Overview

Mailprotector is a suite of email security products built for managed service providers (MSPs), covering filtering, encryption, and archiving. It is best suited to MSPs managing Microsoft 365 customers who want email tools that connect with service and billing workflows. Its range spans several email environments, but Shield currently supports Microsoft 365 only.

Key features

Shield combines a secure email gateway with a patented API integration for Microsoft 365. That makes it a focused choice for MSPs serving Microsoft 365 tenants, but not for those seeking the same Shield setup for Google Workspace, whose support is still on the horizon. CloudFilter is the more flexible filtering option: it works where the customer controls the MX record, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, on-premises servers, hosted environments, and POP/IMAP. That breadth makes it better suited to providers supporting varied email infrastructure.

Bracket encrypts messages when the subject contains square brackets, without requiring senders or recipients to install apps or plugins or use passwords. It uses AES-256, and its one-time sign-in links expire after 15 minutes and are invalidated if opened on another device. The lack of software installs reduces recipient friction; the device restriction may complicate access when someone switches devices.

SecureStore captures messages going forward and defaults to seven years of retention, which can be configured up or down. That provides an adjustable retention window, but it does not capture messages from before setup. Mailprotector also states that it holds the HIPAA Seal of Compliance from Compliancy Group and is SOC 2 Type 2 certified.

ConnectWise, Autotask, and Gradient integrations synchronize licensing or service counts and support billing workflows. Mailprotector provides these integrations free of charge, a practical benefit for MSPs already using those systems. Support is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET, excluding federal holidays. The company was founded in Greenville, South Carolina, in 2000.

Pricing

Mailprotector is paid software, with product pricing available through an account manager rather than published plan rates. The free Radar plan is free and provides a free email security check; it is useful for an initial check, not a substitute for the paid product suite. Mailprotector products have custom pricing, so providers should request a quote for their needs before choosing. The free ConnectWise, Autotask, and Gradient integrations do not remove the cost of the products themselves.

Platforms

Mailprotector lists API and web platforms. Its gateway deployment model supports outbound filtering and impersonation protection. Shield supports Microsoft 365; CloudFilter also covers Google Workspace and other environments where the customer controls the MX record. These distinctions matter: Google Workspace support applies to CloudFilter, not Shield.

Who it's for

Mailprotector is built exclusively for MSPs, so it is not the natural fit for an organization seeking a direct-to-business email security product. It suits providers that need a combination of filtering, encryption, and configurable archiving, particularly those serving Microsoft 365 customers or using the listed billing integrations. Providers centered on Google Workspace should assess CloudFilter rather than assume Shield covers their environment.

Pros and cons

Pros: CloudFilter supports a wide range of email environments, including Google Workspace and on-premises systems where customers control MX records.
Pros: Bracket avoids sender and recipient app or plugin installs, while using AES-256 encryption and short-lived, one-time links.
Pros: Free ConnectWise, Autotask, and Gradient integrations support licensing and billing workflows.
Cons: Shield currently supports Microsoft 365 only, limiting its fit for MSPs looking for Shield coverage of Google Workspace.
Cons: Product pricing is custom, so buyers must request a quote rather than compare published rates.
Cons: SecureStore captures messages only going forward, and Bracket links cannot be opened from another device.

Alternatives

For a broader category comparison, see Email Security Gateways and Email Anti-Spam Software.

Abnormal Email Security is another paid API and web option with per-user mailbox pricing that varies by platform features; choose it when that pricing model suits your procurement. Xeams offers a free community edition for personal hobby use up to five users, making it an option for that small-scale use case rather than an MSP-focused suite. Sophos Secure Message is an alternative with paid email plans, including a plan described as adding advanced protection and reporting capabilities.

VM Backup, Proxmox Backup Server, Check Point Harmony SASE, Mimecast Data Leak Prevention, and Symantec IT Management Suite are also alternatives.

Verdict

Mailprotector is a strong fit for MSPs that want email filtering, encryption, and archiving in a suite with free integrations for common service and billing platforms. Choose it especially when Microsoft 365 is central to your customer base and the product pricing works for your requirements. Look elsewhere if you need Shield for Google Workspace or require published product prices before engaging a vendor.

	Hermes Secure Email Gateway	Mailprotector
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	Yes
Paid from	$62.50/mo	Free
Platforms	Linux, self-hosted	api, Web
Free plan	Yes
Outbound filtering	Yes	Yes
Malware sandboxing	No
Deployment model	gateway	gateway
Microsoft 365 support	Yes	Yes
Google Workspace support	Yes	Yes
Impersonation protection		Yes

Hermes Secure Email Gateway vs Mailprotector

Hermes Secure Email Gateway

Mailprotector