Proofpoint Essentials
Proofpoint Essentials provides small to mid-sized businesses with enterprise-grade email security, continuity, archiving, and social media protection to defend against advanced phishing, malware, and data loss threats.
Virtru
Virtru is a data security software providing end-to-end encryption and granular access controls for email and files to help you maintain privacy and compliance across digital collaboration platforms.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Proofpoint Essentials | Virtru |
|---|---|---|
| Website | proofpoint.com | virtru.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2002 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Sunnyvale, USA | Washington, D.C., USA |
Overview
Proofpoint Essentials
Proofpoint Essentials brings enterprise-level email protection to your small or mid-sized business. You can defend your team against sophisticated attacks like spear-phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise using the same technology that protects the world’s largest organizations. The platform automatically filters out malicious attachments and URLs before they ever reach your inbox, keeping your digital environment clean and safe.
Beyond simple filtering, you can ensure your business stays operational even if your primary email server goes down with built-in emergency inbox features. You also get tools to archive important communications for legal compliance and train your employees to spot security threats. It is designed specifically for smaller IT teams, offering a simplified management console that lets you secure your entire organization without needing a dedicated security department.
Virtru
Virtru helps you take full control of your data by adding a layer of protection directly to the applications you use every day. Instead of forcing you into a separate secure portal, it integrates into Gmail, Outlook, and Google Drive so you can encrypt messages and attachments with a single click. You can manage who sees your information even after it has been sent, ensuring your sensitive details remain private throughout their entire lifecycle.
The platform is built for organizations of all sizes that need to meet strict compliance standards like HIPAA, GDPR, or CJIS without slowing down their teams. You can revoke access at any time, set expiration dates on shared files, and disable forwarding to prevent data leaks. It simplifies complex security tasks so you can collaborate confidently with external partners while keeping your most valuable digital assets under your own lock and key.
Overview
Proofpoint Essentials Features
- Advanced Threat Protection Block malicious attachments and phishing URLs with cloud-based sandboxing that identifies threats before they reach your users.
- Email Continuity Keep your business running during server outages with an emergency inbox that lets you send and receive emails.
- Data Loss Prevention Prevent sensitive information like credit card numbers or social security data from leaving your organization via outbound email.
- Automated Email Archiving Store your communications securely for up to 10 years to meet legal requirements and simplify internal discovery.
- URL Defense Protect your team from malicious links by scanning every URL in real-time when a user clicks it.
- Social Media Protection Monitor your social media accounts for security risks and prevent unauthorized content from being posted to your profiles.
Virtru Features
- One-Click Encryption. Secure your emails and file attachments instantly within Gmail or Outlook using a simple toggle switch.
- Access Revocation. Pull back access to any message or file you have already sent if you realize it went to the wrong person.
- Expiration Timers. Set specific dates and times for your shared data to become inaccessible to recipients automatically.
- Forwarding Control. Disable the ability for recipients to forward your emails to others, keeping your conversations private.
- Persistent File Protection. Protect files wherever they travel, ensuring they remain encrypted even when downloaded or shared further.
- Watermarking. Add unique watermarks to shared documents to discourage unauthorized screenshots and identify the source of leaks.
Pricing Comparison
Proofpoint Essentials Pricing
Virtru Pricing
- End-to-end email encryption
- Basic file protection
- Gmail and Outlook integration
- Access to secure reader
- Individual use only
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Up to 5 users included
- Administrative console
- Basic audit logs
- Standard support access
- Group management tools
Pros & Cons
Proofpoint Essentials
Pros
- Highly effective at catching sophisticated phishing attempts
- Emergency inbox ensures zero downtime during outages
- Granular control over filtering and quarantine settings
- Easy to deploy for Microsoft 365 users
Cons
- Interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors
- Initial configuration requires some technical security knowledge
- Reporting features could be more visually intuitive
Virtru
Pros
- Integrates directly into existing email workflows
- Recipients do not need to create accounts
- Easy to revoke access to sent items
- Simplifies compliance for regulated industries
Cons
- Mobile app experience can be inconsistent
- Occasional loading delays for encrypted attachments
- Limited customization for the recipient interface