# Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense) is a commercial [email security platforms](https://cybersectools.com/categories/email-security-platforms) solution by [Cisco](https://cybersectools.com/companies/cisco). [KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/knowbe4-cloud-email-security) is a commercial [email security platforms](https://cybersectools.com/categories/email-security-platforms) solution by [KnowBe4](https://cybersectools.com/companies/knowbe4). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about the one we picked. ### [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense) 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](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-email-security-platforms), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). Need the answer fast? [Best Email Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-email-security-platforms) picks Proofpoint Core Email Protection, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Mimecast Advanced Email Security and 4 more. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense | KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Email Security Platforms | Email Security Platforms | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Cisco | KnowBe4 | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense | KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security | |---|---|---| | Microsoft 365 | Yes | Yes | | Threat Analysis | Yes | – | | Ransomware Prevention | – | Yes | ### Core features **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 3 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security** 5 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security FAQ Common questions when comparing Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security for email security platforms. ### What is the difference between Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security? **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. ### Who makes Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security? **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. ### Is Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense a good alternative to KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security? 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. ## Related comparisons - [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs ConnectWise Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense-vs-connectwise-email-security) - [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs Cellopoint Cloud Email Security Solution](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cellopoint-cloud-email-security-solution-vs-cisco-secure-email-threat-defense) - [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs ESET Cloud Office Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense-vs-eset-cloud-office-security) - [KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs ConnectWise Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/connectwise-email-security-vs-knowbe4-cloud-email-security) - [KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs Cellopoint Cloud Email Security Solution](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cellopoint-cloud-email-security-solution-vs-knowbe4-cloud-email-security) - [KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs ESET Cloud Office Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-cloud-office-security-vs-knowbe4-cloud-email-security) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense) - [See all KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/knowbe4-cloud-email-security) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense-vs-knowbe4-cloud-email-security For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md