The Best Email Security Software

This article reviews the best email security software available today. This type of software provides the fundamental security capabilities of email security gateways, including protection from threats like malware, phishing, spam, and virus. They monitor massive amounts of emails and block those containing such threats. However, advanced email security software (such as those listed here) will do more than that; they extend detection and response capabilities beyond, provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML), intelligence feeds, and more.

Armed with any of the best ten email security software, you will prevent many email-borne threats and attacks from ever succeeding.

The Best Email Security Software

1. Guardz – EDITOR’S CHOICE Email security from a cloud platform that is intended for use by managed services providers. It removes spam, BEC, phishing, and malware. Get a 14-day free trial.
2. ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus – FREE TRIAL This data protection system includes an email controller for Outlook that prevents users from mailing out sensitive data. Available for Windows Server. Start a 30-day free trial.
3. TitanHQ SpamTitan – FREE TRIAL A comprehensive email protection, security, and filtering tool backed by a series of high-performance TitanHQ products. Get a 14-day free trial.
4. Proofpoint Email Protection A leading email security tool with basic email security gateway capabilities and advanced features like ML-engine, multi-layer content analysis, sandboxing, etc.
5. Barracuda Email Protection A popular multi-layer email protection software that combines email gateway defense and AI-enabled inbox defense.
6. Mimecast A cloud-based email protection tool that safeguards against spam, phishing, malware, and advanced attacks such as spear-phishing, BEC, ransomware, and impersonation.
7. Avanan Email Protection An enterprise cloud email security solution (acquired by Check Point) that secures cloud collaboration suites like O365, GSuite, and Slack.
8. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 A native threat protection service with a holistic approach to security for Microsoft Office 365.
9. FireEye XDR (now Trellix) An extended detection and response platform with an advanced email protection solution.
10. N-Able Mail Assure A robust cloud-based email security software designed for MSPs and enterprises.
11. Cisco Secure Email A cloud-based and multi-layered email security solution for detecting, quarantining, investigating, and remediating attacks that target email.
12. Symantec Email Security.cloud A public cloud service with fundamental email security gateway capabilities. Use it with other Symantec services to get advanced capabilities.

The Best Email Security Software

1. Guardz – FREE TRIAL

Guardz focuses on scanning the email and data storage elements of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. That means it protects Outlook/Exchange Server and Gmail accounts plus data held in OneDrive and Google Drive. The package automatically removes malicious emails from the mailboxes of users, taking them into a quarantine area.

Key Features:

• Impersonation Detection: Automatically identifies and flags emails from impersonators attempting financial fraud.
• Phishing Protection: Scans for and intercepts phishing attempts aimed at stealing login credentials.
• Malware Defense: Strips harmful attachments that could contain malware or ransomware threats.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Continuously searches the dark web for signs of compromised email accounts.
• Email Quarantine: Suspicious emails are isolated with options for further examination and potential restoration.

Why do we recommend it?

Guardz is highly effective for organizations using Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, providing robust protection against email-based threats and data breaches. Its comprehensive monitoring and training tools make it an invaluable asset for enhancing cybersecurity.

The Guardz email system operates from the cloud and accesses each company’s email system through a plug-in. The dashboard for the package is hosted in the cloud and can be accessed through and standard Web browser. As well as reporting on discovered malicious emails, the system moves those messages into a quarantine area where they can be inspected and possibly restored if investigations reveal that they are not threats.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideal for managed service providers and businesses that rely heavily on Microsoft and Google's email systems, especially those needing to bolster their defenses against sophisticated phishing and malware attacks.

There are three editions of the Guardz system:

• Starter (for 1 – 99 users) – $9 per user per month
• Pro (for 100 + users) – $5 per user per month
• Ultimate (a managed security service) – price by negotiation

Get a 14-day free trial.

2. ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus – FREE TRIAL

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus provides a data loss prevention service to protect sensitive data. The package includes routines to discover, categorize, and map instances of personally identifiable information (PII). An email controlling system is included in the package as part of its data movement prevention strategy.

Key Features:

• PII Security: Implements stringent measures to protect personally identifiable information from unauthorized access
• Email Oversight: Monitors and controls outbound email content to prevent data leaks
• Compliance Tools: Supports compliance with major standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS
• Whitelisting Capability: Enables recipient whitelisting to restrict where emails can be sent
• Data Movement Modes: Offers flexible control over data transfers with options to log, block, or allow

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus is recommended for its thorough approach to data loss prevention, particularly its capabilities in protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance with key regulatory standards.

Outgoing emails are scanned for PII instances through a series of techniques that include data fingerprinting and pattern matching. Controls can be imposed per data type and there are three levels of intervention. These modes just log data movements, block them entirely, or allow certain users to send data. The package aims to allow appropriate use of data so that businesses can continue to operate.

There is a free edition available that has all of the functions of the paid edition but it is limited to managing data on 25 endpoints.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideally suited for businesses that need robust data protection for a fixed number of endpoints, especially those in regulated industries requiring stringent compliance measures and oversight of data movements.

Try ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus with a 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus Start a 30-day FREE trial

3. TitanHQ SpamTitan – FREE TRIAL

TitanHQ SpamTitan is a SaaS-based multi-layered comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to prevent user vulnerability. TitanHQ’s products aim for SMBs, SMEs, or MSPs that need advanced email protection. They offer WebTitan (Content filtering), SpamTitan (anti-email spam solution), ArcTitan (email archiving), EncryptTitan (email encryption), and SafeTitan (security awareness).

Key Features:

• Real-Time Blacklists: Utilizes real-time blacklists to aggressively block spam and malware
• Customizable Filters: Allows configuration of blacklists, graylists, and whitelists for tailored protection
• Outbound Scanning: Ensures no malicious emails are sent from the organization with outbound email scanning
• Phishing Defense: Offers advanced protection against phishing, whaling, and spear-phishing threats
• Data Leak Prevention: Implements strict rules to prevent internal data losses
• Advanced Sandbox: Features a next-generation sandbox to analyze and mitigate sophisticated email threats

Why do we recommend it?

SpamTitan by TitanHQ is recommended for its robust email security features that cater especially to small to medium-sized businesses. It excels in preventing a wide array of email threats through advanced filtering techniques and real-time threat detection.

SpamTitan is an email protection, security, and email filtering tool. It protects against advanced phishing, spam, malware, ransomware, links to malicious websites, or any threats received by email. SpamTitan can easily integrate and strengthen the security of MS Office 365.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideal for SMBs and SMEs that require a comprehensive, cost-effective solution for email protection. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with MS Office 365 makes it particularly valuable for organizations utilizing this platform and seeking to enhance their email security measures.

Protect email from 25 users for one year ($1.65/user/monthly) at $495.00. Or cover 100 users for one year ($1.27/user/monthly) at a total of $1,1518.00. For more users, get a quote. Register to TitanHQ to start a 14-day free trial.

TitanHQ SpamTitan Access a 14-day FREE Trial

4. Proofpoint Email Protection

Proofpoint is a global market-leading cybersecurity company that aims to protect employees and their data from advanced threats and risks that target email, social media, and mobile. Proofpoint has proven itself to be one of the best email protection software. It was recognized in the 2021 Gartner Market Guide for Email Security and in 2022’s Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Information Archiving.

Key Features:

• Advanced Reporting: Provides detailed insights into email threats with tools like phishAlarm and TRAP
• BEC Defense: Actively blocks both malware and sophisticated email fraud attempts
• VAP Identification: Identifies and protects Very Attacked People within the organization
• NexusAI Technology: Utilizes advanced machine learning to detect and categorize email threats accurately
• Multi-layered Defense: Employs content, reputation analysis, and sandbox techniques to block advanced malware

Why do we recommend it?

Proofpoint Email Protection is recommended for its comprehensive protection against advanced email threats, combining effective archiving and security features. Its recognition by Gartner highlights its effectiveness and industry trust.

Proofpoint’s flagship product is Proofpoint Email Protection— a unified Email security solution that aims to defend users against advanced email threats and guarantee business continuity. The software provides different capabilities ranges, from fundamental email protection to advanced components like email fraud defense, threat response auto-pull (TRAP), Sendmail open-source, and more.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is particularly suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need strong email security measures coupled with compliance-ready archiving capabilities.

Request a 30-days free trial.

5. Barracuda Email Protection

Barracuda Networks is a global leader in security, app delivery, and data protection solutions. Across their breadth of exceptional products, Barracuda offers Barracuda Email Protection— one of the best email security tools designed to stop all 13 email threats. Barracuda Email Protection has been recognized as a leader in the 2021 Forrester Wave for Enterprise Email Security, SC Awards Europe 2020 for Best Email Security, and Gartner Peer Insights Customer Choice 2019.

Key Features:

• AI Defense: Integrates AI-enabled inbox defense alongside traditional email gateway protections
• Automated Training: Offers automated response mechanisms and security awareness training
• Email Encryption: Enhances data security with robust email encryption capabilities
• Compliance Archiving: Enforces email retention policies to aid in compliance via cloud archiving
• Office 365 Integration: Supports seamless backup and integration of Office 365 data

Why do we recommend it?

Barracuda Email Protection stands out for its comprehensive protection strategies that blend AI technologies with traditional defenses, effectively tackling all modern email threats. Its accolades from Forrester and SC Awards underscore its reliability and effectiveness in the security domain.

The Barracuda Email Protection software provides multiple layers of prevention, detection, and response. The software can take on simple attacks like spam and malware to more advanced attacks like ransomware, business email compromise, and account takeover.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideal for organizations of all sizes that require versatile deployment options and robust security features, including those heavily reliant on Office 365. Its advanced protections make it suitable for businesses prioritizing strong defenses against a wide array of email-based attacks.

You can select from the following plans: Advanced, Premium, and Premium Plus. Get a quote. Try a full-featured version of Barracuda Email Protection free for 14 days.

6. Mimecast

Mimecast is a developer of cloud-based email protection and cybersecurity tools. Their Email Security tool uses a holistic approach to cybersecurity, allowing it to prevent (before an attack), provide business continuity (during an attack or failure), and recover data (after an attack occurs). The product will identify and block spam and phishing and also protect from targeted threats like spear-phishing, ransomware, impersonation, and other similar attacks.

Key Features:

• Holistic Security: Provides comprehensive email protection by addressing threats before, during, and after attacks
• BEC Guard: Effectively halts Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks to protect business communications
• Impersonation Defense: Identifies and blocks attempts at brand and email impersonation
• API Integration: Supports over 70 APIs for robust automation and orchestration capabilities
• Enhanced Filtering: Incorporates URL and attachment protection alongside an advanced archive filtering service

Why do we recommend it?

Mimecast is recommended for its all-encompassing approach to email security, effectively tackling various email threats through advanced detection technologies and a strong focus on business continuity and data recovery.

Their mail protection service uses a massive grid infrastructure with geographically dispersed data centers for processing and storing emails. The highly-scalable Mimecast Mail Transfer Agent provides intelligent email routing based on the location of the server or user.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is particularly suitable for businesses of all sizes that require a robust, cloud-based email security solution. Its extensive API integration and advanced threat protection make it ideal for organizations seeking to enhance their email security infrastructure and resilience against sophisticated cyber threats.

For small businesses, Mimecast offers Core ($340/month), Hero ($420/month), and Mega $630/month). All prices are based on up to 49 users. For large organizations, Mimecast offers Perimeter Defense, Comprehensive Defense, and Pervasive Defense (get a quote). Schedule a demo.

7. Avanan Email Protection

Avanan is an enterprise cloud-based email security provider. The company was acquired (in Aug 2021) by Check Point Software Technologies (a global leader in cybersecurity solutions). The collaboration now expands security to SaaS collaboration suites and offers best-of-breed cloud email malware protection.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Blocking: Effectively blocks phishing, malware, and potential data leaks
• Account Safety: Provides robust protection against account takeover and supply chain attacks
• BEC Prevention: Specifically designed to prevent Business Email Compromise incidents
• Inline Enforcement: Features patented technology to prevent the delivery of malicious emails
• Data Security: Offers data loss prevention, encryption, and compliance tools

Why do we recommend it?

Avanan Email Protection is recommended for its advanced integration with cloud collaboration tools and its ability to detect sophisticated threats that conventional security measures might miss. Its acquisition by Check Point enhances its capabilities with cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies.

Avanan uses a multi-layer security approach to protect cloud collaboration solutions like GSuite, O365, and Slack. It identifies and stops sophisticated targeted attacks invisible to the default security tools. To accomplish this, it implements Machine Learning (ML) and advanced AI to improve its email protection capabilities (such as better catch rate).

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and educational or governmental organizations that utilize cloud-based collaboration tools like GSuite, Office 365, or Slack. It's particularly beneficial for entities requiring enhanced security measures against complex email and collaboration threats.

For SMBs (under 500), on an annual basis and including Email & Collaboration, the pricing for Avanan Protect ($5.00/user/month), Advanced Protect ($6.50/user/month), and Complete Protect ($8.50/user/month). For Enterprise and Edu/Gov (request a quote).  Try Avanan free for 14 days.

8. Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Former Office 365 ATP (Advanced Threat Protection) is now Microsoft Defender for Office 365. The Office 365 Defender provides the best-of-breed and native threat protection service for the Microsoft 365 suite. The service was named Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Email Security, Q2 2021.

Key Features:

• BEC and Phishing Shield: Guards against business email compromise and credential phishing attacks
• Automated Response: Features tools to automatically investigate, respond to, and remediate threats
• AI Detection: Utilizes artificial intelligence to detect suspicious content and correlate attack patterns
• Integration Capability: Seamlessly integrates with SIEM and XDR tools for enhanced security management
• Reporting Tools: Generates both real-time and historical reports to monitor security status

Why do we recommend it?

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is recommended for its deep integration and native security capabilities within the Microsoft 365 suite, making it an optimal choice for organizations heavily invested in Microsoft's ecosystem. It offers comprehensive, automated protection that can significantly enhance an organization's defense against sophisticated threats.

The Office 365 Defender uses a holistic approach to protect your Office 365 email. It provides prevention, detection, investigation & hunting, response & remediation, and awareness & training. All such security capabilities are available to protect across endpoints, cloud apps, emails, documents, and identities from advanced threats.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideally suited for larger enterprises that use Microsoft 365 extensively and require a security solution that can provide seamless, holistic protection without the need for significant external integrations. It is particularly beneficial for organizations prioritizing a unified security approach across all their Microsoft applications.

Defender for Office 365 is included with Microsoft 365 E5 ($57.00 user/month) annual commitment. Register to Microsoft to begin a Microsoft 365 E5 Security trial.

9. FireEye XDR (now Trellix)

Trellix is a brand new threat detection and response software that came from the (2021) merge of two big names in the cybersecurity market, McAfee Enterprise, and FireEye. Trellix carries the reputation of FireEye, one of the best email security solutions providers. FireEye was named 2021 Winner for the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards with their FireEye Cloudvisory, Email Security, and Endpoint Security software.

Key Features:

• Advanced Threat Protection: Shields against sophisticated spear-phishing, spam, and impersonation attacks
• URL Inspection: Actively inspects and rewrites URLs to prevent credential phishing
• Intelligence Utilization: Leverages adversarial, machine, and victim intelligence for rapid threat identification and mitigation
• System Integration: Easily integrates with major email systems like Microsoft Office 365 and G Suite
• Policy Management: Allows for detailed policy management and customizable response strategies

Why do we recommend it?

Trellix, emerging from the merger of McAfee Enterprise and FireEye, is recommended for its comprehensive approach to email security, utilizing cutting-edge intelligence to combat a range of sophisticated threats. Its reputation, bolstered by accolades such as the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, underscores its efficacy in protecting against advanced cyber attacks.

The FireEye XDR (new Trellix solution) simplifies threat detection, investigation, and incident response. FireEyeXDR includes FireEye Email Security Solution, an SC award 2019 honor winner of “Best Email Security Solution”.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is especially suitable for organizations with complex security needs that require deep integration with existing email platforms and advanced threat detection capabilities. It's ideal for businesses that prioritize a high level of customization in their security responses and continuous updates on emerging threats.

Contact FireEye for more pricing information. Begin a self-guided tour.

10. N-Able Mail Assure

N-able (former SolarWinds MSP) is a full-featured product stack platform with integrated monitoring, management (RMM), backup, end-to-end security, and ticketing capabilities. The platform is designed for MSPs that work with end customer environments. Across N-able's breadth of exceptional end-to-end security products, they offer N-able Mail Assure — a cloud-based email security tool that protects end customers' inbound and outbound email.

Key Features:

• Office 365 Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office 365 for enhanced email protection
• Advanced Threat Intelligence: Utilizes machine learning, antivirus, and reputation feeds to identify threats
• AI-Driven Engine: Proprietary AI technology detects new threat patterns in real-time
• Secure Archiving: Offers encrypted, long-term email archiving solutions

Why do we recommend it?

N-Able Mail Assure is recommended for its sophisticated, real-time threat detection capabilities powered by advanced AI and machine learning. It's an efficient cloud-based solution that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office 365, providing robust email security without the need for additional infrastructure.

N-able Mail Assure provides email protection from phishing, spam, malware, virus, ransomware, impersonation, fake URLs, spoofing, or Business Email Compromise. The software uses collective threat intelligence and ML to detect and protect against email threats in real-time.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is particularly well-suited for managed service providers (MSPs) who need a versatile and powerful email security solution that can manage multiple client environments efficiently. Its ability to adapt and learn from ongoing threats makes it ideal for dynamic, fast-paced IT security scenarios.

To get information on pricing, contact the N-able sales team. Sign in to try a 30-days N-able Mail Assurance free trial.

11. Cisco Secure Email

Cisco Secure Email (formerly Email Security and ESA) is a cloud-based multi-layered email security tool that detects, quarantines, investigates, and remediates cyber attacks that target email. Although Cisco Secure Email works for businesses of any size, the product is especially popular among enterprises and MSPs.

Key Features:

• XDR Integration: Expands capabilities with built-in SecureX for extended threat detection and response
• Fraud Detection: Effectively detects fraudulent senders and blocks business email compromise (BEC) attacks
• Data Protection: Provides robust data loss prevention and encryption features to secure email communications
• Cloud Mailbox Security: Enhances the native security of Microsoft Office 365 with additional protection layers
• Advanced Intelligence: Utilizes industry-leading threat intelligence to identify and block malicious links

Why do we recommend it?

Cisco Secure Email is recommended for its comprehensive and flexible cloud-based security features that integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise systems, particularly Microsoft Office 365. Its robust threat intelligence and advanced detection capabilities make it a strong contender in protecting against sophisticated email threats.

Cisco Secure Email aims to ensure business continuity by allowing users to communicate securely. The software is designed to protect businesses against BEC, advanced malware, ransomware, phishing, spoofing, malicious attachments, spam, data loss, or any other type of email-born threat.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is ideally suited for enterprises and managed service providers that require a powerful and scalable email security solution. It's particularly effective in environments where advanced threat detection, data loss prevention, and secure communication are critical.

Contact Cisco

12. Symantec Email Security.cloud

Symantec Email Security.cloud is a public cloud service with fundamental inbound email security gateway capabilities, including protection against phishing, malware, spam, and virus attempts. The service has a 99% accuracy in spam detection, 100% accuracy for SLA-defined viruses, and insignificant false positive rates (three in a million for antispam).

Key Features:

• Threat Isolation: Isolates suspicious email attachments, links, and web downloads to prevent malware spread
• Training Tools: Includes built-in user awareness and training tools to enhance security practices
• BEC Protection: Equipped to protect against Business Email Compromise threats effectively
• Comprehensive Security: Utilizes Symantec Email Fraud detection and Email Threat Isolation for robust protection
• Data Safety: Features encryption and Data Loss Prevention to secure sensitive data in emails

Why do we recommend it?

Symantec Email Security.cloud is recommended for its high accuracy in spam detection and comprehensive protection capabilities that include advanced threat isolation and data loss prevention. The use of artificial intelligence to improve security measures makes it a standout choice in the email security landscape.

Symantec Email Security.cloud provides advanced capabilities such as self-learning, threat intelligence feeds to improve threat detection precision, and DLP to block unauthorized outbound emails from leaving the organization with sensitive information. The software can also protect users from spear phishing, credential theft, and ransomware attacks.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is particularly suited for organizations that utilize Microsoft Office 365 or Google Apps and require robust email security without complex infrastructure changes. It's ideal for businesses looking for a blend of on-premise and cloud-based solutions, emphasizing ease of deployment and effective training tools.

The Symantec Email Security.cloud product offers Email Protect and Email Safeguard. Contact Symantec to get a quote.

Key considerations when choosing an email security software

Email is one of the essential business communication methods and the leading attack vector. Providing solid email protection to users, employees, or end customers is of paramount importance.

Before we continue to describe how to find the best email security software, remember that the best email security strategy is building user awareness via training, education, and promoting a security-centric culture. An email security software should never be a substitute for cybersecurity awareness and training.

• What is email security software? Email security software controls and keeps track of every inbound and outbound email, recognizing and blocking any threat. Email protection software also lets you enforce email filtering policies that, on one side, prevent private information from being compromised and, on the other side, block outside threats from causing damage.
• What is the lifecycle of email threats? Barracuda refers to the 13 email threats (from less to more complex) as; Spam, Malware, Data Exfiltration, URL phishing, scamming, spear phishing, domain and brand impersonation, extortion, business email compromise, conversion hijacking, lateral phishing, and account takeover. This description of threats should give you a solid framework on a software's level of email protection.

When choosing an email security software, look for the following features: 

• A multi-layered security approach improves security coverage It utilizes different components with different purposes (prevention, detection, response, and awareness) to protect various assets.
• Cloud-based email security Should allow easier email monitoring, management, and control. Cloud servers are also, often more capable and powerful for analysis, AI, and ML.
• Integrations Seamless and quick integration to email services like Microsoft O365 and GSuite is vital.
• Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) Components like sandboxing provide an added protection layer to protect from advanced threats and malware. In addition, ATP can also stop spear phishing, impersonation, ransomware, and more.
• Encryption and data loss prevention These two features help protect the data transported within an outbound email.

Final Verdict

The top ten email security software listed in this post provides the fundamental email security gateway capabilities, including anti-phishing, anti-spam, anti-malware, and anti-virus. All of the solutions work with a multi-layered security approach to safeguard email against these threats, and all are cloud-based.

Our favorite choices are Proofpoint Email Protection, Barracuda Email Protection, Avanan Email Protection, and N-Able Mail Assure. Fortunately, all of them offer a free trial. 

So, there is no excuse; start protecting your email now!