When it comes to cybersecurity, sometimes you miss that friend who always warns you when you’re about to mess up. And indeed, if in your workplace emails are as dangerous as a grenade without a pin, you know how easy it is to click where you shouldn’t.
This is where Ironscales comes into play, a platform that combines artificial intelligence (AI) with the help of users themselves to detect and respond to threats like phishing, spear phishing, or BEC (Business Email Compromise) attacks.
In this analysis I will show you how Ironscales integrates into the workflow, what it offers, what it lacks, and who might benefit from it. I will also explain why you might want to adopt it—or not—besides offering you its main alternatives. So, if you are looking for a cybersecurity solution that, besides monitoring your inbox, educates and evolves with you, this might interest you.
What is Ironscales?
Ironscales is an email security platform that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to automatically detect and respond to threats such as phishing and BEC attacks.
Founded in 2014 by Eyal Benishti, a security expert with more than 15 years of experience in the software industry, the company has grown rapidly and is now headquartered in Atlanta (United States), supporting a global workforce.
Since its inception, Ironscales has been recognized for its innovative approach to email security. In 2021, it received the European Customer Value Leadership Award from Frost & Sullivan for its machine learning security solutions. Additionally, it has been highlighted in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ for its rapid growth in North America.
Among Ironscales’ most notable features are advanced threat detection through artificial intelligence, phishing attack simulation to train employees, seamless integration with other security tools, and an intuitive interface that facilitates its use. These features, which we will explore in detail later, make Ironscales an option to consider for strengthening email security in any organization.
Why Ironscales?
Beyond sounding good, Ironscales is very useful in daily life. For example, it allows you to automate the detection and response to malicious emails without relying so much on the IT team, which is already a relief. You can also see statistics on how your company responds to certain threats, know who needs more training, and most importantly, stop feeling like you are always putting out fires. The platform not only protects but also teaches, and that, at least in my case, makes a big difference.
After evaluating its features and user feedback, we have given Ironscales a score of 9 out of 10. This good rating reflects its effectiveness in protecting users and the ease of use it provides, two key elements that contribute to (and explain) its popularity.
Among its main positive features, the automation of detection and response to threats such as phishing stands out, significantly easing the workload of security teams. Additionally, its integration with platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace facilitates its implementation without the need to reconfigure existing infrastructures.
Ironscales is highly recommended for companies of practically all sizes that need a solid and easy-to-use email security solution. Furthermore, its focus on phishing, combined with advanced AI detection capabilities, makes it very suitable for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and education.
6 features in which Ironscales stands out
Before moving on to other reviews, I think it’s worth reviewing exactly what Ironscales offers. These are its most outstanding features and how they fit into a real work environment:
1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Ironscales uses artificial intelligence and machine learning not only to detect threats but to act on them automatically. And no, we’re not talking about simple spam filters: here AI analyzes suspicious patterns in real time, learns from user behavior, and blocks dangerous emails before they even become a nuisance. The most interesting part is that it fine-tunes over time thanks to continuous learning, gradually adapting to the specific threats of each organization.
2. Phishing attack simulation
The platform allows you to launch simulated phishing campaigns within your organization to measure the team’s awareness level. The functionality lets you customize campaigns by departments, difficulty levels, and frequency, and even base them on real threats circulating out there. Then, Ironscales generates very visual reports showing who fell for it, who reported correctly, and who needs a bit more training.
3. Integration with other security tools
It doesn’t make sense to adopt a new solution if it complicates the rest of the ecosystem. Fortunately, Ironscales integrates seamlessly with other tools you’re probably already using, such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, SIEMs, or identity management platforms.
4. Simple and easy-to-use interface
Ironscales features a clean interface, with intuitive dashboards and well-explained alerts. Even those not on the security team can understand what’s happening at a quick glance. This greatly facilitates other departments’ participation as well, especially when it comes to reporting suspicious emails or viewing progress in phishing simulations.
5. Advanced threat protection
Ironscales doesn’t stop at detecting basic phishing attempts but also protects against more sophisticated threats, such as identity spoofing, attached malware, and malicious links. Additionally, it includes a URL rewriting feature that lets you modify links in emails to pass through an analysis system before opening, providing an extra layer of protection without you having to do anything special.
6. Automatic incident response
Previously, when someone reported a suspicious email, it had to be investigated, a decision made if it was a threat, others alerted, and, in many cases, the email manually deleted. Now, with Ironscales, that process is automated, as the platform is capable of identifying patterns, grouping similar emails, and deleting or neutralizing them across all affected inboxes. Additionally, it notifies you of what it has done, creating clear records in case you need to review it later.
What sets Ironscales apart from its competitors?
Ironscales stands out from other solutions because it combines automation and artificial intelligence to stay ahead of phishing attacks. It doesn’t just detect basic threats in your email like many tools do, but includes more advanced features. Among them are automatic remediation, anomaly analysis in each user’s mailbox, and (what I find especially useful) a collaborative network that allows sharing threat information in real time.
While other platforms heavily rely on known signatures to detect attacks, Ironscales can identify new phishing campaigns that exploit zero-day vulnerabilities and act before they reach the recipient.
In practice, this means less work for security teams and more peace of mind for everyone else. Additionally, its integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace makes implementation quick and hassle-free, which is always appreciated.
In my experience, it delivers on its promises: real automation, relevant alerts without overloading with false positives, and an intuitive interface so you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to take advantage of it.
Pros of Ironscales ✅
- Effective protection against phishing and incidents such as identity theft.
- Proactive detection of unknown attacks and anomalies thanks to AI.
- Identification of specific threats that traditional email gateways do not detect.
- Easy to implement and use in a few clicks, suitable for teams with different levels of technical knowledge.
- Real-time sharing and analysis of threat intelligence.
- Outstanding customer service and simple administration.
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 (Office 365) and Google Workspace.
Cons of Ironscales❌
- It can be more expensive compared to other solutions.
- The volume of threat notifications can be excessive for some teams.
- Some advanced features require manual adjustments to avoid false positives.
Who can benefit the most from Ironscales?
- Financial sector companies: Banks, insurance companies, or investment managers that handle sensitive data daily and are frequent targets of email fraud.
- Healthcare entities: Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories that need to protect medical information and comply with regulations such as HIPAA.
- Public organizations: Government agencies that need to reinforce the security of their communications against targeted attacks and data leaks.
- Educational centers: Universities and schools, especially those managing many users and internal emails, as they can better protect the information of students and staff.
- Legal offices: Law firms and legal consultancies that handle confidential documentation and need to ensure the privacy of their clients.
Who might need another tool?
- Freelancers or self-employed: If you work alone or with a very low volume of emails, the investment may not be worthwhile.
- Startups with limited budgets: Although the protection is very good, the cost can be a barrier if the priority is to contain expenses.
- Small businesses without IT infrastructure: If there’s no one managing security tools or there is no minimum prior experience, simpler options may be more practical in the short term.
Reasons to Choose Ironscales in Your Workplace
- Advanced phishing protection: Users choose Ironscales for its ability to identify and neutralize phishing attacks, especially those exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, which are not detected by other traditional tools.
- Use of AI and machine learning: Its platform uses artificial intelligence to improve threat detection and automate response, significantly reducing the manual work of the security team.
- Continuous improvement: The company is committed to constant improvement, ensuring that the tool is always at the forefront of security features.
- Integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace: Many users are attracted by Ironscales’ easy integration with widely used email platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, facilitating its adoption in organizations of all kinds.
- Simplified administration: Ease of use and intuitive management are key reasons why companies like iCare switched to Ironscales, seeking a more effective and easier-to-manage alternative than their previous security systems.
Why do users abandon this tool?
- High cost compared to other options: The price of Ironscales can be a limiting factor, especially for small businesses that cannot justify the investment against other more affordable security tools.
- Volume of threat notifications: Some users feel overwhelmed by the number of alerts and threat notifications, which can cause saturation in security teams and hinder management.
Ironscales Plans and Pricing
Ironscales offers email security solutions tailored to different business needs. However, although specific details of the plans and pricing are not publicly detailed on their website, requiring contact with the Ironscales sales team for a personalized quote, it is known that the average price is somewhat higher than that of the competition and that there are two main categories:
- Enterprise: Designed for organizations seeking comprehensive protection against advanced email threats.
- Managed Service Providers (MSP): Targeted at companies offering security services to third parties, providing tools to manage and scale email protection for multiple clients efficiently.
Enterprise Plans
- IRONSCALES Starter (FREE): This free plan includes phishing simulations, phishing report buttons in the email client, autonomous awareness campaigns, and dashboards for reporting, analysis, and phishing incident data.
- IRONSCALES Protect: In addition to the Starter plan features, it offers AI-powered phishing detection, autonomous threat remediation, basic phishing simulation tests, and a mobile app for security administrators.
- IRONSCALES Email Protect: Includes all IRONSCALES Protect functionalities, along with protection against Business Email Compromise (BEC), ransomware and malware protection, and centralized threat analysis.
- IRONSCALES Complete Protect: This plan covers all features of Email Protect, adding account takeover protection, advanced security for Microsoft Teams, security awareness training, and GPT-powered spear phishing simulations.
Managed Service Provider (MSP) Plans
- IRONSCALES Protect: Offers AI-powered phishing detection, centralized incident management, basic phishing simulation tests, and a mobile app for security administrators, tailored for MSPs managing multiple clients.
- IRONSCALES Email Protect: Includes all IRONSCALES Protect features, plus protection against BEC, ransomware and malware protection, and centralized threat analysis, designed to meet the email security needs of multiple clients.
- IRONSCALES Complete Protect: This plan encompasses all Email Protect features, adding account takeover protection, advanced Microsoft Teams security, security awareness training, and GPT-powered spear phishing simulations, all optimized for MSPs.
- Security Awareness Training Suite: Provides advanced phishing simulations and AI-driven security awareness training, including premium training content from Wizer, autonomous awareness campaigns, and detailed employee participation analysis.
Implementation, training, and documentation
The implementation of Ironscales is known for being quite simple, allowing companies to integrate the platform without complications. The setup process is intuitive, and advanced technical knowledge is not required to get the tool up and running. Additionally, integrations with popular platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace further facilitate adoption.
Depending on the size and structure of the organization, management of the tool can be handled by existing IT staff or dedicated security personnel. The automation of processes allows the system to operate autonomously, reducing the workload for the teams responsible for its supervision.
Regarding training, Ironscales offers a wide variety of resources, from online tutorials and webinars to personalized training sessions, ensuring users can get the most out of the platform. This way, both technical and non-technical teams can effectively become familiar with the tool.
As if that were not enough, Ironscales’ documentation is extensive and detailed, which facilitates onboarding and continuous use of the platform. With step-by-step guides and self-help resources, users can quickly resolve doubts and maximize system efficiency from day one, reducing the learning curve and ensuring a smooth transition to daily use of the tool.
Usability and Interface
Ironscales stands out for its friendly and easy-to-use design, which minimizes the need for extensive training. Users often comment that the interface is clean and very intuitive, making navigation and security configuration management easier. This is especially useful for teams with varying technical knowledge, as they do not require a steep learning curve to start managing the tool.
Security Features
Regarding authentication options, Ironscales supports two-factor authentication (2FA), which provides an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification factor during login, and is compatible with single sign-on (SSO), which facilitates access management for teams by allowing users to log in to the platform with their existing corporate credentials.
Reporting and Analytics Features
Ironscales offers detailed reporting and analysis capabilities that provide clear insight into potential threats and system performance. Reports include key metrics such as phishing email detection rates, malware detection rates, false positive rates, user-reported phishing attempts, incident response times, and overall improvements in security posture.
Additionally, the platform provides a wide variety of report types, such as executive summaries, detailed threat analysis reports, trend analyses, and compliance reports, enabling businesses to better understand their vulnerabilities, track the effectiveness of their email security strategy, and demonstrate compliance with relevant regulations.
Customer Support: How to Contact Ironscales?
Ironscales offers multiple support channels to ensure users can get help quickly and efficiently.
Users can contact the support team through email, phone, and a comprehensive online help center, which includes frequently asked questions (FAQ), tutorials, and detailed documentation. Additionally, the platform provides dedicated customer success managers who offer personalized assistance to resolve any questions or issues that may arise.
Users often highly appreciate the quality of support, highlighting its responsiveness and effectiveness in problem resolution. The average response time is fast, and testimonials suggest that the support team is well-prepared to handle any issues.
Competitor: What is the best alternative to Ironscales?
As you probably already know, Ironscales is not alone in the market. There are several alternatives with different features that might (or might not) fit better with your needs. Let’s take a look:
Ironscales vs Proofpoint
Proofpoint presents itself as a prominent competitor in the field of email security. Like Ironscales, it offers advanced threat protection, but the difference lies in its approach. On one hand, Ironscales stands out for its automated response and remediation through artificial intelligence and its community-powered intelligence network, enabling faster reaction to threats and leveraging the collective experience of a large user base.
In contrast, Proofpoint places a stronger emphasis on comprehensive security awareness training and provides a wider range of security tools beyond email, making it a good choice for organizations that need a more complete and integrated security solution. If a company is looking for a platform that covers a wide variety of security areas, Proofpoint may be the best option.
Ironscales vs Avanan
Avanan is a solution that integrates directly with platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, and also uses artificial intelligence to detect threats. The tool stands out for offering protection both in email and cloud-based applications, making it an attractive option for organizations already operating in these environments.
Unlike Ironscales, which specializes in email security with strong automation and immediate response, Avanan focuses on advanced threat detection across multiple channels and applications.
Therefore, companies looking for a comprehensive solution and that already operate significantly in the cloud might find Avanan a more suitable alternative, especially because of its ability to protect not only email but also other critical cloud services.
Ironscales vs Darktrace Email
Darktrace/Email (formerly Antigena Email) offers an interesting alternative with its focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning to autonomously detect and mitigate threats. Its platform is known for its ability to detect anomalous behavior patterns and anticipate attacks before they happen, making it a standout option for organizations that prioritize proactive detection.
While Ironscales focuses more on automating the response to phishing specifically, Darktrace specializes in a more holistic AI-based defense to protect a wider range of cyber threats. If an organization is looking for a solution that not only protects their email but also offers broad defense against various cyber threats, Darktrace could be the better option.
The best tool to fight phishing at your workplace
If what you want is to sleep a little more peacefully knowing your emails are well protected, Ironscales can be your perfect ally. This tool focuses on something very specific: stopping phishing threats and attacks before they reach your inbox. And it does so with a combination of artificial intelligence and quite effective automation.
We recommend it without hesitation to companies that take cybersecurity seriously, but don’t want to complicate life too much with difficult-to-use tools. If you manage many emails or work in sensitive sectors like health or finance, you will appreciate how easy it is to implement and how well it adapts to day-to-day use.
That said, it’s worth noting that Ironscales is not exactly cheap. Although it offers a free option, the more complete versions can represent a considerable expense. Some also mention that the number of alerts can become somewhat overwhelming, especially if you don’t have someone dedicated to managing them.
In short: if you’re looking for advanced protection without going crazy over complicated configurations, this can be a very good choice. But if your budget is tight or if you prefer something simpler, you might want to consider other options like Avanan or Proofpoint, depending on your needs.