Cybersecurity has become the heart of companies' concerns. Phishing, advanced malware, and zero-day attacks are increasingly frequent and damaging, so all companies need to have a security system that protects them. In this regard, many cybersecurity options appear on the market, but today we highlight one that has caught our attention: Perception Point.
This software is a powerful cloud solution that integrates perfectly with companies of any size. Its main function is to detect and eliminate online threats, offering advanced protection for email, web browsing, and collaboration tools. But is it the tool you need for your company?
What is Perception Point? A multi-layer defense against sophisticated threats
Acquired by cybersecurity giant Fortinet, Perception Point is a solution aimed at both large enterprises and SMEs. It can detect and stop advanced attack vectors (phishing, BEC, spam, ATO, malware, zero-day attacks, etc.) in emails, web browsers, and SaaS applications.
With a 9 out of 10 in functionality and a 9.5 out of 10 in user satisfaction, Perception Point is one of the highest-rated tools to shield your business's security.
Additionally, it features an intuitive interface, based on an API-first architecture, ideal for modern environments. Here, we forget about needing extensive technical requirements to stay safe. Perception Point is designed for companies that want a quick, simple, and above all, effective solution against cyberattacks.
Why choose Perception Point?
Perception Point is a highly recommended solution, used by organizations worldwide and even companies from the prestigious Fortune 500 list. But... is it what your business needs? To help you decide, below we detail its main advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantages of Perception Point compared to other solutions are:
- Real-time protection without slowing down workflow: Perception Point blocks threats at the exact moment they are detected, before they reach the end user. Thanks to its combination of artificial intelligence, behavioral analysis, and sandboxing, it identifies and neutralizes attacks such as advanced phishing or ransomware. The best part is that this entire process occurs without affecting email or browsing speed, maintaining a smooth experience for employees.
- Deep analysis of files and links: Unlike more basic solutions that only scan the surface, Perception Point performs thorough inspection of content, including compressed files, attachments, and embedded links within multiple layers. Everything is analyzed in isolated environments (sandbox) where the file’s behavior is simulated on a real system, allowing detection of hidden and sophisticated threats.
- Organic integration with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Slack: One of the strengths found in Perception Point is compatibility with business tools commonly used by companies. It connects seamlessly to Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and other collaboration platforms through secure and simple APIs.
- Clear and customizable dashboard that allows investigation and response to incidents: Besides having an extremely user-friendly interface, Perception Point offers a centralized dashboard where suspicious activity can be monitored, logs reviewed, custom policies applied, and incident responses managed with just a few clicks. It also allows automation of tasks and real-time visualization of key statistics. It is a delight for IT teams.
However, we must consider the main disadvantages found in our analysis:
- Dependence on cloud analysis: As a 100% cloud-native solution, Perception Point bases its entire detection and analysis system on external servers. This provides scalability and constant updates but also means total dependence on an Internet connection. In environments requiring offline operation or experiencing frequent interruptions, this model can pose a challenge to consider.
- Moderate learning curve: Although the user interface is simple and well designed, certain advanced features like creating custom policies or integration with incident response tools require prior technical knowledge.
- Compliance certifications not always visible: Perception Point claims to follow data protection regulations such as GDPR, but its website does not clearly or accessibly display other important certifications like SOC 2, ISO 27001, or HIPAA, which are transparently shown by more established platforms like Proofpoint or Mimecast. For organizations operating in regulated sectors, this may cause initial issues.
- Technical documentation could be improved: While Perception Point provides resources for integrating its solution, many users agree that official documentation is somewhat sparse or lacks detail in key aspects like automated response workflows or custom policies.
The Best of Perception Point
Without a doubt, Perception Point's great strength lies in its ability to detect and block sophisticated threats before they reach the end user, including those that traditional solutions do not identify.
Thanks to a combination of artificial intelligence, behavioral analysis, sandboxing, and anti-evasion techniques, the platform can neutralize highly targeted phishing attacks, unknown malware (zero-day), and malicious files hidden within multiple layers. It is a very secure tool.
The Worst of Perception Point
However, the software has a clear drawback to consider. Perception Point does not offer an on-premise version, which means that its operation depends on the availability of an Internet connection and the stability of its cloud services. This can pose a risk for companies that require continuity in isolated environments or with strict regulations on data sovereignty.
Key Features of Perception Point
Once the most relevant functions of Perception Point have been clarified, we highlight below the main features of the platform.
Advanced AI and dynamic sandboxing for threat detection
Perception Point uses a combination of artificial intelligence and isolated analysis environments (sandboxing) to inspect suspicious files and URLs in real time. This technology allows observing the behavior of the analyzed elements without interfering with the user's systems, identifying even new and complex threats that are not yet in known databases.
Functions as an email gateway
Although it is not its main function, Perception Point also acts as an intelligent bridge between the mail server and users, inspecting all incoming and outgoing traffic to block threats before they reach the recipient.
Comprehensive protection for cloud email
Specifically designed for cloud environments such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, Perception Point protects email against a wide range of threats: phishing, malware, spam, malicious links, and spoofing attacks. This makes it a key tool for most companies that want to keep things simple.
Multilevel security approach
Perception Point’s security strategy combines static analysis, dynamic analysis, anti-evasion techniques, and machine learning. This means it provides complete defense against known and unknown threats. Additionally, this system minimizes false positives, so the program won’t bother you every now and then.
Real-time threat prevention
One of the most notable features of Perception Point is its ability to act before threats reach the user. Its cloud architecture allows detecting and blocking threats with minimal latency, ensuring attacks are neutralized immediately.
Anti-phishing protection
Furthermore, Perception Point has an optimal system that detects targeted phishing attacks, including those employing advanced tactics like zero-day exploits or visual identity spoofing.
Malware detection and prevention
On the other hand, thanks to static and dynamic analysis engines, Perception Point can stop both known malware and new or modified variants, including ransomware, trojans, spyware, and advanced persistent threats (APT).
Content Disarm & Reconstruction (CDR)
Perception Point features CDR (Content Disarm & Reconstruction) technology, meaning it analyzes suspicious attached documents and reconstructs them by removing any potentially malicious code. This way, everything passes through its filter before reaching the client.
Adaptive security policies
The system is capable of automatically adjusting its security policies based on user behavior and the evolution of global threats. This enables a dynamic response, reducing the need for manual adjustments that can be burdensome for users.
Incident response and remediation
Perception Point not only detects threats but also facilitates their subsequent management. Its platform includes forensic investigation tools, automated alerts, and remediation functions, allowing IT teams to act quickly in any incident.
Pros of Perception Point
- Fast and accurate threat detection: One of Perception Point's main strengths is its ability to detect threats that other solutions overlook. As stated by the IT Manager of a medium-sized company, "Perception Point detects threats that other solutions do not see, and with very few false positives. We were surprised by its accuracy from day one."
- Easy integration: The ease with which Perception Point integrates into existing environments is another of its most valued points. The Systems Administrator of a large organization highlights: ""The deployment was straightforward and did not interrupt the email flow of any department. It was almost plug-and-play."
- High satisfaction and operational reliability: Another point highlighted by users is the positive impact of Perception Point in reducing security incidents. A Security Analyst from a small company summarizes it this way: "Since implementing Perception Point, security incidents have significantly decreased. We feel much safer."
Cons of Perception Point
- Dependence on cloud analysis: One of the less convincing aspects of Perception Point is its 100% reliance on the cloud. Although this allows for constant updates, it is not without risks. According to a Network Engineer from a large company: ""Cloud architecture has given us a lot of flexibility, but it also causes disruptions when the Internet connection goes down."
- Initial complexity in configuration: On the other hand, activating advanced Perception Point features may require specific technical knowledge. This is explained by an IT Specialist from a medium-sized company: "Activating the most powerful features, such as custom rules or integration with external tools, requires certain technical knowledge."
Who is Perception Point designed for?
Initially, Perception Point easily adapts to any business. However, it is especially interesting for:
- Medium and large companies with a high level of exposure to digital attacks.
- Regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and politics, which require maximum security, regulatory compliance, and incident analysis.
- Startups and e-commerce businesses that process sensitive data and seek a lightweight, scalable, and fast solution.
- IT teams that require advanced integration and automation without excessive complexity.
Why choose Perception Point?
- Because it combines effectiveness and speed, uniting all possible security software into one.
- Because it offers an agile alternative to traditional providers like Proofpoint Essentials or Mimecast, with lower latency and more focus on advanced threats.
- Because it simplifies incident response with its easy-to-navigate interface.
Why reject Perception Point?
- It is not the best option if you need a solution with more local and offline control.
- It is not the best option if you are looking for an all-in-one security tool that also includes endpoint protection or centralized log management (SIEM).
- It is not a cheap tool.
How much does Perception Point cost? Pricing plans and discounts
Unfortunately, Perception Point does not officially publish its rates. It is an opaque tool in this regard, so to obtain pricing information you need to contact the provider. On their website, they insist that you request a demo to try the product, something highly recommended before purchase, and from there, the process for actual contracting begins.
However, industry sources estimate several thousand dollars annually for small companies and several tens of thousands for larger ones. Even so, it has different plans (Essential, Advanced, Complete), which vary according to the level of protection, support, and customization.
Installing Perception Point: Are technical skills required?
Not necessarily. Perception Point is a tool designed to integrate easily through API or native connectors. Still, it is recommended to have an IT administrator or security engineer to configure advanced policies and automated response workflows.
How many people are needed to manage Perception Point?
It depends on the size of the company, you will need a larger or smaller team to manage Perception Point. In general:
- Small or medium-sized companies: one person dedicated to IT security is enough.
- Large corporations: they may require a small team for integration with other solutions and constant maintenance.
How long does it take users to decide on Perception Point?
Deciding on Perception Point is not easy, especially when their website makes it so difficult to know their pricing and service structure. However, in general, companies take between 2 and 6 weeks to make a complete decision. During this time, they test the platform, contact the sales team, and review what users and experts say about the platform. In this way, we hope this analysis can also help support the decision made.
How is security and customer support at Perception Point?
Although it is not always visibly displayed on its website, which can raise doubts for IT teams, Perception Point states compliance with international regulations such as GDPR, SOC 2 and ISO 27001, which reinforces its commitment to data privacy and security.
Regarding technical support, it offers channels such as a help portal, email, and telephone assistance (only for premium plans), with good ratings from users. However, there is some room for improvement in response times for non-critical incidents.
What is the best alternative to Perception Point?
Perception Point is our favorite tool for those looking for cloud-based protection. However, there are other solutions that compete head-to-head. These are:
- Proofpoint. It is a more traditional tool with a larger portfolio (email, archiving, SIEM), although heavier and more technical. It does not fit all users as well.
- Mimecast. It is designed for large corporations with complex environments, with a more specialized and direct technical service.
- Avanan (by Check Point). This alternative is 100% focused on Microsoft 365, with deep integration into the system but less flexibility to use it with other applications and systems.
Is Perception Point the solution you were looking for?
Obviously, when you are exploring so many options available in the market, the final decision depends 100% on your needs as a customer. However, from Softonic we must say that we recommend Perception Point as a comprehensive solution for most cases.
After the acquisition by Fortinet, Perception Point offers solid cloud protection, which is ideal for organizations seeking proactive and rapid defense against advanced threats. Although there is room for improvement in some aspects, overall it is one of the best tools on the market.
