First Ever Magic Quadrant™ for Email Security Platforms by Gartner®
In cybersecurity, email has always been a critical concern. However, we feel the new 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms™ has signaled a shift in how we approach email protection.
We believe this new Magic Quadrant encompasses a broader spectrum of email security providers to reflect the evolving threat landscape and the need for more integrated products.
The Evolution of Email Security
Email security has come a long way since the days when secure email gateways (SEGs) were the gold standard. While SEGs effectively block known threats using signature-based detection, they struggle against sophisticated attacks that utilize social engineering and emerging or obfuscated payloads. This gap led to the rise of Integrated Cloud Email Security (ICES) products, which offer enhanced protection by leveraging machine learning and natural language processing to detect the advanced threats that SEGs often miss.
ICES products have emerged as superior due to their ability to address not just known threats but also zero-day attacks and phishing attempts that cloak themselves in seemingly benign content. Unlike traditional SEGs, ICES products can seamlessly integrate with existing email platforms like Microsoft 365, enhancing native security without requiring extensive changes to infrastructure.
Moreover, machine learning enables ICES products to provide users with context-specific warning messages, educating them about potential risks. This feature empowers employees to be more vigilant when handling emails, reducing the chances of falling victim to phishing attacks
When considering outbound email risk, an ICES product is able to leverage contextual machine learning, relationship mapping, and content analysis to stop users from sending sensitive information to the wrong parties. This not only helps prevent data exfiltration and BCC mishaps, but it also preserves information barriers within your organization.
Understanding the Current Threat Landscape
The threat landscape today is more complex and varied than ever before. There has been an alarming increase in sophisticated phishing attacks, which often manipulate psychological triggers or exploit social engineering tactics to deceive users.
In 2023, 94% of organizations fell victim to phishing attacks and 91% experienced incidents caused by data loss and exfiltration. When the average cost of a data breach has reached $4.88M in 2024 (according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report), it’s no wonder that 95% of security leaders express they are stressed about email security.
In newer findings, 82% of phishing toolkits mention the use of deepfakes and 74.8% reference AI, reiterating the drastic rise in polymorphic attacks that SEGs struggle to detect. With 44% of phishing emails being sent from compromised accounts, which help them bypass authentication protocols, it comes as little surprise that 87% of organizations are on the journey to move away from their SEG already.
These statistics emphasize the dynamic and persistent nature of phishing threats, necessitating continuous enhancement and integration of advanced email security products.
Placement as a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™
Our placement in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms™, we believe, is an acknowledgment to our dedication to the fight against cybercrime and providing best-in-class email security for our customers. We have developed a comprehensive, end-to-end platform that addresses inbound, outbound and internal threats, helping to strengthen your human firewall. By integrating advanced AI-driven detection and behavioral analytics, we provide a holistic understanding of human risk, enabling organizations to automatically tailor security measures to specific threats and growing alongside your users.
The Unfolding Future of Email Security
How we see it, the first Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms™ reflects a broader recognition of the changing dynamics within cybersecurity. The increasing sophistication of threats demands products that can adapt and respond in real-time. Organizations must consider these evolving needs and seek providers that offer adaptability, integration, and advanced threat detection to stay updated of malicious actors.
To effectively combat these threats, organizations must foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Engaging with trusted vendors and staying informed about the latest security developments are critical components. By leveraging innovative products and expert guidance, IT professionals and cybersecurity experts can create robust defenses that safeguard their organizations’ email communications.
Final Thoughts
The email security landscape is dynamic, constantly adapting to meet new challenges. For IT professionals and cybersecurity experts, staying informed and adopting cutting-edge products like ICES can make a significant difference. If you are looking to bolster your organization’s defenses, consider exploring KnowBe4’s offerings and see how our expertise can enhance your security posture. Talk with one of our team members to learn more and take the first step towards a more secure email environment.
Free Phish Alert Button
Do your users know what to do when they receive a phishing email? KnowBe4’s Phish Alert Button gives your users a safe way to forward email threats to the security team for analysis and deletes the email from the user’s inbox to prevent future exposure. All with just one click! Phish Alert benefits:
Here’s how it works:
- Reinforces your organization’s security culture
- Users can report suspicious emails with just one click
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- Email is deleted from the user’s inbox to prevent future exposure
- Easy deployment via MSI file for Outlook, Google Workspace deployment for Gmail (Chrome) and manifest install for Microsoft 365
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