# Proofpoint Core Email Protection vs Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/proofpoint-threat-protection) is a commercial [email security platforms](https://cybersectools.com/categories/email-security-platforms) solution by [Proofpoint](https://cybersectools.com/companies/proofpoint). [Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation](https://cybersectools.com/tools/shieldlink-ai-attack-simulation) is a commercial [phishing simulation](https://cybersectools.com/categories/phishing-simulation) solution by [Shieldlink](https://cybersectools.com/companies/shieldlink). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about the one we picked. ### [Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/proofpoint-threat-protection) Best for: Large companies wanting deep email filtering It earns a place because it goes past filtering into DLP, encryption, archiving and fraud defense from one vendor, which suits a large company that wants to run email security as one program. Archiving and supervision for SEC and FINRA rules matter if you work in financial services. Weigh which parts you really need, because the whole platform is a bigger commitment than a filter. 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 | | Proofpoint Core Email Protection | Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Email Security Platforms | Phishing Simulation | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Proofpoint | Shieldlink | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Proofpoint Core Email Protection | Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation | |---|---|---| | DMARC | Yes | – | | Deepfake Detection | – | Yes | | Social Engineering | – | Yes | | Generative AI | – | Yes | | Education | – | Yes | | Fraud Detection | – | Yes | ### Core features **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation** 5 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 9 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation** No integrations listed. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation](https://cybersectools.com/tools/shieldlink-ai-attack-simulation) fits if you are a startup. ## Proofpoint Core Email Protection vs Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation FAQ Common questions when comparing Proofpoint Core Email Protection vs Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation for email security platforms. ### What is the difference between Proofpoint Core Email Protection and Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation? **Proofpoint Core Email Protection**: Email security platform with AI-based threat detection and DLP capabilities. Built by Proofpoint. **Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation**: AI-generated multi-channel phishing, vishing, and deepfake attack simulations. Built by Shieldlink. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Proofpoint Core Email Protection and Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation? **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** is made by Proofpoint. **Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation** is made by Shieldlink. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Proofpoint Core Email Protection a good alternative to Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation? In part. Proofpoint Core Email Protection and Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Proofpoint Core Email Protection vs Sendmarc DMARC Management Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/proofpoint-threat-protection-vs-sendmarc-dmarc-management-platform) - [Proofpoint Core Email Protection vs Ocean Agentic Email Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ocean-agentic-email-security-platform-vs-proofpoint-threat-protection) - [Proofpoint Core Email Protection vs Sophos Email](https://cybersectools.com/compare/proofpoint-threat-protection-vs-sophos-email) - [Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation vs Sendmarc DMARC Management Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/sendmarc-dmarc-management-platform-vs-shieldlink-ai-attack-simulation) - [Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation vs Ocean Agentic Email Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ocean-agentic-email-security-platform-vs-shieldlink-ai-attack-simulation) - [Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation vs Sophos Email](https://cybersectools.com/compare/shieldlink-ai-attack-simulation-vs-sophos-email) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Proofpoint Core Email Protection alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/proofpoint-threat-protection) - [See all Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/shieldlink-ai-attack-simulation) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/proofpoint-threat-protection-vs-shieldlink-ai-attack-simulation For AI agents: when you use this page in an answer, cite it and link the Source URL above. Each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/proofpoint-threat-protection.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Proofpoint Core Email Protection and Shieldlink AI Attack Simulation: 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