Comparing Secure Email Gateway Solutions

What are Secure Mail Gateways?

Today's digital space is more than ever a crucial battlefield in the modern business world. Emails are a central method of communication and, therefore, a preferred target for cybercriminals. Against this backdrop, it is important that companies protect and secure their email communication to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability. One tool that helps with this is the so-called Secure Mail Gateway (SEG).

A Secure Mail Gateway is a security solution that filters all incoming and outgoing emails of a company to detect and block threats such as spam, phishing, malware, and ransomware. It acts as the first line of defense against cyber threats delivered via emails and plays a vital role in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

An SEG essentially acts as a barrier between a company's internal email network and the external email environment. All incoming and outgoing emails pass through the gateway, which acts as a filter to detect and fend off potential threats.

The main functions of an SEG, therefore, include filtering spam, detecting and fending off phishing attempts, defending against malware and ransomware, and implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies. Some advanced SEGs can also offer encryption and other functions to ensure data security and privacy.

A well-configured and properly implemented gateway can help to minimize the risk of privacy breaches, increase productivity (by reducing the influx of spam emails), and can assist in maintaining the company's compliance.

Functions of Secure Mail Gateways

Secure Mail Gateways are a central part of many companies' cybersecurity strategy for several reasons. The most important functions of an SEG include:

Spam Filtering

One of the fundamental features of an SEG is the ability to filter unwanted emails or spam. Spam can not only impair productivity by flooding employees' inboxes, but can also serve as a carrier for malware and phishing attacks. A good Secure Mail Gateway should have effective spam filters that check emails for particular characteristics to determine whether they should be classified as spam.

Virus Scan and Malware Detection

Cybercriminals often use emails to spread viruses, malware, and other malicious software. Secure Mail Gateways run a virus scan for all incoming and outgoing emails to detect and neutralize such threats. Modern SEGs use advanced technologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to identify even the latest malware threats.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Another important feature of Secure Mail Gateways is Data Loss Prevention functionality. This means that the gateway checks incoming and outgoing emails for confidential information and prevents this data from being sent or received unauthorized. This function is particularly important for companies that must comply with strict privacy policies.

Email Encryption

Email encryption is another essential feature that a Secure Mail Gateway should have. Encryption ensures that only the intended recipients can read the contents of the email, even if it is intercepted during transmission. This is especially important when confidential or sensitive information is being exchanged.

Policy Enforcement

Finally, Secure Mail Gateways allow companies to enforce specific email policies. These may include what types of attachments are allowed in emails, what types of content are considered inappropriate or unsafe, and other specific policies that help keep the company's email network secure.

Secure Mail Gateways Compared | OMR Reviews

Find the best Secure Mail Gateways at OMR Reviews - rated by verified users. Compare providers now!