Most UAE enterprises today have implemented SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate email and reduce spoofing. These protocols are essential, but they only address one part of the email threat landscape. Cybercriminals are adapting faster than ever, using advanced social engineering, business email compromise (BEC), and zero-day phishing campaigns that can bypass basic authentication checks.
For businesses operating in high-value sectors such as finance, energy, construction, and government services, email remains the most targeted attack vector. A single successful breach can cause significant financial losses, reputational damage, and long-term disruption. This is why the conversation must go beyond the standard trio of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and into a layered defence strategy that includes advanced detection, user protection, and ongoing threat intelligence.
Native Security in Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 has become the standard email and productivity platform for many UAE enterprises. Its native security features, such as Microsoft Defender for Office 365, offer important protections, including anti-phishing policies, safe links, and malware scanning. These tools form a strong baseline and are well integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem.
However, cyber attackers are no longer relying on generic phishing emails or basic malware. Many of today’s campaigns are highly targeted, designed to exploit specific individuals within an organisation, and crafted to avoid triggering standard detection. Business Email Compromise, for example, often does not include malicious links or attachments. Instead, it relies on impersonation, urgent tone, and knowledge of internal processes to trick employees into transferring funds or sharing sensitive information.
Microsoft’s native tools are effective against a wide range of common threats, but in many high-risk scenarios, relying solely on them can leave gaps in protection. This is why large enterprises, especially in regulated industries, are increasingly adopting a multi-layered defence that combines Microsoft 365 security with specialised third-party solutions.
Native vs Third-Party Security
There is an ongoing debate in IT circles: is Microsoft 365’s built-in security enough, or should enterprises invest in additional layers? In reality, the answer is not about replacing Microsoft security, but about strengthening it.
While Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers strong baseline coverage, sophisticated threats like advanced spear phishing, payload-less BEC attacks, and targeted ransomware campaigns can still bypass detection. These are the kinds of attacks that exploit human behaviour rather than just technical vulnerabilities. For organisations with higher risk profiles, or those bound by strict compliance requirements, a single layer of defence is not enough.
A third-party email security solution can sit in front of Microsoft 365 as a Secure Email Gateway (SEG) to block malicious emails before they reach the inbox, or integrate via APIs to provide additional post-delivery detection and remediation. In both cases, the result is a stronger, more adaptable security posture.
Mimecast
Mimecast is a leading choice for enterprises in the UAE looking for a comprehensive approach to email security. Its platform combines advanced threat protection with continuity and archiving, making it suitable for organisations that want multiple security capabilities in one solution.
Its protection features include URL scanning, attachment sandboxing, and impersonation defence. Mimecast’s data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities help prevent sensitive information from leaving the organisation, while its continuity features ensure email flow is maintained even during Microsoft 365 service disruptions.
Mimecast integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, offers a user-friendly interface, and scales effectively for both large enterprises and mid-sized businesses. These qualities, combined with its ability to adapt to varied security needs, make it a strong option for UAE organisations across sectors.
Proofpoint
Proofpoint is another highly capable option, recognised globally for its focus on protecting people from advanced threats. It identifies “Very Attacked People” (VAPs) within an organisation and prioritises their protection against Business Email Compromise, targeted phishing, and credential theft.
Its platform offers advanced detection, campaign-level threat intelligence, and automated remediation to remove malicious emails even after delivery. For UAE organisations, Proofpoint’s local data centre in Dubai is a key advantage for meeting compliance and data residency requirements.
Whether deployed as a Secure Email Gateway or integrated directly with Microsoft 365 via API, Proofpoint delivers targeted, human-focused protection that complements Microsoft’s native capabilities.
The Better Together Approach
The most effective strategy for UAE enterprises is not to view Microsoft security and third-party tools as competing options, but as complementary layers. Microsoft 365’s native features offer seamless integration, strong baseline protection, and an ecosystem that is continuously updated. Adding a specialised tool like Proofpoint or Mimecast builds on that foundation, creating a security posture that is more resilient against sophisticated threats.
In a “better together” model, third-party tools can:
- Act as a Secure Email Gateway, filtering email before it reaches Microsoft 365.
- Provide post-delivery protection, detecting and removing malicious emails that slipped through.
- Offer richer analytics and reporting, helping IT teams understand threat trends.
- Improve incident response times with automated remediation.
- Enhance compliance and data residency by processing and storing data locally.
This approach aligns with the principles of defence in depth, where multiple security layers reduce the risk of a single point of failure.
Why UAE Enterprises Should Act Now
The UAE’s rapid digital adoption, strategic role as a regional business hub, and high-value industries make it a prime target for sophisticated cyberattacks. Email remains the most common entry point for these attacks, with social engineering and BEC continuing to cause significant losses.
Regulators in the UAE are also paying closer attention to cybersecurity practices. Compliance with frameworks such as the UAE Information Assurance Standards, NESA requirements, and specific free zone regulations can be difficult if security is not multi-layered. Many of these frameworks encourage or require advanced threat protection, data residency controls, and rapid incident response capabilities.
Delaying investment in advanced email security increases exposure to risks that can have long-lasting consequences. A single successful phishing email can lead to financial fraud, data breaches, and operational disruption that affect the entire organisation.
Building a Roadmap for Advanced Email Security
For IT leaders in UAE enterprises, the path forward should include:
- Assessing Current Email Security Posture
Review the effectiveness of Microsoft 365’s native security features in your specific environment. Identify where attacks have bypassed detection in the past. - Evaluating Third-Party Options
Compare solutions like Proofpoint and Mimecast, focusing on their unique strengths, integration models, and local compliance capabilities. - Aligning Security with Business Risk
Consider industry-specific threats, regulatory requirements, and the potential business impact of a breach. High-risk users and sensitive workflows should receive priority protection. - Piloting and Integration
Test selected solutions in a controlled environment before full deployment. Ensure smooth integration with Microsoft 365 and other security tools. - Ongoing Review and Optimisation
Cyber threats evolve constantly. Regularly review your email security strategy, update configurations, and provide security awareness training for employees.
SPF, DKIM, and DMARC remain critical tools for protecting against email spoofing, but they are no longer enough to defend against today’s sophisticated email threats. Microsoft 365’s native security is a strong starting point, but for UAE enterprises facing targeted attacks and strict compliance demands, it must be part of a broader, layered strategy. Integrating specialised third-party solutions such as Proofpoint or Mimecast creates a more robust defence that addresses the full spectrum of threats. In a landscape where one well-crafted email can compromise an entire business, this investment is both a security necessity and a business imperative.
