Cisco Secure Email vs Mimecast -- Enterprise Email Gateway Compared
Cisco Secure Email vs Mimecast
Cisco Secure Email and Mimecast are both enterprise email gateway solutions. Cisco Secure Email enterprise email security gateway with Cisco Talos threat intelligence integration, while Mimecast cloud email security platform with threat protection, archiving, and continuity. The best choice depends on your organization's size, technical requirements, and budget.
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The Verdict
Choose Cisco Secure Email if strong malware detection powered by Cisco Talos threat intelligence is your priority and cisco-centric enterprises wanting email security that integrates with their existing Cisco networking and security stack. Choose Mimecast if email continuity keeps mail flowing during outages — unique differentiator matters most and mid-to-large enterprises wanting a unified email security, archiving, and continuity platform with strong API integrations.
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mimecast | Cisco Secure Email |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Custom pricing / per-user licensing | Custom enterprise pricing / per-user licensing |
| Pricing Model | Per-user subscription | Per-user subscription or appliance license |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Self-Hosted |
| Best For | Mid-to-large enterprises wanting a unified email security, archiving, and continuity platform with strong API integrations | Cisco-centric enterprises wanting email security that integrates with their existing Cisco networking and security stack |
| Advanced malware protection with Talo... | Not available | Supported |
| Forged email detection for BEC | Not available | Supported |
| Cisco SecureX integration for cross-d... | Not available | Supported |
When to Choose Each Tool
Choose Mimecast when:
- +You value email continuity keeps mail flowing during outages — unique differentiator
- +You value strong impersonation and brand protection capabilities
- +You value unified platform covering security, archiving, and continuity
- +You want to avoid bEC detection significantly behind Proofpoint and Abnormal Security
- +You want to avoid administration interface feels dated and complex
Choose Cisco Secure Email when:
- +You value strong malware detection powered by Cisco Talos threat intelligence
- +You value deep integration with Cisco SecureX and broader Cisco security stack
- +You value flexible deployment options including on-premises appliance
- +You want to avoid detection efficacy slightly behind Proofpoint for advanced threats
- +You want to avoid email archiving search performance can be slow on large datasets
Other Cisco Secure Email Alternatives
Enterprise email security platform for advanced threat protection, compliance, and data loss prevention
Microsoft's native email security for Microsoft 365 with XDR integration
AI-powered email security platform specializing in behavioral detection of social engineering attacks
Email threat protection platform available as gateway appliance or cloud service
Cloud email security gateway with AI-powered BEC detection and XDR integration
AI-powered anti-phishing platform with crowdsourced threat intelligence
Human layer security platform preventing inbound threats and outbound misdirected emails
Pros & Cons Comparison
Mimecast
Pros
- +Email continuity keeps mail flowing during outages — unique differentiator
- +Strong impersonation and brand protection capabilities
- +Unified platform covering security, archiving, and continuity
- +Good API ecosystem for SIEM and SOAR integrations
- +Easier administration compared to Proofpoint for mid-market teams
Cons
- –Detection efficacy slightly behind Proofpoint for advanced threats
- –Email archiving search performance can be slow on large datasets
- –Pricing is still premium and comparable to Proofpoint
- –URL rewriting can break some legitimate links
- –Security awareness training less mature than dedicated platforms
Cisco Secure Email
Pros
- +Strong malware detection powered by Cisco Talos threat intelligence
- +Deep integration with Cisco SecureX and broader Cisco security stack
- +Flexible deployment options including on-premises appliance
- +Reliable email gateway with long enterprise track record
- +Graymail management reduces user complaints about bulk email
Cons
- –BEC detection significantly behind Proofpoint and Abnormal Security
- –Administration interface feels dated and complex
- –Innovation pace slower than cloud-native email security vendors
- –Best value only realized within broader Cisco security ecosystem
- –Cloud-native capabilities less mature than born-in-cloud competitors
Sources & References
- Cisco Secure Email — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
- Mimecast — Official Website & Documentation[Vendor]
- Cisco Secure Email Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
- Mimecast Reviews on G2[User Reviews]
- Cisco Secure Email Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
- Mimecast Reviews on TrustRadius[User Reviews]
- Cisco Secure Email Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
- Mimecast Reviews on PeerSpot[User Reviews]
- Gartner Magic Quadrant for Email Security 2024[Analyst Report]
- Forrester Wave: Enterprise Email Security, Q2 2024[Analyst Report]
- SE Labs: Email Security Gateway Tests[Independent Testing]
- Anti-Phishing Working Group: Phishing Activity Trends[Industry Research]
- Gartner Peer Insights: Email Security[Peer Reviews]
Cisco Secure Email vs Mimecast FAQ
Common questions about choosing between Cisco Secure Email and Mimecast.
What is the main difference between Cisco Secure Email and Mimecast?
Cisco Secure Email and Mimecast are both enterprise email gateway solutions. Cisco Secure Email enterprise email security gateway with Cisco Talos threat intelligence integration, while Mimecast cloud email security platform with threat protection, archiving, and continuity. The best choice depends on your organization's size, technical requirements, and budget.
Is Mimecast better than Cisco Secure Email?
Choose Cisco Secure Email if strong malware detection powered by Cisco Talos threat intelligence is your priority and cisco-centric enterprises wanting email security that integrates with their existing Cisco networking and security stack. Choose Mimecast if email continuity keeps mail flowing during outages — unique differentiator matters most and mid-to-large enterprises wanting a unified email security, archiving, and continuity platform with strong API integrations.
How much does Mimecast cost compared to Cisco Secure Email?
Mimecast pricing: Custom pricing / per-user licensing. Cisco Secure Email pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / per-user licensing. Mimecast's pricing model is per-user subscription, while Cisco Secure Email uses per-user subscription or appliance license pricing.
Can I migrate from Cisco Secure Email to Mimecast?
Yes, you can migrate from Cisco Secure Email to Mimecast. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.
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