Choosing the email security solution is never easy, especially when faced with powerful options like Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email. Throughout our experience testing both tools, we have realized that, although both promise to keep phishing, malware, and data loss at bay, each one has its own personality and strengths.
Our goal with this comparative guide is to help you decide with real arguments, leaving commercial pitches aside and focusing on what really matters when you work in IT or have to make decisions for the security area. It’s not just about reading specifications, but about understanding how these solutions fit into the daily life of a company like yours.
Both are safe bets, but, as usual, context makes the difference. Depending on your company’s size, your technical team, and the integration you seek, one of the two will make your life easier. Therefore, we will analyze everything closely so you can choose the option that best suits your needs.
 |  |
|---|---|
Mimecast Advance Email Security | Cisco Secure Email |
Comprehensive Email Security Solution | Comprehensive Security with Cisco Secure Email |
4.9 | 4.9 |
Paid | Paid |
| Visit Website | Visit Website |
Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email: What They Are and What Both Email Security Solutions Are For
Mimecast Email Security is a cloud solution designed to protect corporate email from threats such as phishing, malware, and data loss. Mimecast, the company behind it, was founded in London in 2003 and has since earned the trust of more than 42,000 companies and clients worldwide. What users often appreciate the most is that it combines security, archiving, and continuity in a simple and practical way, especially for those already working with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
In the case of Cisco Secure Email, we have the offering from Cisco, one of the major references in the cybersecurity world. This tool is designed to detect and block advanced threats, from ransomware attacks to phishing attempts. One of its great advantages is that it integrates perfectly with other Cisco solutions, which is especially useful in companies that already use more products from the brand or want to have everything under the same security umbrella.
In the end, both Mimecast and Cisco Secure Email aim for the same goal: to protect your company’s email from possible cyberattacks. However, the background and philosophy of each make the difference. While Mimecast focuses on simplicity and user experience, Cisco emphasizes total integration and flexibility thanks to its XaaS model. The best option? It depends on the needs and way of working of each organization.
Mimecast Email Security: Accessible and Collaboration-Centered Protection
Mimecast Email Security stands out for its focus on ease of use and integration with collaboration tools. Its unified administration dashboard allows for hassle-free security policy management, making it ideal for IT teams with limited resources. Additionally, it offers protection for platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, thus covering beyond traditional email.
The solution uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect advanced threats, including phishing attacks and zero-day malware. It also provides robust data loss prevention (DLP) features and secure messaging options, ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information.
Mimecast offers cloud deployment, cloud gateway, and hybrid environments, adapting to the specific needs of each organization. Its focus on simplicity and integration makes it a very attractive option for companies seeking an effective and easy-to-manage email security solution.
It is also important to highlight that regarding user satisfaction, Mimecast has received a 4.5-star rating on Gartner Peer Insights, based on more than 580 verified reviews, where its effectiveness in protection against attacks and ease of deployment were emphasized.
Pros and Cons of Mimecast Email Security
|
Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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AI-based threat detection and multiple layers of protection. |
Steep learning curve for advanced features. |
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Protection extending to collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive. |
Lack of pricing transparency. |
|
Strong support for regulatory compliance (ISO-27001, SOC2, GDPR, HIPAA, among others). |
The administration console can be complex and slow for some users. |
|
High effectiveness in spam filtering and protection against identity spoofing. |
May generate false positives, requiring manual review. |
|
Easy integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. |
Annual renewal costs can be high. |
Cisco Secure Email: Advanced Security with Enterprise Integration
Cisco Secure Email is aimed at medium and large organizations that require a robust and highly integrable email security solution. It leverages Cisco Talos threat intelligence and machine learning to detect and mitigate sophisticated threats, such as ransomware and phishing attacks.
The platform offers advanced DLP and outbound encryption capabilities, ensuring protection of sensitive data both in transit and at rest. Although its management interface can be complex and require technical expertise, it provides detailed control over security policies and deep integration with other Cisco solutions.
Cisco Secure Email follows a XaaS subscription model ("everything as a service"), allowing organizations to tailor and scale the solution according to their specific needs, integrating different layers and services, not just software, but also infrastructure and advanced support.
The solution also offers deployment options in on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments, providing greater flexibility to adapt to different enterprise infrastructures. Its focus on advanced security and integration makes it a solid choice for organizations with complex security needs and experienced IT teams.
In terms of user satisfaction, Cisco Secure Email has also received a 4.5-star rating on Gartner Peer Insights, based on more than 230 verified reviews. Additionally, according to Gartner’s latest Magic Quadrant report, Cisco Secure Email is listed as a “niche player”, reflecting that its approach is very attractive for organizations with very specific needs or those already part of the Cisco ecosystem, rather than for those seeking a global “one-size-fits-all” solution.
Pros and Cons of Cisco Secure Email
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Pros ✅ |
Cons ❌ |
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Deep integration with Cisco's security ecosystem, including firewalls and AMP. |
Complex initial configuration, especially in multi-site environments. |
|
Threat intelligence enriched through Cisco Talos. |
Complicated and potentially costly licensing. |
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Advanced DLP capabilities and detailed analysis of email server activity, behavior, and performance. |
Requires experienced IT teams for effective management. |
|
Robust protection against malware, phishing, and ransomware. |
Less focus on protection of collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams. |
|
XaaS subscription model that adapts to the organization's specific needs. |
May be excessive for small businesses or those with limited IT structures. |
Subscription Plans and Pricing
Choosing the right solution to protect your company's email depends not only on features but also on how it fits your budget and specific needs. Below, we compare the subscription plans and pricing of Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email, taking into account their licensing models and the features they offer:
Mimecast Email Security – Plans and Pricing
Mimecast offers subscription plans tailored to the needs of companies of different sizes. The prices are not published transparently and usually depend on factors such as the company size, the required features, and the contract duration. However, according to several sources we have consulted, their prices range from 20 to 79 euros per user per year.
|
Plan |
Main Features |
|
Protect |
AI-driven threat detection, URL analysis and rewriting, attachment scanning with sandboxing, spam and antivirus filtering, anti-phishing protection, and insider risk analysis. |
|
Protect Plus |
Includes all features of the Protect plan, plus email continuity, data synchronization and recovery, and insider risk protection. |
|
Custom |
Custom solution that may include DMARC management, cloud archiving, security awareness training, email backup and restoration, and incident response. |
For detailed information about prices and specific features included in the plans, we recommend contacting the Mimecast sales team directly.
Cisco Secure Email – Plans and Pricing
Cisco Secure Email follows a XaaS subscription model ("everything as a service"), allowing organizations to customize and scale the solution according to their specific needs. The solution offers three license packages: Essentials, Advantage, and Premier; all licenses are per user and can be contracted for periods of 1, 3, or 5 years, with flexible billing options (monthly, quarterly, annually, or full payment). However, specific prices are not transparently published and usually depend on the number of users and contract duration.
|
Package |
Main Features |
|
Essentials |
Spam protection, sender domain reputation, URL filtering, outbreak filters, antivirus, malware defense and analysis, graymail detection. |
|
Advantage |
Includes all Essentials features, plus data loss prevention (DLP), outbound email encryption, secure unsubscribe option, and unlimited malware analysis. |
|
Premier |
Combines Advantage features with Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Cisco Secure Awareness Training, offering a comprehensive solution from email protection to security awareness training. |
For detailed information about prices and specific features included in the packages, we recommend contacting Cisco's sales team directly.
Other considerations
Both Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email offer 30-day free trials for organizations to evaluate their features without commitment. In the case of Mimecast, the free trial includes all features of Email Security, Cloud Integrated, and does not require a credit card or purchase commitment. During this time, extra features such as protection for collaboration tools, security awareness training, and threat analysis can be accessed. This makes it easy to assess any issues the tool might have without committing to a payment.
Meanwhile, Cisco Secure Email also provides a 30-day free trial, allowing organizations to experience its advanced email threat protection. This trial is designed to integrate easily with Microsoft 365 and offers capabilities to detect known, emerging, and targeted threats.
Regarding refund policies, according to available information, Mimecast does not offer refunds once the service has been contracted. As for Cisco, no specific information about refund policies has been found in the publicly available general terms.
Mimecast Email Security vs Cisco Secure Email: Direct Comparison
|
Feature |
Mimecast Email Security |
Cisco Secure Email |
|
Entry price (estimate) |
Between €20 and €79 per user/year, depending on size and features. |
Not officially published; depends on number of users and contract duration. |
|
Interface |
Unified panel with moderate learning curve; intuitive interface for users with technical experience. |
Complex interface requiring technical expertise for effective configuration and management. |
|
Trial/demo availability |
30-day free trial without credit card required. |
30-day free trial available to evaluate features. |
|
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) features |
Strong DLP features with secure messaging options and scanning of outgoing and internal emails. |
Advanced DLP capabilities with outbound encryption and customizable policies. |
|
Threat defense/protection |
AI and machine learning-driven threat detection; protection against phishing, malware, and impersonation. |
Threat intelligence enriched through Cisco Talos; protection against advanced threats such as ransomware and impersonation attacks. |
|
Ease of training / setup time / security awareness program |
Simple setup with available training resources; offers security awareness programs as an add-on. |
Complex initial setup; provides security awareness training as an add-on in advanced packages. |
|
Email archiving and compliance |
Cloud archiving with compliance to standards such as ISO-27001, SOC2, GDPR, HIPAA, among others. |
Archiving and compliance with standards such as ISO 27001, SOC2, GDPR, HIPAA; integration with compliance tools. |
|
Email continuity features |
Email continuity services ensuring availability during service interruptions. |
Continuity options available in advanced packages; requires additional setup. |
|
Threat sandboxing capabilities |
Advanced analysis of attachments in sandbox environments to detect unknown threats. |
Dynamic threat analysis with unlimited sandboxing capabilities in advanced packages. |
|
URL protection |
Real-time URL analysis and rewriting to block malicious links. |
Real-time URL analysis to block suspicious links; protection against infected sites. |
|
URL rewriting |
URL rewriting for scanning and threat protection; allows click tracking. |
URL rewriting with web interaction tracking; allows actions based on reputation and web categorization. |
|
Threat intelligence offering |
Proprietary threat intelligence with constant updates; integration with other intelligence sources. |
Threat intelligence enriched through Cisco Talos and machine learning; information shared among Cisco security devices. |
|
Spam filtering capabilities |
Spam and antivirus filtering with high detection rates and low false positives. |
Spam filtering with graymail detection and outbreak filters for emerging threats. |
|
Protection against suspicious links |
Real-time link scanning; blocking access to detected malicious sites. |
Real-time link analysis; automatic blocking of risky links and access to infected sites. |
|
Email encryption capabilities/features |
Secure messaging options and encryption of outgoing emails; compliance with privacy regulations. |
Content encryption service for outgoing emails; activation via additional license. |
|
Secure email gateway features |
Secure email gateway with multiple layers of defense and protection against advanced threats. |
Secure email gateway with spam filtering, antivirus, graymail detection, and malware analysis. |
|
Protection against impersonation |
AI-driven protection against impersonation; detection of Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. |
Protection against impersonation using sender domain reputation and email authentication analysis. |
|
Integration options |
Integration with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other collaboration tools; APIs available for custom integration. |
Deep integration with Cisco security ecosystem; RESTful APIs for integration with other security tools. |
|
Integration with Office 365 |
Direct integration with Microsoft 365 for email scanning without MX redirection; protection against advanced threats. |
Integration with Microsoft 365 via Microsoft Graph API; fast threat detection and remediation. |
|
Reporting dashboard |
Unified administration dashboard with detailed reporting and threat tracking; intuitive interface. |
Unified interface for reporting, configuration, and tracking; provides full visibility of email traffic. |
|
Email quarantine |
Management of quarantined emails with options for release, blocking, or allowing; daily notifications. |
Easy-to-use self-service spam quarantine solution; centralized storage for employee tracking and access. |
What do both tools do well?
Both Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email share a broad set of essential features to protect email in businesses of any size. These are their main similarities:
- Advanced threat protection: Both use artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and block phishing, malware, ransomware, and identity spoofing.
- Robust data loss prevention (DLP) features: Both offer powerful DLP options to prevent leaks of sensitive information in both incoming and outgoing emails.
- Compliance with international regulations: Both Mimecast and Cisco ensure compliance with standards such as ISO-27001, SOC2, GDPR, and HIPAA.
- Integration with Microsoft 365: Both integrate natively or via API with Microsoft 365, facilitating protection in cloud environments.
- Free trial available: They allow testing the solution for 30 days to evaluate its performance before making a decision.
- Threat sandbox: They feature analysis of attachments in sandbox environments, blocking unknown threats.
- Email encryption: Both tools offer advanced encryption capabilities to protect message confidentiality.
- Detailed reporting dashboard: Both solutions allow viewing and exporting comprehensive reports on detected threats and email activity.
- Email quarantine options: They enable managing suspicious emails from a centralized console, simplifying daily tasks for the IT team.
What does one clearly surpass the other in?
Despite their similarities, Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email excel in different aspects. If you're looking for that nuance that makes a difference according to your company, here is a comparative summary of their strengths:
|
MIMECAST EMAIL SECURITY |
CISCO SECURE EMAIL |
|
Protection in collaboration tools: protects Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, not just email. |
Cisco Talos threat intelligence: leverages one of the largest global intelligence sources. |
|
More intuitive interface: facilitates daily tasks and reduces the learning curve for IT teams. |
Deep integration with the Cisco ecosystem: easily connects with other security products and network systems. |
|
Integrated archiving and continuity: excels in maintaining email availability and regulatory compliance. |
Flexible XaaS model: you can adapt and expand protection according to company needs. |
|
Agile integration with Microsoft 365: allows protecting email without changing MX records. |
Advanced DLP and sandboxing: offers greater control and unlimited analysis in higher tiers. |
|
Rapid deployment in cloud environments: simple in hybrid or fully cloud deployments. |
Advanced control panel: designed for technical teams seeking maximum customization. |
Why look for alternatives
When choosing an email security solution, it’s not all advantages. Both Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email have strengths, but they also present difficulties and limitations that should be considered before making a decision:
Mimecast Email Security: Unclear Pricing and Limited Auditing
Despite its popularity, many users of Mimecast Email Security often point out the price as one of the main barriers. Subscription plans are not published transparently, and obtaining a quote usually involves long conversations with the sales team, which can create some uncertainty, especially among SMEs looking to clearly forecast their security expenses.
Another point to consider is that some advanced features, such as forensic management or detailed audits, do not reach the level of depth offered by Cisco Secure Email. Additionally, for certain needs, Mimecast may rely on external or third-party tools, which can make integration less straightforward and result in some loss of control over the workflow.
Finally, although its focus on simplicity and protection of collaborative platforms is more than valid, some organizations may feel that Mimecast falls somewhat short when they require features like advanced forensic analysis or a comprehensive view of email traffic, especially when compared to what Cisco offers in these aspects.
Cisco Secure Email: High complexity and cost for SMEs
The biggest challenge many Cisco Secure Email users face is the complexity when setting it up and managing it daily. This tool is designed for large corporate environments, so its dashboard and structure can be overwhelming for IT teams with less experience or limited resources. The learning curve is significant and may require more training or technical support than expected.
Compared to Mimecast, Cisco Secure Email can be "too much" for SMEs. It is often mentioned that the solution is so loaded with features and options that for a less complex environment, it can end up being excessive and not cost-effective, especially if its full potential for integration with the rest of the Cisco ecosystem is not utilized.
Another aspect frequently mentioned by users is the price, especially when only basic email protection functions are sought. The combination of licenses, extra services, and advanced management can place Cisco Secure Email out of reach for smaller companies, which will likely find simpler and more affordable alternatives.
Alternatives to Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email
If you are exploring options beyond Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email, there are solid alternatives that could better suit the needs and resources of your organization:
Proofpoint Essentials
Designed with small and medium-sized businesses in mind, Proofpoint Essentials offers enterprise-level protection with simple setup. It uses advanced detection technology to protect against threats such as phishing, malware, and identity spoofing.
Additionally, it includes email continuity, encryption, and data loss prevention features; all managed from an intuitive interface. This solution is ideal for organizations seeking robust security without the complexity of more advanced tools.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
For organizations already using Microsoft 365, Defender for Office 365 seamlessly integrates into their existing environment. It offers protection against malware, phishing, and other threats, using features like Safe Attachments and Safe Links.
It also provides automated investigation and response capabilities, enabling security teams to efficiently identify and mitigate threats. Its native integration with Microsoft applications makes it a convenient and effective option for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution.
Barracuda Email Protection
Barracuda Email Protection is a comprehensive solution that combines spam and virus filtering, protection against advanced threats, and data loss prevention. It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and block threats before they reach users.
Additionally, it offers email encryption and archiving features, making it easier to comply with regulations and recover data. Its focus on ease of use and quick deployment makes it well suited for organizations seeking effective protection without complications.
Mimecast Email Security / Cisco Secure Email: Which is better for you?
If you work in a team that values simplicity and is looking for a solution that works perfectly with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, Mimecast Email Security will fit like a glove. The solution is ideal for companies where email and collaborative platforms are the center of daily work. Additionally, its dashboard is very intuitive, making management easier without needing to invest much time in technical training or troubleshooting.
On the other hand, if your priority is to have enterprise-level security and you need to leverage advanced threat intelligence, Cisco Secure Email may be the best choice. This usually stands out in organizations with a large and experienced IT team, as its deployment and management require certain technical knowledge. If your company already uses other Cisco solutions, the integration will be much smoother, and you will benefit from the entire ecosystem.
Budget also plays a big role in the decision. Mimecast is more accessible for medium-sized businesses or teams looking to control costs, although the lack of public pricing can be quite frustrating. Cisco Secure Email, on the other hand, is usually positioned in a higher range, both in price and in customization and scalability options. If you have room to invest and aim to protect critical infrastructures, Cisco will fit better.
Finally, think about your growth goals. If you plan to scale quickly in different areas or need to add modules and services as your company evolves, Cisco's XaaS model will allow you to do this almost “a la carte”. Mimecast, on the other hand, shines when you seek agility, ease of use, and quick deployment in cloud environments, without major technical complications.
| |
|---|---|
Mimecast Advance Email Security | Cisco Secure Email |
Comprehensive Email Security Solution | Comprehensive Security with Cisco Secure Email |
4.9 | 4.9 |
Paid | Paid |
| Visit Website | Visit Website |
Verdict: Mimecast Email Security or Cisco Secure Email?
After testing and analyzing both Mimecast Email Security and Cisco Secure Email, we feel that both solutions offer excellent protection, but each has its own audience. Mimecast is better suited for companies looking for strong security and ease of use in their daily operations, while Cisco stands out in environments where complexity and customization are essential.
If you still have doubts, our advice is simple: take advantage of the free trials offered by both tools; experience them firsthand and discover for yourself which one fits better with your way of working and your team's needs. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident with the chosen solution, both technically and operationally.
The key is to align the choice with the size of your company, the available budget, and your team's technical level. Neither is a wrong decision; both add value and can make a difference in your organization's security. Therefore, if you decide to try them, you will see that your email will be in good hands regardless of the choice.
Either way, whichever you choose, you will be taking an important step towards a more protected and secure digital environment for your company. Each path has its advantages, and if you spend a little time exploring, you will surely find the perfect solution for your case.
