Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection offers a comprehensive set of DMARC features as part of its broader Email Protection suite. This integration means that DMARC reports, authentication, and policy enforcement are tightly coupled with other email security functionalities like anti-phishing, anti-spam, and advanced threat protection. We found its DMARC reporting to be robust, providing granular insights into email traffic, authentication results, and potential spoofing attempts.
The platform excels in helping organizations achieve DMARC enforcement, guiding them through the process of moving from a monitoring policy to quarantine or reject. It provides tools for identifying legitimate sending sources and managing SPF and DKIM records effectively. The dashboard visually represents DMARC compliance, making it easier to pinpoint issues and adjust policies. Its strength lies in its ability to centralize DMARC management within a larger security ecosystem.
Proofpoint Email Fraud Defense is a highly specialized DMARC solution, designed with a strong focus on enterprise-level email authentication and brand protection. It offers advanced features for DMARC deployment, including dedicated consultants and guided workflows, which can be invaluable for complex environments. The platform provides extensive visibility into the email ecosystem, identifying legitimate senders, detecting lookalike domains, and offering virtual takedown services for malicious entities.
Proofpoint's hosted authentication services for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are particularly noteworthy, addressing common challenges like SPF lookup limits and simplifying key management. Its comprehensive domain discovery capabilities continuously scan WHOIS data for potential impersonation threats. The true integration with Proofpoint's secure email gateway allows for robust inbound DMARC enforcement and flexible policy overrides, making it a powerful tool for preventing email fraud at scale.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection, being part of the Barracuda Email Protection suite, presents a unified interface for all email security functions. For existing Barracuda users, this means a familiar environment and streamlined management. The DMARC reporting dashboard is intuitive, offering clear visualizations of authentication rates and threat landscapes. We found the setup process to be straightforward, especially when integrated with other Barracuda products.
However, for those new to Barracuda or only looking for a standalone DMARC solution, the broader suite might introduce a steeper learning curve due to the sheer number of features. While the DMARC-specific elements are well-designed, navigating the larger platform can require some initial investment in understanding the ecosystem. Once configured, daily monitoring and policy adjustments are generally efficient.
Proofpoint Email Fraud Defense emphasizes guided workflows and dedicated consultants to simplify the DMARC deployment process. This approach helps users navigate the complexities of DMARC implementation, making it more accessible even for those with limited prior experience. The interface provides 360-degree visibility, which is crucial for monitoring an organization's email reputation and identifying lookalike domains. Its focused design on email fraud defense contributes to a specialized, yet effective, user experience.
However, some users have noted that the Proofpoint UI can be less intuitive for daily management tasks compared to other platforms. The initial configuration, while supported by consultants, can still be complex, as it involves intricate policy settings and integrations. While the platform excels at its core function, the overall ease of use for routine monitoring and reporting might require some adaptation, as reflected in some user feedback regarding filtering and email release times.
Which product has the best support
Support
Barracuda is known for its responsive customer service, and our experience generally aligns with this reputation. Their support team is typically knowledgeable about the integrated Email Protection suite, which includes Domain Fraud Protection. We've found their agents capable of assisting with DMARC-related queries, from initial setup to troubleshooting authentication issues. The integrated nature of the product often means that support for DMARC issues can tap into expertise across their broader email security offerings.
Their support channels, including phone, email, and a knowledge base, are well-established. For complex DMARC deployments or issues requiring deeper investigation, Barracuda's support can provide the necessary guidance. However, as with any large vendor, the quality of support can sometimes vary depending on the specific agent, but overall, we consider their support to be a reliable asset for customers.
Proofpoint Email Fraud Defense heavily relies on dedicated consultants and professional services, especially during DMARC deployment. This hands-on approach is a significant advantage for organizations that need expert guidance to navigate the complexities of DMARC. Many users appreciate having a professional team drive the implementation, automating tasks and providing tailored recommendations.
However, some users have reported challenges with ongoing support responsiveness, noting that follow-ups might be necessary to get replies. While the initial setup and strategic guidance are strong, day-to-day operational support can sometimes be perceived as less agile. Proofpoint offers extensive documentation and a strong partner network, which can supplement direct support interactions. For enterprise clients with complex needs, the consultant-driven model is often highly valued, despite potential delays in general support queries.
Who should use each product
Suitability
Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection is particularly suitable for organizations already invested in the Barracuda Email Protection ecosystem or those seeking a unified email security solution. SMBs and mid-market businesses often find Barracuda's integrated approach appealing, as it simplifies vendor management and provides comprehensive protection under one umbrella. For enterprise clients, its scalability and robust feature set within a larger security stack make it a strong contender.
MSPs can leverage Barracuda's partner programs and multi-tenancy capabilities to manage DMARC for multiple clients efficiently. The solution's ease of management within a familiar Barracuda environment makes it a good choice for service providers looking to offer DMARC as part of their broader security services. If your primary goal is DMARC as a component of a holistic email security strategy, Barracuda is a strong fit.
Proofpoint Email Fraud Defense is best suited for enterprise organizations, particularly those with complex email infrastructures, multiple brands, or high-profile domains that are frequent targets of impersonation attacks. Its dedicated DMARC expertise, combined with professional services, is invaluable for large-scale deployments that require meticulous planning and execution. The emphasis on advanced threat protection and brand reputation makes it a top choice for security-conscious enterprises.
While robust, it might be an overkill for very small businesses or those with simpler DMARC needs. For MSPs, Proofpoint's offerings can be integrated into their services, especially for enterprise clients, but the direct management might be more hands-on compared to some multi-tenant specific solutions. If you need a specialized, consultant-driven DMARC solution with extensive capabilities for brand protection, Proofpoint is an excellent choice.
How does Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection compare with Proofpoint Email Fraud Defense?
DMARC report analysis
Aggregates and visualizes DMARC reports for actionable insights.
Source detection
Identifies all legitimate email sending sources for a domain.
Forward detection
Helps distinguish legitimate forwards from spoofed emails.
Spoof detection
Identifies and alerts on unauthorized use of your domain.
Notifications and alerts
Provides real-time alerts on DMARC failures or new threats.
Reporting
Offers detailed reports on DMARC compliance and threat landscape.
API
Provides an API for integration with other systems.
Available within the broader security suite.
Less focused on public API for DMARC data.
Multi-tenancy
Supports managing multiple domains or clients from a single console.
Suitable for MSPs and large organizations.
Designed for complex enterprise environments.
SPF flattening
Helps overcome the 10-lookup limit for SPF records.
Managed through the email protection suite.
Explicitly offered as 'Hosted SPF'.
Hosted DMARC
Manages DMARC records and policies on your behalf.
Included as part of their DMARC services.
Explicitly offered as 'Hosted DMARC'.
BIMI
Supports Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI).
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Enables secure transport for email using MTA-STS and TLS-RPT.
Part of Barracuda's comprehensive email security.
Supported through secure email relay.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitors blocklists (or blacklists) and domain reputation.
Integrated with Barracuda's threat intelligence.
Includes organization reputation protection.
AI copilot
Utilizes AI-powered assistance for DMARC management.
Not a primary advertised feature for DMARC.
Not a primary advertised feature for DMARC.
DNS monitoring
Continuously monitors DNS records for changes and threats.
Part of domain fraud protection.
Comprehensive domain discovery and analysis.
Self hostable
Ability to host the software on your own infrastructure.
Cloud-based SaaS solution.
Cloud-based SaaS solution.
Free trial/free tier
Offers a free trial or a permanently free service tier.
Free trial available for Barracuda Email Protection.
Contact for pricing, no explicit free trial mentioned.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection's main drawback is that it's not a standalone product, requiring investment in their broader Email Protection suite, which might be more than some users need. One user reported a slight network lag, though this was deemed minor compared to the protection offered. Proofpoint Email Fraud Defense, while powerful, can sometimes be an overkill, filtering out legitimate emails and causing delays in delivery. Some users also noted that its configuration can be challenging, and the user interface might not be as intuitive as desired, with occasional reports of less responsive support.
We have pulled the average ratings from G2 for each product, and also included the most recent negative reviews for each product in full. Positive reviews tend to have less detail and have a higher chance of being fraudulent, so negative reviews are a better signal for your decision.
5 / 5(1)
4.3 / 5(12)
Excellent protection for a mid-sized non-profit.
5.0 / 5
Our school for autistic adults has benefitted immensely from the Barracuda products we use for cybersecurity, and their Domain Fraud Protection is an excellent addition to the essentials suite. It is relatively inexpensive compared to competitors and provides comprehensive DMARC services which protect our brand from being digitally impersonated and used to launch attacks. This was a real problem for us prior to purchasing Barracuda DFP, but has not been a worry in the 7+ years since we installed the software. Our IT specialist reports that their customer service is extremely responsive and that the software itself is simple to manage. Highly recommended. The only downside we've experienced to Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection is a slight network lag. This has not been too noticeable, however, and the extra protection has been well worth the additional system load. We used to suffer domain spoofing attacks multiple times a year, but Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection has successfully stopped virtually all of these kinds of attacks since we began using it on our network in 2015.
Jared S.
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
Overkill
2.0 / 5
Great filters for junk and spam. Easy widgets in email notifications to release legit email that is not spam. Too much filtering. At times, overkill. Filters out legitimate emails. Protect network from illicit email spoofing. Employees that are non tech savvy that click on fishing emails.
Verified User in Food & Beverages
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
Not sure if it's worth the hassle
2.5 / 5
I do like that it auto scans my emails and sorts out the scam/fraudulent ones. I greatly dislike having to wait for the flagged emails, that are actually not fraudulent, but something that I am looking for. It does not send me the alert until the next day, and then once its been released and approved, it ends up taking another 10 minutes or so (Max) to get to me. I am getting significantly fewer fraudulent/scam emails
Verified User in Construction
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Email Protection by Proofpoint Fraud Defence
4.0 / 5
This product provides email protection for both Inbound and outbound emails from all the domains which help in securing the mailboxes. This adds the advantage of the analytics features alike continuously shows the volume of mails as phishing /secures messages. Like other proofpoint products this also has implementing and configuring problems as they are not easy to configure in the organization environment. This product offers you great security over emails and customers can leverage the support and different product portfolio they offer. We are securing our emails from phising mails /messages for all the domains and for both inbound outbound messages.
Anjali V.
Cyber Security Analyst Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Reliable tool for spam emails!
4.0 / 5
It's a great reliable tool and keep your inbox more secure and spam free. As a security measure this is great tool which prevents from any fraudulent emails and send alerts as necessary. I am currently using at my company and find all the spam emails being avoided. We usually receives too many on our generic email alias and this help in securing. It's a great tool, though I find the use of it a very little. Only being capable of avoiding spam emails. Also the dashboard is not much interactive. It was always better to have precaution than being penalized by unwanted threat. It's always good to be more secure and spam free and take preventive steps towards running your business securely. We consider our emails to be safe and spam free. And probably easy to set up
Verified User in Information Technology and Services
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
We use it as our Email Proxy.
4.5 / 5
Ability to filter by most likely spam emails. We also have the ability to open up domains. The UI can be a bit more intuitive if it was up to me. I would recommend for the ease of use and security features offered. Fraud emails and Spam emails for our Enterprise account.
Verified User in Computer & Network Security
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Pricing
Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection is not sold as a standalone product, requiring inclusion within their broader Email Protection suite, while Proofpoint Email Fraud Defense mandates direct contact for all pricing inquiries.
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Part of Email Protection suite (contact for pricing)
Contact for pricing
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
Part of Email Protection suite (contact for pricing)
Contact for pricing
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
Part of Email Protection suite (contact for pricing)
Contact for pricing
Enterprise
Over 1 million emails / month
Part of Email Protection suite (custom quote)
Contact for pricing
Suped hard sell incoming!
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