Zix Alternatives for Email Encryption and Data Security in 2024

Zix is a cybersecurity company specializing in email encryption, data loss prevention, and secure file sharing solutions. Using Zix, businesses can protect sensitive information in emails and attachments, ensuring compliance with various regulations. Companies often choose Zix for its email security features and integrations with popular email platforms.

While Zix offers robust features for data protection, it may not be the ideal solution for every organization. In this article, we review Zix's capabilities and limitations, comparing them against top competitors in the market to help you make an informed decision about your email encryption and data security solution.

Limitations of Zix

User-generated reviews help illustrate Zix's limitations:

• “Wish it was more seamless like [other] programs I have used. I have to login to both my email and the program before send a secure email. Wish I could just login to both programs with one password and send emails securely without much hassle. I also have to be on my network at work which is annoying when wanting to send secure emails when working at home.” (G2)
• “We send a lot of emails that sometimes contain financial info or sensitive info to various people and to banks and other people through Zix. The problem we have is that banks can't log into external sites to get the emails. [Most] if the time they will just ignore the emails or their filters will just block them. Other people will try to reply to the notification email to see if it's legit and we don't receive those or they will email the sender to see if it's legit and that [ends] up delaying things as well. Some recipients just refuse to log into Zix with a free account because 'it's too much work.' The uppers here are frustrated and want to get rid of encryption altogether, but I told them that we'd be responsible if something [got] sent that was intercepted and used maliciously. They want a better solution and I want to cover my ass. Can anyone out there suggest a better solution? Something that will satisfy the banks and the people who won't sign into a secure server?” (Reddit)
• “The service is decent overall, but we're looking for alternatives. There have been semi-regular issues of the servers getting blacklisted, quarantined emails going missing for days before showing up in the list, malware links slipping through, etc. The latest issue of the quarantined mail going MIA almost cost a client some real money, and that was the last straw for us.” (Reddit)
• “Very complex to install and understand all their product [ecosystem].” (TrustRadius)

Summary of limitations

These insights provide a comprehensive view of the challenges users face when implementing and using Zix, which are crucial for potential users to consider:

Portal performance and usability

• Zix portal can be non-responsive and slow at times, impacting user experience.
• Multiple login requirements create hassle for users, especially when working remotely.
• Some recipients refuse to create accounts or log into the Zix portal, viewing it as "too much work."

Email delivery and filtering issues

• Banks and other institutions often can't log into external sites, leading to ignored or blocked emails.
• Semi-regular issues with servers getting blacklisted, affecting email delivery.
• Quarantined emails sometimes go missing for days before appearing in the list.

Security concerns

• Reports of malware links occasionally slipping through the security measures.
• Potential for sensitive information to be delayed or missed due to filtering issues.

Complex installation and management

• Users find the product ecosystem complex to install and understand.
• Licensing can be tricky to navigate, potentially leading to confusion in managing licenses effectively.

High cost

• Zix Information Archiving is considered expensive compared to competitors like AWS Glacier and Azure Archiving solutions.

Data migration challenges

• Users report difficulties and headaches associated with migrating data to Zix.
• Inadequate support during the migration process, affecting smooth transition and operational efficiency.

Search functionality

• Complex search language in Zix Information Archiving, leading to challenges in efficiently retrieving archived data.

Support issues

• Some reviews highlight inadequate support, especially concerning data migration challenges.

Alternatives to Zix

Nightfall AI

Nightfall AI is a comprehensive, AI-native data security platform that enables organizations to discover and protect sensitive data across SaaS, email, AI apps, and endpoint devices. Nightfall's industry-leading detection engine and flexible APIs cover a wide variety of use cases for complex cloud-based workspaces.

Powered by advanced AI and machine learning techniques, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Nightfall's detectors for PII, PCI, PHI, secrets, and IP have 2x greater precision and 4x fewer false positives than legacy solutions. This increased accuracy allows security teams to respond to high-priority alerts in near-real time and maintain continuous compliance with leading standards like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, and GDPR.

Focusing on email DLP capabilities, Nightfall offers seamless real-time email scanning and automatic encryption for emails containing sensitive data. Using Nightfall's browser plugin, native integrations, and intuitive email reader, security teams can protect sensitive data in real-time without interrupting mission-critical workflows.

You can get a demo of Nightfall here.

Virtru

Virtru empowers organizations to share information securely while maintaining control over sensitive data across emails, files, and applications. Customers might choose Virtru over Zix for its use of the Trusted Data Format (TDF), which provides robust, military-grade encryption and granular access controls.

Virtru integrates with everyday applications such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Zendesk. Organizations can choose from flexible deployment options, including self-managed, fully air-gapped environments, or fully managed commercial cloud solutions. Virtru's attribute-based access controls (ABAC) offer precise control over who can access data and when, enhancing both security and data governance.

However, some users report that Virtru can be clunky to use and may have integration issues with certain email clients. Recipients might face difficulties opening Virtru-encrypted emails, especially on mobile devices. Moreover, Virtru is a point solution, so organizations that prefer a more holistic data security offering with encryption included will select from other options.

SendSafely

SendSafely is a secure file transfer and email encryption platform that emphasizes ease of use and strong security. Customers might choose SendSafely over Zix for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with popular email clients and productivity tools.

SendSafely offers end-to-end encryption, secure file sharing, and the ability to recall or expire sent messages. Its drag-and-drop interface and browser extensions make it easy for users to encrypt files and messages without leaving their usual workflow.

However, SendSafely may have limitations in terms of advanced DLP features and might not be as suitable for large enterprises with complex compliance requirements. Moreover, SendSafely is a point solution, so organizations that prefer a more holistic data security offering with encryption included will select from other options.

Paubox

Paubox provides HIPAA-compliant email encryption with a focus on healthcare organizations. Customers might choose Paubox over Zix for its seamless, "no extra steps" approach to email encryption, which doesn't require recipients to log in to a portal or download an app to view encrypted messages.

Paubox integrates with major email providers and offers additional features like email DLP and inbound security against phishing and malware. Its HITRUST CSF certification may be particularly appealing to healthcare organizations.

However, Paubox's specialized focus on healthcare may make it less suitable for organizations in other industries. Some users have reported occasional delays in email delivery. Moreover, Paubox is a point solution, so organizations that prefer a more holistic data security offering with encryption included will select from other options.

Proofpoint

Proofpoint DLP secures sensitive data across various channels, including email, web, cloud applications, and endpoints. Customers might choose Proofpoint over Zix for its comprehensive approach to data protection and its strong integration with email security solutions.

Proofpoint leverages content inspection techniques to identify, monitor, and control data. Its user-friendly interface and detailed reporting capabilities allow security teams to manage policies, investigate incidents, and generate compliance reports with ease.

However, Proofpoint can be complex to set up and manage, especially for smaller organizations. Some users report high false positive rates, requiring frequent fine-tuning. Pricing can be expensive, particularly for comprehensive coverage. As a firm that was delisted from the public markets, some view Proofpoint as no longer modern or innovative.

Final thoughts

When choosing an email encryption and data security solution, it's crucial to consider your organization's specific needs, budget, and existing infrastructure. While all the mentioned alternatives offer robust features, Nightfall AI stands out as the most innovative and effective option, particularly for organizations prioritizing cloud security and AI-driven protection.

Nightfall's use of generative AI (GenAI) and advanced machine learning techniques provides superior accuracy in detecting sensitive data, with significantly fewer false positives compared to traditional solutions. Its ability to secure both SaaS and GenAI applications, along with email and endpoints, makes it a versatile choice for modern enterprises.

However, each solution has its strengths. Ultimately, while Zix remains a viable option for some organizations, alternatives like Nightfall AI offer more advanced technologies and better accuracy, potentially providing more value and stronger protection in today's rapidly evolving threat landscape. We recommend thoroughly evaluating each solution, with particular attention to Nightfall AI's cutting-edge features, before making a final decision.