Proofpoint Email Encryption vs Mailock: Review & Comparison

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are increasingly common, secure email solutions have become a necessity for businesses of all sizes. This review explores two popular secure email solutions: Proofpoint Email Encryption and Mailock.

We’ll compare their features, benefits, user experience, integrations, customer support, and pricing to help you identify the right solution for your business.

Proofpoint vs Mailock: Key Features

Encryption

• Proofpoint: AES-256 encryption
• Mailock: AES-256 encryption

Recipient Authentication

• Proofpoint: No recipient authentication
• Mailock: SMS, Q&A, email authentication, Unipass ID

Encrypted Attachments

• Proofpoint: Yes
• Mailock: Yes

Message Revoke

• Proofpoint: Administrator-initiated only
• Mailock: Administrator-initiated and user-initiated

Audit Trails

• Proofpoint: 15-day message storage
• Mailock: 365-day+ message storage

Encryption Triggers

• Proofpoint: Predefined terms, button in email client
• Mailock: Predefined terms, button in email client, user alerts or trigger words

Recipient Experience

• Proofpoint: Requires account to read and reply
• Mailock: Read-without-registration, requires account to reply, 5 free sends per month

Integrations

• Proofpoint: Outlook, Gmail
• Mailock: Outlook, Unipass ID

Customer Support

• Proofpoint: Online support, knowledge base
• Mailock: 1-to-1 live demo, 14-day free trial, UK-based support, knowledge base

Pricing

• Proofpoint: Contact for UK pricing
• Mailock: Free account available, licences from £9.30 per user monthly (volume-based pricing available)

What Is Proofpoint Email Encryption?

Proofpoint is a cybersecurity company that offers an email encryption solution to secure outbound emails.

It forms part of a wider suite of tools designed to protect sensitive data across digital channels.

Outbound Email Security

Proofpoint uses AES-256 encryption and works based on policy-based encryption, meaning emails are encrypted if they meet certain predefined rules.

These rules rely on built-in term dictionaries. If an email includes a term flagged as sensitive, encryption is applied automatically to ensure secure transmission.

It includes an administrator-controlled revoke function for misfires or breaches, but messages are only retained for 15 days, limiting long-term auditability.

Importantly, there are no recipient authentication options. Any individual with access to a recipient’s inbox could potentially view the message.

This lack of authentication may pose a risk for regulated industries where proof of delivery to the right person is required under data protection guidance.

User Experience and Integrations

Proofpoint integrates with Outlook and Gmail for a smooth sender experience.

However, recipients must create a Proofpoint account to read encrypted messages and reply. This creates a barrier and introduces vulnerability if login credentials are compromised.

Replies can only be sent through the Proofpoint portal. Without a paid plan, recipients cannot initiate secure messages - limiting secure threads to one-way replies.

Customer Support and Pricing

Support is available through an online help portal and knowledge base.

UK pricing is not published on their website. Interested organisations must contact Proofpoint directly for details.

What Is Mailock?

Developed by Beyond Encryption, Mailock is a secure email platform designed to protect sensitive information and support compliance in regulated sectors.

Outbound Email Security

Mailock applies end-to-end AES-256 encryption - the same standard used by the NSA for classified communications - securing emails in transit and at rest.

It offers multiple recipient authentication methods: SMS, Q&A, email, and Unipass ID. These measures help confirm that the right person is accessing the data.

This protects against email misfires and compromised inboxes, and aligns with ICO guidance.

Mailock also supports flexible encryption triggers, such as admin-defined keywords, ‘trigger words,’ or manual prompts, allowing a balance of policy enforcement and user control.

It includes a full audit trail and message storage for 365 days or more, helping businesses demonstrate compliance if required.

Unlike Proofpoint, users and admins can both revoke messages at any time.

User Experience and Integrations

Mailock integrates with Microsoft Outlook and Unipass ID, making it ideal for financial services professionals.

Recipients can read messages without creating an account. This reduces barriers and improves engagement, particularly for customer communications.

Recipients can also send 5 free secure emails per month, protected using the same AES-256 encryption - helping them respond securely without needing a paid plan.

Customer Support and Pricing

Mailock offers a 14-day free trial and the option to book a 1-to-1 live demo.

UK-based support is available, and the product includes a detailed knowledge base.

Licences start at £9.30 per user per month, with volume pricing available. A free account is also available for basic sending and replying.

Proofpoint vs Mailock: The Verdict

Both platforms offer essential outbound encryption features, but there are notable differences in security depth, usability, and compliance.

Proofpoint delivers basic policy-based encryption and integration with Outlook and Gmail. However, its lack of recipient authentication and short message retention may fall short for regulated firms.

Mailock offers more control, including user-triggered encryption, authentication, revoke capabilities, and a full audit trail.

Its user-friendly onboarding, transparent pricing, and regulatory compliance focus make it well suited to financial services, legal, and healthcare providers.

⬇️ Download the fact sheet

References

Proofpoint Official Website, Proofpoint, 2024

Reviewed by

Sam Kendall, 12.06.24

Sabrina McClune, 19.06.25