Email Security Software

What is Email Security Software?

Email security software comprises a series of tools to strengthen email accounts against unauthorized access, potential data breaches, and cyber threats. This multifaceted approach serves to shield sensitive information, prevent the dissemination of malware and phishing scams, and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of email communications.

Many email security vendors offer capabilities that enable easy configuration of inboxes, so threats can always be contained well before time. Technologies such as threat intelligence and AI can further help contribute towards improved email management as well, so your organization can stay proactive in the face of emerging threats.

Key Capabilities of Email Security Software

  • Threat Detection and Prevention: Email security software incorporates sophisticated algorithms to identify and neutralize malicious attachments, links, and phishing attempts in real time, ensuring that potential threats are intercepted before they reach your inbox. Additionally, integrations with allied security tools such as endpoint security software can further maximize protection, as every device and its user(s) shall be closely monitored to ensure no threats pass across your enterprise networks.
  • Data Encryption: Email security software seamlessly encrypts both outgoing and incoming emails, preserving the sanctity of your sensitive information. Common integrations with network security software further deliver comprehensive protection, so all digital touchpoints are protected round-the-clock.
  • Regulatory Compliance Assurance: Email security software includes compliance monitoring features, helping organizations align with industry regulations. This ensures legal adherence and shields your organization from the financial implications of regulatory non-compliance.
  • Real-Time Threat Intelligence Updates: Email security software, either through inbuilt threat intelligence tools or via third-party integrations to threat intelligence feeds, maintain perpetual up-to-dateness when it comes to the latest threats, so they can be contained if ever they are detected.
  • Phishing Simulation and Employee Training: Many email security software vendors offer inbuilt security awareness training capabilities to coach employees on detecting suspicious emails, as well as social engineering. Alternatively, businesses can also integrate their email security software with dedicated security awareness training tools, to comprehensively train employees on the dangers of cyber threats, as well as how to remediate if ever they do encounter one.

Interested to learn more about email security software? Please visit our email security FAQs.

Top 10 Email Security Software

Microsoft Defender for Business / Proofpoint / Trellix / Mimecast / Broadcom / Webroot / AVG / ESET / Worry-Free Business Security / Abnormal Security

WH Score
9.5
Microsoft Defender for Business

Microsoft Defender for Business

2reviews
Starting Price:$3 per user / per month
Microsoft Defender for Business is a comprehensive and cost-effective solution tailored to provide enterprises of all sizes with essential security tools, ensuring the protection of their devices, data, and networks against diverse threats. 
WH Score
8.9
Proofpoint
15reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Proofpoint is a web and cloud access security company that provides people-centric security solutions to enterprises and businesses around the globe. Through NexusAI machine learning Proofpoint claims to analyze 16M cloud accounts, 5 billion email messages, and 26 billion URLs per day. It also boast...
WH Score
8.9
Trellix
28reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Trellix is an information security product that protects the confidential data and systems of an organization from unauthorized access. It does this by providing a secure environment for users to access their data and applications, and by managing the user's access to these resources. Trellix also i...
WH Score
8.8
Mimecast
11reviews
Starting Price:$4.5 per user / per month
Mimecast is a 100% cloud-based web security solution that prevents cyberattacks at the DNS level for your organization. Mimecast email security is integrated into its platform to enhance the cyber resilience of any organization. 
WH Score
8.8
Broadcom
57reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Broadcom Security is a comprehensive security solution that offers a wide range of features to help protect your organization from cyber threats. With Broadcom Security, you can safeguard your network, endpoints, and cloud infrastructure against the latest cyber threats.
WH Score
8.7
Webroot
15reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Webroot is a leading cybersecurity company that specializes in providing comprehensive endpoint protection solutions to individuals and businesses. With a history spanning over two decades, Webroot has established itself as a trusted name in the industry, consistently delivering innovative and relia...
WH Score
8.6
AVG
162reviews
Starting Price:$170.97 per device / per year
AVG Internet Security Business Edition provides a complete endpoint security solution suited to the requirements of small and medium organizations. Its main goal is to protect devices and data efficiently. Real-time protection, anti-malware defenses, a firewall, web protection, email protection, dev...
WH Score
8.4
ESET
22reviews
Starting Price:N/A
ESET is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions for both consumers and businesses. Their software offers advanced protection against various threats, including viruses, malware, and ransomware. Here, we'll take a closer look at some of the critical features of ESET software and its pricing and...
WH Score
8.3
Worry-Free Business Security

Worry-Free Business Security

14reviews
Starting Price:$37.75 per user / per year
From the home of Trend Micro, Worry-Free Business Security is the ideal security suite for companies looking to deploy a comprehensive yet easily deployable solution. Monitor which websites your employees visit and block unsafe ones, so your internal networks can be preserved.
WH Score
8.3
Abnormal Security
12reviews
Starting Price:N/A
Abnormal Security is a cybersecurity company that specializes in protecting businesses from email-based attacks. The company was founded in 2016 by Jonathan Cran and Nicky Blumm, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. In addition to its email security platform, Abnormal Security also off...

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What Are the Most Important Email Security Protocols?

Email security protocols that offer individuals and organizations alike a substantial leverage in their digital defenses include:

  • Fortified Passwords: Elevate your email security by employing strong and unique passwords, while also steering clear of easily decipherable combinations or personal information - ideally with the help of password management software.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an additional layer of protection by enabling 2FA for email accounts, necessitating a code in conjunction with the password.
  • Email Encryption: Safeguard sensitive emails with robust encryption mechanisms like Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), ensuring data protection during transmission.
  • Email Scanning and Filtering: Leverage email scanning and filtering tools to pinpoint and block spam, phishing scams, and malware, fortifying your defense against potential threats.
  • Employee Security Awareness Training: Empower your team with knowledge through comprehensive training on email security best practices. This includes recognizing phishing scams, crafting robust passwords, and promptly reporting suspicious emails.
  • Regular Security Updates: Reinforce your defenses by consistently updating email software and operating systems with the latest security patches. This proactive approach swiftly addresses vulnerabilities, minimizing potential risks.
  • Incident Response Plan: Establish a robust incident response plan for contingencies. This ensures a swift and effective response to email security breaches, minimizing damage and expediting the restoration of normal operations.
  • Regular Security Audits: Conduct recurring security audits of email systems and practices to identify and rectify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses, fortifying your overall security posture.

Is Email Security Included In Free Email Accounts? 

While email security is a standard inclusion in free email accounts, the efficacy of protection can fluctuate based on the service provider. Most free email services commonly provide basic security measures such as spam and phishing filtering, password protection, and data encryption during transit. Yet, these may not be part of the package when it comes to more sophisticated security features like two-factor authentication, encryption at rest, or data loss prevention.

Exploring paid email accounts becomes a prudent consideration for users whose reliance on email extends to sensitive communications or vital business functions. Premium email services generally provide a heightened level of defense against cyber threats and potential data breaches.

Paid email providers, backed by additional resources, invest in advanced security measures, setting them apart from their free counterparts. This investment translates into a more robust defense against evolving cyber threats, thereby positioning paid email accounts as a preferable choice for individuals and businesses seeking an elevated level of security assurance. 

How Do Email Security Tools Protect Against Phishing Emails?

Defending against phishing emails is a complex task undertaken by email security tools, utilizing a multifaceted approach to identify and thwart these malicious messages. The arsenal of techniques deployed by these tools include:

  • URL and Domain Reputation: Email security tools curate databases of known phishing websites and malicious domains. They scrutinize embedded URLs in emails against these databases, flagging messages containing links to suspicious sites.
  • Content Analysis: Inspecting the content of emails is a pivotal function of email security tools. They analyze for characteristics commonly associated with phishing scams, such as urgent language, requests for personal information, and grammatical errors.
  • Sender Verification: Email security tools cross-reference the sender's email address with known phishing sources to ensure the sender's legitimacy. Additionally, they employ sender authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
  • Machine Learning: Harnessing the power of machine learning, email security tools utilize algorithms to identify and classify phishing emails based on patterns and features extracted from email content and sender information.
  • Sandboxing: Email security tools isolate and execute suspicious emails within a sandbox environment, preventing malicious code from causing harm to the user's system.
  • User Education and Reporting: Many email security tools offer educational resources and reporting mechanisms. These aid users in identifying and reporting phishing emails, contributing to an elevated level of overall security awareness.

By integrating these techniques, email security tools effectively detect and neutralize phishing emails, providing users with robust protection against falling victim to these scams and fortifying the security of sensitive information. 

How Do Email Security Tools Prevent Unauthorized Access?

Shielding against unauthorized access to email accounts is a paramount function of email security tools, employing a strategic blend of techniques to protect login credentials, regulate access permissions, and monitor user activity. The pivotal methods utilized by these tools include:

  • Strong Password Enforcement: Email security tools mandate robust password policies, compelling users to create intricate and challenging passwords. This mitigates the risk of unauthorized access attempts through brute-force or dictionary attacks.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implementing an additional layer of security, email security tools deploy 2FA, necessitating a secondary verification step beyond passwords. This can involve codes sent to mobile phones or generated by authenticator apps, enhancing protection against unauthorized access.
  • Access Control Lists (ACLs): Utilizing Access Control Lists (ACLs), email security tools regulate access permissions for email accounts. ACLs delineate who can access an account, their actions, and the conditions under which access is granted. This thwarts unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information or executing unauthorized actions.
  • User Activity Monitoring: Vigilantly observing user activity, including login attempts, email sending patterns, and access to sensitive data is a core function of email security tools. This enables the identification of suspicious activity that may signal unauthorized access or compromised accounts.
  • Anomaly Detection: Leveraging anomaly detection techniques, email security tools discern irregular patterns in user activity. This includes detecting login attempts from unfamiliar locations or abrupt increases in email sending raising alerts for potential security breaches that warrant further investigation.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: Integrating with threat intelligence feeds, email security tools stay abreast of real-time updates on known malicious IP addresses, domains, and phishing campaigns. This proactive approach enables the blocking of suspicious emails and shields users from emerging threats.
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