Proofpoint
Proofpoint blocks email threats, phishing attacks, and data leaks so your business stays protected without requiring a dedicated IT security team.
Overview
Proofpoint protects businesses from the email and data threats that cause the most damage. The platform stops phishing emails, business email compromise (BEC) scams, and data loss across email, cloud apps, and collaboration tools. Proofpoint claims to stop 95 million BEC attacks per year and counts 83 of the Fortune 100 as customers. Gartner named Proofpoint a Leader in the 2025 Magic Quadrant for Email Security, and Gartner ranks it the number one enterprise data loss prevention vendor by market share. For a small business, the core value is straightforward: fewer malicious emails reach your employees, and sensitive data stays inside your company. The platform covers email security, data loss prevention, and employee security awareness training under one roof.
Features
- AI-driven email threat detection that blocks phishing and BEC attacks
- Data loss prevention to stop sensitive information from leaving your business
- Security awareness training to help employees recognize threats
- Protection across email, cloud apps, messaging tools, and file-sharing services
- Digital communications archiving and governance
Best for
Proofpoint fits small businesses that handle sensitive customer data and need serious email security without building an internal security team. It suits companies in regulated industries like healthcare or finance where data leaks carry legal and financial consequences.
Why this SMB score
Proofpoint delivers enterprise-grade email security with strong third-party validation, but the lack of transparent pricing and an enterprise-first design make it a harder fit for very small or budget-constrained businesses.