Dealing with all kinds of email threats is part of our daily routine, and not exactly the most fun part. That’s why Darktrace Email caught my attention, a cybersecurity tool that uses Artificial Intelligence to analyze and protect our email before it reaches the inbox. Its autonomous threat response capability is promising, don’t you think? For that very reason, I decided to put it to the test to see if its results live up to expectations.
In this review, I’ll explain how Darktrace/Email really works, which features I found useful (and which not so much), who I think it could benefit, and how it compares to similar solutions. We will also discuss its strengths, areas for improvement, and why someone would want or should incorporate it into their daily workflow.
If you’re tired of relying solely on your “clinical eye” to spot dangerous emails, this tool might just get you out of more than one tight spot.
What is Darktrace Email?
Darktrace/Email is an email security solution developed by Darktrace, a British company founded in 2013 and specialized in artificial intelligence (AI)-based cybersecurity.
Previously known as Antigena Email, this tool uses machine learning AI to detect and neutralize known and unknown threats in email. It does so by using a real-time detection system, thereby shielding organizations from potential cyberattacks.
Darktrace Email does not operate as a simple filter or an "attached to the inbox" antivirus. Unlike many others, it integrates directly into email systems (such as Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, or Gmail). Once integrated, it analyzes message behavior in real time and independently decides what to do with each one. The tool can quarantine suspicious emails, modify links, neutralize attachments, etc., and all without disturbing the user.
Darktrace has been recognized for its innovative approach to cybersecurity, inspired by the human immune system to develop technologies that identify and respond to anomalies in enterprise networks. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, the company has experienced significant growth since its founding and has a global presence.
Among the most notable features of Darktrace Email are the ability to block new or zero-day threats before they affect the user, identity spoofing attack detection, and protection against malicious links and attachments. This range of features enables proactive and adaptive defense against emerging threats in the email domain.
Why Darktrace Email?
After thoroughly evaluating Darktrace Email, we have assigned it a score of 7.1 out of 10. It is a high-quality tool with a robust focus on protecting cloud email, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. It stands out especially for its ability to detect threats and block phishing or malware attacks before they affect your company's employees.
While its integration with platforms like Exchange through Microsoft Azure is a plus, its interface, though quite intuitive, could improve in terms of response speed. It is also important to note that some users consider the price of Darktrace Email to be high compared to the value offered by other solutions on the market. Furthermore, the user experience could be affected by certain usability issues, such as the speed of the control panel and the occasional presence of false positives.
Darktrace Email is ideal for medium and large companies seeking advanced protection for their email, especially those already using cloud services and requiring seamless integration with their existing infrastructure. If your organization prioritizes proactive threat detection and can afford the cost, this tool is an excellent option.
However, for smaller companies or those looking for a more affordable solution, other alternatives like Mimecast or Abnormal Security might be more appropriate due to their more economical approach and availability of specific features tailored to different types of threats.
5 key points where Darktrace Email stands out
One of the things that surprised me the most when testing Darktrace Email is the number of features that improve your day-to-day without you even realizing it. Below, I detail the most important features that make this tool stand out in the current email cybersecurity landscape:
1. Threat detection and prevention powered by Darktrace AI
The main difference of Darktrace/Email compared to other more traditional email protection solutions is its ability to learn from the normal behavior of the device where it is installed. It does not rely on rules or blacklists, but rather analyzes patterns in real-time using AI.
Thanks to this approach, it can detect new or unusual threats that other systems might overlook, such as targeted attacks, highly sophisticated phishing, or social engineering techniques. Basically, it stays one step ahead of attackers.
2. Integration with existing security infrastructures (including Microsoft 365)
Darktrace Email integrates seamlessly with widely used email platforms like Microsoft 365 or Gmail. This greatly facilitates its adoption, as there is no need to redesign the entire security architecture to implement it.
In my case, it connected with our email environment without affecting normal operation, and started learning immediately. This compatibility makes it a viable option even for small teams who cannot afford complex reconfiguration.
3. Automated remediation capabilities
Once it detects a threat, Darktrace/Email does not just send alerts: it acts. It can stop the email delivery, deactivate dangerous links, remove malicious attachments, or even quarantine the entire message. All of this happens within seconds, without human intervention.
For me, this part is crucial because it greatly reduces the exposure window and relieves the security team from routine tasks.
4. User alerts for suspicious emails
Although many of its actions are automatic, Darktrace Email also communicates with users when it deems necessary. If it detects a doubtful message but does not block it directly, it can add a visible warning in the email so the recipient knows something is off.
I found this feature especially useful because it warns without overwhelming and teaches how to identify suspicious patterns.
5. Compatibility with data loss prevention (DLP) policies
Another interesting advantage is that Darktrace/Email can align with the company’s data loss prevention policies. It can detect unusual behaviors related to the sending of confidential information, even if there is no explicit threat.
For example, if someone starts sending large amounts of data unusually, the AI can detect it and act according to the established policies. Thanks to this, the company can strengthen control without unnecessarily blocking productivity.
What differentiates Darktrace Email from its competitors?
Darktrace Email stands out from many other solutions on the market due to its behavioral and autonomous AI-based approach.
While most email security products rely on known threat lists, signatures, or predefined rules, Darktrace/Email analyzes in real time the behavior of each email, the user receiving it, and the overall environment. This allows it to identify threats that have not yet been cataloged or that are disguised with very sophisticated techniques, such as spear phishing or more targeted social engineering attacks.
Moreover, this tool not only detects but makes autonomous decisions, eliminating bottlenecks and enabling action within seconds, something few competitors can match with such precision.
Another clear advantage over other platforms is its ability to adapt to the specific environment in which it is deployed. Darktrace Email does not apply a standard logic for everyone but builds a unique understanding of each organization's "normal state", allowing it to detect deviations with great accuracy.
Darktrace Email Pros and Cons
After using Darktrace/Email for a while and comparing it with other solutions on the market, I believe it has very strong points in its favor, although there are also aspects to consider before adopting it. Let's take a look:
Pros ✅
- Effectively detects phishing and malware threats before they impact your devices.
- Real detection and autonomous response to new and known threats.
- Seamless integration with other security solutions like Darktrace Network.
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, highly rated.
- Wide variety of customization options for specific threat models.
- Autonomous action without constant user intervention.
Cons ❌
- High price compared to some competitors.
- Some complaints about control panel speed and user experience.
- Occasional false positives that can affect workflow.
- Initial learning curve if you are not familiar with advanced security environments.
Audience: Who is Darktrace Email for?
Like any specialized tool, Darktrace/Email shines especially in certain environments and may not be the most suitable option for others. Not all companies need such an advanced system nor have the resources to maintain it. Here is a quick guide to help you find your place:
Who can benefit the most from Darktrace Email?
- Growing medium-sized companies: They have an increasingly complex cloud infrastructure and need a solid layer of protection without excessively expanding their IT team.
- Large companies with distributed teams: Especially those with multiple locations or personnel working remotely. The automated and contextual protection of Darktrace Email helps maintain security in very dynamic environments.
- IT departments with a preventive focus: Teams already using tools like Microsoft 365 and other Darktrace solutions can easily integrate Darktrace/Email and benefit from its automatic response and behavioral analysis.
- Companies handling sensitive data (such as law firms, clinics, financial institutions): Darktrace Email is an effective barrier for sectors where a data breach or email attack can have serious legal or economic consequences.
- Organizations exposed to targeted or sophisticated attacks: Darktrace/Email can detect even the most subtle deceptions, being highly useful for businesses targeted by spear phishing campaigns or identity spoofing.
Who might need another tool?
- Small companies with simple infrastructures: If you use basic email tools and do not handle especially critical information, other simpler and more affordable solutions might better fit your needs.
- Freelancers and independent professionals: Unless you manage extremely sensitive information or work in cybersecurity, the cost and complexity of Darktrace Email may not be justified.
- Teams with low technical levels or no dedicated security staff: Although Darktrace/Email is quite autonomous, understanding its reports and adjusting its behavior requires some familiarity with security concepts. In these cases, a more guided or externally managed solution might be more practical.
Reasons to switch to or adopt Darktrace Email
When an organization decides to invest in a new email security tool, it rarely does so on a whim. While many choose to adopt Darktrace Email, there are also those who decide to abandon it for various reasons. Here I explain why each case occurs:
Reasons to choose Darktrace Email
- Innovative AI-based approach: Many companies are attracted by its ability to detect new threats through behavior analysis, without relying on signatures or blacklists.
- Need for automatic response without human intervention: Teams that cannot afford to be attentive 24/7 highly value that Darktrace Email acts autonomously in incidents.
- Seamless integration with existing infrastructures: The ease with which it fits into environments like Microsoft 365 or other Darktrace products reduces technical adoption barriers.
- Seeking a scalable solution: Expanding organizations appreciate that Darktrace Email does not require major adjustments to continue working well as they grow.
- Previous experience with Darktrace in other areas: Companies that already trust the Darktrace platform to monitor networks or endpoints usually make the jump to email to unify criteria and management.
Reasons why users abandon it
- High cost compared to other alternatives: Price is one of the most common reasons for switching to options like Mimecast or Abnormal Security, especially in smaller companies.
- Very specific needs not covered by default: Some organizations find that certain specific features, such as granular controls or certain specific integrations, are not available or require extra work.
- Interface or dashboard not very agile in certain environments: Although most find it intuitive, some users mention speed issues or difficulties when navigating certain reports.
- Persistent false positives in some critical workflows: In sectors where every email counts, erroneous blocks can be a problem, and if not managed well, lead to reconsidering the solution.
- Strategy shift towards more managed solutions: Some companies choose to outsource email security and prefer platforms with more active support or a full-service approach.
Prices and Discounts
When considering adopting Darktrace Email, it is natural to wonder about its pricing structure and possible discounts. This is everything we know about it:
Pricing Structure
Darktrace/Email prices are not publicly displayed, although we know from some of their clients that it is more expensive than many of its competitors.
Darktrace prefers to discuss costs directly with each interested organization, tailoring the solution to their particular requirements and offering a proposal that fits both functionality and budget. For this, interested companies must contact Darktrace or one of its authorized partners.
Available Discounts
Although not publicly detailed, it is quite common for potential Darktrace Email clients to be offered different types of discounts after consulting with Darktrace. To know the applicable discount options, it is advisable to discuss it directly with the Darktrace sales team or an authorized distributor.
Implementation, training, and documentation
Launching Darktrace/Email is not something done in five minutes, but you also don’t need an army of experts to achieve it. Integration with platforms like Microsoft 365 is quite straightforward, and the tool is designed to progressively adapt to the company’s environment. That said, the initial implementation process may require some dedication, especially if you don’t already have a solid cybersecurity foundation or are not familiar with similar solutions.
You don’t need to be an artificial intelligence specialist to make the most of it, but having some technical knowledge (or having a minimally prepared IT team) helps a lot in understanding how to configure policies, interpret alerts, or adjust the tool’s behavior. The learning curve is reasonable, and once the start-up phase is overcome, maintenance is quite light thanks to automation.
Additionally, Darktrace provides quite comprehensive documentation, with guides, FAQs, and resources accessible from its own website. It also offers training materials ranging from introductory tutorials to webinars for users with technical responsibilities.
Personnel and management
In most companies, Darktrace/Email falls under the direct responsibility of the IT department, especially regarding initial configuration, alert monitoring, and policy adjustment. Although the tool is designed to operate fairly autonomously, system technicians or security administrators usually manage the day-to-day operations.
That does not mean they work alone: in strategic decisions, such as setting risk tolerance levels or defining how to act against certain types of threats, security officers and business leaders also often participate.
As for the necessary team, one or two well-trained people are enough to manage Darktrace Email in medium-sized organizations. Large companies, of course, may require more hands, but automation helps keep the required resources at quite reasonable levels.
Decision-Making Process
The decision to acquire Darktrace/Email is usually not made impulsively. Most companies spend several weeks (and even months) evaluating whether it truly fits their needs. During this process, the return on investment (ROI), integration capability with existing systems, and the tool’s real potential to reduce risks are analyzed. The reputation of Darktrace as a provider also carries significant weight, especially in sectors where security is a critical factor.
Typically, the technical evaluation of Darktrace Email is carried out by the IT team or the security manager, who tests the tool, reviews how it performs in real scenarios, and presents their findings.
However, the final decision usually rests with management, who weigh both the cost and strategic benefits. It’s a process where technical and financial aspects intersect, and where all parties involved must be aligned to give the green light.
Usability and Interface
Overall, Darktrace/Email is a very easy-to-use tool, even for those who are not working with this type of platform all day long. Its design is intuitive and well thought out, allowing users to navigate through different functions without getting lost in complex menus. Additionally, one of its strengths is the customization capability: you can tailor the tool to the specific needs of your company without going crazy in the process.
That said, not everything is perfect. Some users mention that the Darktrace Email control panel can sometimes be somewhat slow to load or respond to certain actions. This doesn’t prevent its use, but it can be annoying if you need to act quickly or are reviewing multiple incidents in a row.
Security Features
Darktrace/Email, as part of the Darktrace platform, is designed to align with major security and privacy compliance frameworks. The tool complies with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is especially important for companies operating in the European Union.
Although specific certifications such as SOC 2 or ISO 27001 are not always advertised, Darktrace maintains solid security practices consistent with industry standards, thereby inspiring confidence in demanding corporate environments.
Reporting and Analytics Features
Darktrace Email offers insights through a quite comprehensive reporting system, capable of generating detailed analyses of detected threats, abnormal behavior patterns, and automatically taken actions, allowing a clear view of the security landscape in real time. This information is very useful for auditing, making strategic decisions, or simply demonstrating that active measures are being taken to protect corporate email.
Now, although the reporting capabilities are solid in terms of content, some users consider that the user experience could be smoother. While quite functional, the design of the reports and visualizations does not always stand out for its speed or ease of navigation.
Customer Service
Darktrace/Email offers multiple support channels to meet the needs of its users, including phone, a form, and submitting a support ticket through the customer portal. This allows users to choose the medium that best suits their preferences.
Regarding support quality, customers generally rate the service received positively. However, some feedback indicates that satisfaction may be affected by the complexity of issues that require direct intervention from the provider.
Competition: What is the best alternative to Darktrace Email?
Darktrace/Email competes with other leading solutions in the market such as Mimecast and Abnormal Security, each with a different approach and distinct advantages. Let's look at each one:
Darktrace Email vs Mimecast
Mimecast represents a solid alternative thanks to its wide suite of email and data security services. Its rule- and signature-based approach, complemented with elements of AI, makes it a very reliable option for organizations seeking a comprehensive platform that includes archiving, continuity, and web security.
Although it is not as effective against unknown threats or zero-day attacks, its strong phishing protection and integration of multiple services make it especially attractive for companies that prioritize an all-in-one solution. Compared to Darktrace Email, Mimecast can be more cost-effective and easier to justify for organizations seeking general coverage rather than defense based on advanced AI.
Darktrace Email vs Abnormal Security
Abnormal Security excels in supply chain-related threat detection and vendor compromise. Its AI-driven behavioral analysis positions it as an effective solution for organizations concerned about attacks originating outside their internal network.
Although its focus is more limited by concentrating on external threats, it may be the best choice for companies whose exposure to supply chain risks is critical. Compared to Darktrace Email, Abnormal offers a more targeted alternative and may be preferred for its specialized capability in a very specific attack vector.
Powerful protection for your email at a (not) very affordable price
Darktrace Email is a robust and advanced cybersecurity tool, designed to protect cloud email through artificial intelligence (AI). It offers solid integration with existing infrastructures, such as Microsoft 365, and is capable of detecting and blocking phishing and malware threats with great effectiveness. Its ability to automate actions and alert users about suspicious emails makes it an attractive option for companies seeking a comprehensive security solution.
However, as mentioned, Darktrace Email has a relatively high cost compared to other solutions on the market. Despite its advanced threat detection capabilities, some users feel the perceived value does not fully justify the investment, especially when compared to more economical alternatives. Additionally, the user experience could be affected by slowness in the control panel and occasional false positives.
We recommend Darktrace Email for medium and large businesses that already operate in cloud-based ecosystems and need an advanced security solution for their email. Darktrace is especially useful for organizations that prioritize proactive threat detection and are willing to invest in a high-quality tool. The customization capabilities and automation of remedies are ideal for IT teams looking for a solution that works autonomously without compromising security.
On the other hand, Darktrace Email would not be the most suitable option for small businesses or those looking for a more affordable tool to detect email threats. Organizations with limited budgets or those needing an extremely simple interface might find other alternatives like Mimecast or Abnormal Security more convenient, as they offer similar features at a lower price with a more accessible user experience.
