonation detection
- Integration of email, inbox, and web security
- Cost-effective solution for Microsoft 365
- Highly praised customer support
What to consider:
- Barracuda is best suited for SMBs and MSPs
Pricing: Barracuda Email Protection is available in three plans: Advanced, Premium, and Premium Plus. For detailed pricing, contact Barracuda directly.
Who it’s for: Barracuda Email Protection is best suited for SMBs and MSPs seeking a comprehensive, cost-effective email security solution for Microsoft 365, with added benefits like encryption, archiving, and security awareness training.
Barracuda Email Protection
Cisco Secure Email
Cisco Secure Email is a robust cloud-based email gateway designed to combat email compromise and phishing attacks, leveraging advanced threat analytics and the vast intelligence of Cisco Talos.
Why We Picked Cisco Secure Email: We appreciate its integration with Cisco’s extensive security portfolio, which enhances protection through synergy with other enterprise security tools. The solution also excels in real-time URL analysis and ransomware protection.
Cisco Secure Email Best Features: Key features include real-time URL analysis, effective ransomware protection using Sophos antivirus engines, domain and reputation protection, and graymail spam filtering. It offers email authentication, filtering for outbound, inbound, and internal emails, and automatic incident response capabilities. Integrations span Cisco’s security solutions, including security awareness training, endpoint protection, malware analytics, and identity controls with Duo Security.
What’s great:
- Leverages one of the industry’s largest threat intelligence platforms, Talos
- Provides comprehensive protection against email threats
- Streamlines admin workflow with simplified policy management
- Offers actionable reporting and integrated admin dashboard
What to consider:
- Best suited for enteprise and large organisations
Pricing: Pricing information is available from Cisco on request.
Who it’s for: Cisco Secure Email is best suited for large enterprises that can leverage its extensive integration with Cisco’s broad security portfolio and require advanced email security features.
Cisco Secure Email
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a cloud-based email filtering service that enhances the default security of Microsoft 365. It provides comprehensive protection against advanced threats like phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and malicious attachments across the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Why We Picked Microsoft Defender for Office 365: We like its native integration with Microsoft 365, offering seamless deployment and protection across SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. Additionally, its AI-driven multi-engine detection effectively blocks threats in real time.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Best Features: Features include AI-powered threat detection, anti-phishing and anti-malware policies, real-time reporting, investigation and response tools, and customizable protection controls. It integrates with Microsoft’s XDR, SIEM, and Intune solutions for a holistic security platform.
What’s great:
- Extends protection across Microsoft 365 apps
- Easy setup for Microsoft 365 customers
- Provides advanced admin controls and policy management
- Highly rated in independent security tests
- Real-time threat blocking and reporting
What to consider:
- Organizations with high level security needs may want to explore dedicated third party gateway options
- Advanced features and integrations may only be available on higher plans
Pricing: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is available in two plans. Plan 1 is $2 USD/user/month. Plan 2 is $5 USD/user/month and is included in Microsoft 365 E5 Security.
Who it’s for: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is best suited for businesses looking to secure their Microsoft 365 inboxes while leveraging native integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It is particularly effective for SMBs aiming to improve their security posture within Microsoft 365.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Other Email Security Services
We've looked at almost 50 email security solutions to create this list. Here's some other vendors we highly rated, with strong solutions for you to consider.
Sublime Defend is a programmable cloud security platform that hunts for email threats and auto-triages end user reports.
A cloud-native solution safeguarding inbound and outbound emails against phishing, malware, and spam.
A cloud-based tool protecting inbound and outbound emails from spam, malware, and phishing. Designed for MSPs.
An ICES tool that protects both inbound and outbound emails against phishing, BEC, and account takeover.
An integrated email security platform with real-time threat intelligence and advanced filtering capabilities.
An AI-driven platform securing emwith real-time detection and autonomous response capabilities. Focused on Enterprise.
An AI-powered platform with real-time scanning and managed incident response.
A zero-trust platform securing inbound and outbound emails against phishing, malware, and spam.
A cloud-native platform with AI-driven detection, user training, and automated remediation.
An AI-powered cloud platform securing emails, mobile, and browser apps against phishing.
An AI-driven platform protecting emails with encryption, real-time detection, and adaptive controls. Now part of KnowBe4.
An AI-powered platform with real-time detection, encryption, and backup for SMBs.
A cloud-based platform protecting emails from phishing with API-first security and Zero Trust integration.
Broadcom's enterprise secure email gateway, designed to secure cloud-based and on-premises email systems.
Service Summary
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Tools / Platforms
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Price
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Link
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TitanHQ Email Security
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$1.95 / User / Month
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IRONSCALES
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Free plan available
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Trustifi Email Security
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$3.00 / User / Month
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Abnormal Security
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$3.00 / User / Month
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Libraesva ESG
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Custom pricing plans
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Proofpoint Essentials
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$1.65 / User / Month
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Material Security
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$3.00 / User / Month
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What is an email security solution?
An email security service is a specialized solution designed to protect organizations from email-based cyber threats, such as phishing, spam, malware, and Business Email Compromise (BEC). These services act as a defensive barrier, scanning incoming and outgoing emails to detect and block malicious content before it reaches users or leaves the network. By leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and real-time threat intelligence, email security services ensure businesses can communicate safely while minimizing the risk of data breaches and financial loss.
Email security services typically come in two forms: Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) and Integrated Cloud Email Security (ICES). SEGs route emails through a filtering gateway, often requiring an MX record change, to block threats across any email platform, including on-premises and cloud-based systems. In contrast, ICES solutions are cloud-native, integrating directly with platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace to provide enhanced protection against sophisticated attacks. Both types offer features like spam filtering, attachment sandboxing, and URL analysis, tailored to address the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
Beyond threat prevention, email security services help organizations maintain compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA by securing sensitive data transmitted via email. They also reduce the burden on IT teams through user-friendly dashboards, automated updates, and detailed reporting. As email remains a primary attack vector in 2025, investing in a robust email security service is essential for businesses seeking to safeguard their operations, reputation, and customer trust in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.
How to choose the right email security solution?
Selecting the right email security solution in 2025 involves aligning the tool with your organization’s unique needs and the latest cyber threats. Consider these key steps to make an informed choice:
- Assess Your Environment: Evaluate whether your email setup is on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid, and identify primary threats like phishing, malware, or Business Email Compromise (BEC).
- Define Requirements: Factor in your organization’s size, budget, and compliance needs (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) to decide between Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) or Integrated Cloud Email Security (ICES).
- Prioritize Scalability: Choose a solution that can grow with your business, supporting increased email volume and evolving security demands.
Focus on critical features to ensure robust protection and seamless operation:
- Advanced Threat Detection: Look for AI-driven analysis, real-time URL scanning, and attachment sandboxing to counter sophisticated attacks.
- Platform Compatibility: Ensure integration with your email provider, such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, for smooth deployment.
- Ease of Management: Opt for intuitive dashboards, automated updates, and detailed reporting to streamline IT workflows.
- Compliance Support: Verify the solution meets regulatory standards relevant to your industry.
Balance security with usability to maximize effectiveness:
- User-Friendly Design: Avoid solutions with complex setups or frequent false positives that could disrupt productivity.
- Vendor Reliability: Select providers with strong customer support and a proven track record for quick incident response.
- Testing and Trials: Use demos, trials, or independent reviews to validate performance and fit before committing.
Other Email Security Guides
- Best Email Encryption Solutions
- Best Email Security For Office 365
- Best Email Security For Google Workspace
- Best Phishing Protection Solutions
Why should you trust this Shortlist?
All vendors on this list have been technically reviewed by Expert Insights CEO and Founder, Craig McAlpine. Craig has over 25 years of experience in the email security industry. An experienced email security innovator and practitioner, he has worked in front-line email security management, in an MSP environment, as an email security supplier, and vendor in the course of his career. In 2003, he founded EPA Cloud, an email security company that was acquired in 2013 by Global (now Ziff Davies Inc).
This article was written by Joel Witts, the Content Director at Expert Insights, who has been covering the email security market as a journalist for over 6 years.
The research for the vendors included in this article has included:
- Our own technical reviews and testing of several dozen leading email security and email encryption providers.
- Interviews with over 30+ executives in email gateway and ICES markets.
- Discussions with 200+ businesses over the course of several years about the most important requirements in an email security and email encryption solution.
- First-hand industry knowledge and expertise over many decades in the email security industry as an entrepreneur and innovator.
We have conducted technical reviews, watched demos, or deployed trials for every vendor on the list. We have also reviewed vendor documentation and third-party user reviews and feedback.
This guide is updated at least every 3 months to review the vendors included and ensure the features listed are up to date.
Who is this Shortlist for?
This shortlist is written for businesses looking to implement an email gateway platform to secure internal and external business communications. While the article focuses on secure email gateways, we are aware phishing protection is a key consideration for many businesses. For this reason, we have also included cloud-based tools deployed via API. While these are not SEGs in the traditional sense of the word, they are relevant to the requirements of many readers, and, indeed, can be seen as the evolution of the SEG.
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 prioritized the following key features when testing:
- Natural language phishing detection: Effective use of email content analysis to detect and remediate phishing emails.
- URL analysis: Effectiveness of time-click URL protection and sandboxing is critical to prevent users from visiting malicious web pages.
- Attachment sandboxing: Robust anti-virus and anti-malware engines to detect and block malicious attachments and ransomware.
- Account takeover protection: ML-powered analysis to detect email account takeovers and reduce the risk of BEC.
In addition to the above features, we also considered ease of management, the deployment process, additional capabilities, end-user features, and customer support available.
Market Perception: We reviewed each vendor included on the Shortlist to ensure they are reliable, trusted providers in the market. We reviewed their documentation and third-party analyst reports, and (where possible) we 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.
Expert Insights has tracked over 50+ email security vendors on the market today. This list is designed to showcase the best solutions for businesses. We have tested and reviewed many email security services that have not been included on this list. There is no implied criticism for any solution not included.
For more information on how to choose the best email security service, read our Email Security Buyers Guide.
Summary and Key Takeaways
FAQs
Everything You Need To Know About Email Security (FAQs)
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Secure Email Gateway (SEG): A SEG filters incoming and outgoing emails to block spam, phishing, and malware before they reach the recipient’s inbox. It typically works by routing all email traffic through a centralized gateway, where it applies policies, scans for threats, and quarantines suspicious messages.
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API-Based Email Security: API-based tools (also called “integrated cloud email security” or “ICES” tools) integrate directly with cloud email platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace to detect and remediate threats inside users’ mailboxes. These tools continuously monitor email activity using APIs, which allows them to analyze and remove threats post-delivery without rerouting emails. The best modern API-based/ICES tools use machine learning models to analyze email content, metadata, and user behavior to detect sophisticated phishing attacks, BEC (Business Email Compromise), and zero-day threats.
- Mailflow Redirection (MX Record Modification): This method involves redirecting email traffic to a security service before delivering it to the final mail server. It works by modifying the domain’s MX (Mail Exchange) records to route emails through an external filtering service that scans for threats and then forwards safe emails to users.
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Email Authentication Protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC): These protocols prevent email spoofing and phishing by verifying sender identity and email integrity. SPF specifies authorized mail servers, DKIM signs messages with cryptographic signatures, and DMARC enforces policies based on SPF and DKIM results.
- Email Encryption: Email encryption tools protect sensitive information by encoding email content so that only authorized recipients can read it. These tools typically use encryption standards like TLS or PGP, either encrypting emails in transit or requiring recipients to authenticate via a secure portal.
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Email Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP solutions go a step beyond email encryption solutions. They prevent sensitive data from being sent outside an organization by monitoring and controlling email content. They apply predefined policies to scan for keywords, patterns, or attachments that may contain confidential information, blocking or encrypting emails as needed.
- Security Awareness Training And Phishing Simulations: These tools educate users on recognizing phishing attempts and other email-based threats through simulated attacks and training modules. They operate by sending test phishing emails to employees and tracking their responses to measure awareness and improve security posture.
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Email Archiving And Backup: Archiving solutions securely store emails for compliance, legal, and recovery purposes, ensuring organizations can retrieve old messages when needed. They work by automatically capturing and storing copies of emails in a secure, searchable repository, often with retention policies and audit capabilities.
Email continues to be the top threat vector for cyber criminals looking to access your organization’s data. 81% of organizations around the world have seen an increase in phishing since 2020, and in 2021 almost 40% of data breaches involved a phishing attack.
Originally, spam was the biggest nuisance that companies faced when it came to unwanted content in their users’ inboxes, ranging from the farcical (far-off Royals promising riches) to the malicious (adult and harmful content sent to mailboxes). Spam was a major headache for IT admins in the early days of the internet and continues to be a problem even now, with estimates suggesting that 49% of all emails are spam.
SEGs can deal with spam content very effectively – it’s typically sent using new or low-reputation domains, which can be quickly blocked by the email filter. But modern email threats are much more targeted and advanced. Spear phishing is one of the most common causes of data breaches today. In a spear phishing attack, a threat actor attempts to trick users into clicking harmful web links, making fraudulent payments, or sharing their login credentials. Advanced malware and ransomware are also commonly spread via phishing messages or via compromised email accounts.
Modern email security tools, such as SEGs and ICES solutions, protect against these threats by combining a range of techniques to filter out harmful content, including attachment sandboxing, URL filtering, domain reputation assessment, and machine learning.
Before cloud email hosting, the most common form of email security was the “secure email gateway (SEG)”, a physical appliance that would sit in front of the email network and monitor incoming and outbound email traffic to remove spam and malware. Today, email security services are more commonly cloud-based, with organizations redirecting their mail exchange (MX records) to point their email toward a cloud-based SEG.
Modern SEGs use a mixture of email content scanning, domain reputation, URL scanning, and attachment sandboxing to make a deterministic assessment of an incoming email message. If the message is deemed malicious, it is blocked, quarantined, or deleted; if it is deemed safe, it is delivered.
These tools work using a variety of techniques including greylisting, real-time blacklists (RBL’s), constantly updated spam definitions, pre-defined DLP rules, anti-malware, and sandboxing engines to detect and remediate malicious messages.
Here are the top features you should look for when comparing SEGs:
- Spam filtering – The solution should block unwanted and unsolicited emails.
- Phishing protection – The solutions should detect and prevent phishing attempts.
- Malware and virus scanning – The solution should scan attachments and links for harmful content.
- Advanced threat protection (ATP) – The solution should use AI and ML to detect emerging and evolving threats. While this is most common amongst ICES tools, the best SEGs (including those featured on this Shortlist) also offer ATP.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP) – Some solutions offer data loss prevention capabilities, such as encryption, to prevent users from accidentally or intentionally leaking sensitive information.
- Domain-based message authentication – The solution should use DMARC, DKIM, and SPF to prevent email spoofing.
- Attachment sandboxing – The solution should open attachments in a safe environment to check for malware and viruses.
- URL protection – The solution should scan and rewrite links to prevent malicious redirects.
- Content filtering – You should be able to configure policies that define how the solution blocks or flags emails. For example, you may want to block all emails from certain domains, or allow emails from known senders that the solution may not otherwise recognize.
- Quarantine and reporting – The solution should quarantine suspicious content and provide both security teams and end users with detailed reports on why each email was blocked.
In the era of cloud-based email platforms, a new category of SaaS email security services has emerged. These services, named “integrated cloud email security” (ICES) solutions by Gartner, address SEG gaps by scanning the inbox environment directly. This means they can remove significant threats directly from users’ inboxes after they’ve been delivered, and they can also ensure your users’ accounts aren’t being used to send malicious or harmful content.
ICES solutions typically use large language models and machine learning to scan internal email conversations and identify sophisticated email threats such as spear-phishing, and indicators that an account has been compromised and is sending out malicious messages. When the ICES tool finds something suspicious, it can automatically remove that content from users’ inboxes, add a warning banner to it, and/or alert your security team to any compromised accounts.
For the most effective, enhanced protection against all types of email threats, we recommend that you implement multi-layered email protection, pairing a gateway with some form of cloud-native, inbox-based solution.
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Email security solutions, including Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) and Integrated Cloud Email Security (ICES), provide critical protection against a wide range of cyber threats. They safeguard organizations from phishing, malware, spam, and advanced attacks like Business Email Compromise (BEC) by filtering malicious content in real-time. These tools help prevent data breaches, protecting sensitive information and maintaining customer trust.
Beyond threat prevention, email security solutions ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, reducing the risk of costly penalties. They also enhance productivity by minimizing spam and false positives, allowing employees to focus on legitimate communications. With features like AI-driven threat detection and seamless integration with platforms like Microsoft 365, these solutions offer robust, scalable defense tailored to modern business needs.
Many solutions provide detailed analytics and reporting, empowering IT teams to monitor threats and respond proactively. By reducing the likelihood of successful cyberattacks, email security tools save organizations from financial losses and reputational damage, making them essential for secure digital communication in 2025.
Pricing for email security solutions varies based on factors like the number of users, deployment type (cloud or on-premises), and feature set. Most providers offer subscription-based models, typically charged per user per month or annually, with discounts often available for longer commitments. SEGs may involve setup costs, especially for on-premises deployments requiring MX record changes, while ICES solutions, being cloud-native, often have lower initial costs.
Basic plans usually include core features like spam filtering and malware protection, while premium tiers add advanced capabilities such as AI-based threat detection, email encryption, and compliance tools. Some vendors offer tiered pricing, allowing businesses to scale as needed, while others provide custom quotes for enterprises with complex requirements. Free trials or demos are common, enabling organizations to test solutions before committing.
Pricing transparency can differ, with some providers publishing clear rate cards online and others requiring direct inquiries. Businesses should evaluate total costs, including integration and support, to ensure alignment with their budget and security goals for 2025.
Pinpointing the cheapest and most expensive email security solutions depends on specific features and organizational needs, as pricing isn’t always publicly disclosed. Based on market trends for 2025, plans can start as low as $1–$3 per user per month, offering basic spam filtering and phishing protection ideal for small businesses. These tools balance cost and functionality but may lack advanced enterprise-grade features.
On the higher end, enterprise-focused solutions like Proofpoint Email Protection and Mimecast Email Security typically command premium prices, often ranging from $5–$15 per user per month or more, depending on customization. These platforms provide comprehensive features like advanced threat intelligence, extensive archiving, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365, justifying their cost for large organizations with complex security needs.
Pricing can fluctuate based on user count and add-ons, so businesses should request quotes to compare options. Testing via free trials can also clarify which solutions deliver the best value for your specific requirements in 2025.
Free email security tools are limited in 2025, as robust protection often requires paid subscriptions to address sophisticated threats. However, some providers offer free tiers or tools with basic functionality suitable for individuals or very small businesses. For example, Zoho Mail includes a free plan with basic email security features like spam filtering, though it’s capped at a low user limit and lacks advanced threat detection. Similarly, tools like Clean Email provide free privacy monitoring to detect data breaches, but they focus on inbox management rather than comprehensive security.
Open-source options, such as SpamAssassin, offer free spam filtering for tech-savvy users comfortable with manual setup and maintenance. However, these lack the AI-driven capabilities and support of commercial solutions, making them less practical for most organizations. Many paid solutions, like Sophos or Trustifi, offer 30-day free trials, allowing businesses to test full-featured SEGs or ICES platforms without upfront costs.
For robust protection against phishing, malware, and BEC, free tools often fall short, and investing in a paid solution is recommended for reliable security. Always evaluate trial periods to explore premium features before deciding.
Written By
Joel Witts is the Content Director at Expert Insights, meaning he oversees all articles published and topics covered. He is an experienced journalist and writer, specialising in identity and access management, Zero Trust, cloud business technologies, and cybersecurity. Joel is a co-host of the Expert Insights Podcast and conducts regular interviews with leading B2B tech industry experts, including directors at Microsoft and Google. Joel holds a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from Cardiff University.
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Craig MacAlpine is CEO and founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA cloud, an email security provider acquired by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013, which has now been rebranded as VIPRE Email Security. Craig has extensive experience in the email security industry, with 20+ years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with innovative information security and cyber security solutions.