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McAfee SmartFilter VS Mimecast Secure Email Gateway

Compare McAfee SmartFilter VS Mimecast Secure Email Gateway and see what are their differences

McAfee SmartFilter logo McAfee SmartFilter

McAfee Web Protection is a web security solution that includes an on-premises secure web gateway and SaaS-based web security delivered from the cloud.

Mimecast Secure Email Gateway logo Mimecast Secure Email Gateway

Prevent targeted email-borne attacks with Mimecast Secure Email Gateway for cloud-based anti-virus and anti-spam protection.
  • McAfee SmartFilter Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-23
  • Mimecast Secure Email Gateway Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-20

McAfee SmartFilter features and specs

  • Comprehensive Web Protection
    McAfee SmartFilter offers robust protection against web-based threats including malware, phishing, and other malicious content. It uses a combination of real-time processing and URL categorization to protect users.
  • Granular Controls
    Administrators can set detailed policies and controls, allowing for customization at various levels such as user, group, and department. It enables organizations to tailor the web experience according to their specific needs and compliance requirements.
  • Real-time Threat Intelligence
    The product leverages McAfee Global Threat Intelligence (GTI) to provide up-to-date threat information, which helps in identifying and blocking emerging threats in real-time.
  • Easy Integration
    The solution integrates seamlessly with other McAfee products and existing IT infrastructure, making it easier to implement and manage within an enterprise environment.
  • Comprehensive Reporting
    McAfee SmartFilter provides detailed reports and analytics, giving a clear view of web usage, threats encountered, and policy compliance within the organization.

Possible disadvantages of McAfee SmartFilter

  • Cost
    McAfee SmartFilter can be relatively expensive, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises, which could be a barrier to adoption.
  • Complex Configuration
    While offering granular controls is a pro, it also means the initial configuration can be complex and time-consuming. Less technically adept administrators might find the learning curve steep.
  • Performance Impact
    The extensive filtering and real-time analytics can introduce latency and performance issues, particularly in high-traffic environments.
  • False Positives
    Some users have reported instances of legitimate sites being falsely flagged and blocked, which can disrupt workflow and require manual intervention to resolve.
  • Limited Customer Support
    Some users have noted that customer support can be slow to respond or less helpful than expected, particularly with complex issues.

Mimecast Secure Email Gateway features and specs

  • Advanced Threat Protection
    Mimecast Secure Email Gateway provides robust protection against various email-based threats, including phishing, ransomware, and impersonation attacks. It uses a combination of threat intelligence and machine learning to identify and mitigate potential threats before they reach the inbox.
  • Comprehensive Email Security
    The platform offers comprehensive security features, including spam filtering, anti-virus and anti-malware scanning, and URL protection. This ensures that emails are thoroughly scanned and cleaned, minimizing the risk of malicious content.
  • User-Friendly Management Console
    Mimecast provides an intuitive and user-friendly management console that allows IT administrators to easily manage policies, monitor email traffic, and generate reports. This streamlines administrative tasks and enhances productivity.
  • Seamless Integration
    The solution integrates seamlessly with various email providers and office tools, making it easy to deploy and maintain in any existing IT infrastructure without significant disruption.
  • Archive and Compliance Features
    Mimecast offers robust email archiving and compliance features that help organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements. This includes features like e-discovery and Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

Possible disadvantages of Mimecast Secure Email Gateway

  • Cost
    Mimecast Secure Email Gateway can be relatively expensive for small and medium-sized businesses, especially when considering additional features or higher-tier plans.
  • Complex Initial Setup
    Some users may find the initial setup process complex and time-consuming, especially if they are not highly experienced in IT or lack specialized support during deployment.
  • Potential for False Positives
    As with many security solutions, there is a potential for false positives where legitimate emails may occasionally be incorrectly marked as threats and quarantined, requiring user intervention.
  • Limited Customer Support for Lower Plans
    Some users have reported that customer service response times and support quality can be inconsistent, particularly for customers on lower-tier plans who may not have access to premium support packages.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    The platform offers many advanced features that may have a steep learning curve. Users might need additional training or time to fully leverage these capabilities.

Analysis of McAfee SmartFilter

Overall verdict

  • Overall, McAfee SmartFilter is considered a reputable and effective web filtering tool, particularly for businesses and institutions that require extensive control over their network's web access. Its solid reputation, combined with McAfee's broader cybersecurity ecosystem, makes it a strong option in the web filtering market.

Why this product is good

  • McAfee SmartFilter is a web filtering solution that helps organizations control access to inappropriate or harmful content. It boasts a comprehensive and regularly updated database that classifies websites into numerous categories, allowing for customizable filtering policies. Additionally, McAfee SmartFilter is recognized for its robust performance and integration capabilities with various environments, making it suitable for enterprise-level deployments.

Recommended for

    McAfee SmartFilter is recommended for enterprises, educational institutions, and government organizations looking for a comprehensive solution to manage and secure internet access and to protect against web-based threats. It is suitable for those who need detailed reporting features and flexibility in policy enforcement.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to McAfee SmartFilter and Mimecast Secure Email Gateway)
Security & Privacy
78 78%
22% 22
Cyber Security
82 82%
18% 18
Email Security
0 0%
100% 100
Monitoring Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing McAfee SmartFilter and Mimecast Secure Email Gateway, you can also consider the following products

Cisco Umbrella - Cisco Umbrella is a cloud security platform that provides the first line of defense against threats on the internet.

Abnormal Security - Abnormal is a prominent platform that provides accurate and superior cloud-native Email Security.

Kaspersky Security for Internet Gateways - Kaspersky Security for Internet Gateways offers secure internet access for the employees.

Material Security - Material Security provides phishing protection, account takeover prevention, and email DLP for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

WebTitan - WebTitan is an advanced DNS based web content filter and web security layer that blocks malware, ransomware and phishing attempts as well as providing web content control. Cloud and gateway versions available.

IRONSCALES - IRONSCALES is a platform that is designed to stop phishing.