Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is a commercial email security platforms solution by Cisco. KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security is a commercial email security platforms solution by KnowBe4. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
What our shortlists say about the one we picked.
Best for: Cisco shops wanting Talos-backed filtering
It is on the list as a Microsoft 365 product that can grow with you: you start in API mode and add the inline gateway later, from the same console. That suits a team that already runs Cisco security. Check fit first if you run Google Workspace or your own mail servers, because the product is built for Microsoft 365.
From Best Email Security Solutions for Business, Fall 2026
Reviewed by Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze.
Email threat protection for Microsoft 365 with advanced detection capabilities
AI-driven email security platform for Microsoft 365 inbound/outbound threats
See more solutions in this category, or build a security stack from your picks.
Common questions when comparing Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security for email security platforms.
Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense: Email threat protection for Microsoft 365 with advanced detection capabilities. Built by Cisco.
KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security: AI-driven email security platform for Microsoft 365 inbound/outbound threats. Built by KnowBe4.
The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.
Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is made by Cisco. KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security is made by KnowBe4. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.
Often, yes. Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security are both Email Security Platforms products, and both cover Microsoft 365. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.
Need the answer fast? Best Email Security Solutions for Business picks Proofpoint Core Email Protection, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Mimecast Advanced Email Security and 4 more.See the shortlist
